Renault Clio E-Tech: The new hybrid supermini

The new Renault Clio hybrid: Everything you need to know about the updated supermini

Renault has announced the prices and specifications of its updated Clio supermini, which features a new hybrid powertrain and a sporty Esprit Alpine trim. The new Clio is available to order now in the UK, with customer cars arriving by the end of the year.

The new Clio hybrid

The new Renault Clio is only offered with a single E-Tech hybrid powertrain option in the UK, which combines a 1.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. The hybrid system produces a maximum combined output of 143bhp and can run on electric power alone at speeds of up to 40mph for short distances.

Renault claims the new Clio has improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions compared to the previous Clio E-Tech. The official figures are 67.3mpg and 96g/km, which are 3g/km and 10g/km better than before. The performance data has not been revealed yet, but the new Renault Clio is expected to be slightly faster than the current model, which can accelerate from 0-62mph in under 10 seconds.

The hybrid system also comes with an automatic transmission and an e-CVT gearbox that simulates seven-gear ratios. The new Clio also features regenerative braking, which recovers energy from braking and stores it in the battery for later use.

The new Clio trim levels

The new Clio comes in three trim levels: Evolution, Techno, and Esprit Alpine. Each trim level offers different features, equipment levels, and prices.

Evolution

The entry-level Evolution model starts from $28,000 and comes with some standard equipment such as:

• 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
• Electric folding mirrors
• Keyless entry and start
• A 7-inch digital driver’s display
• A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system

Techno

The mid-range Techno model costs $30,000 and adds some more features, such as:

• Front parking sensors
• Wireless phone charging
• Interior ambient lighting
• Larger 17-inch alloy wheels

Esprit Alpine

The top-spec Esprit Alpine model costs $32,000 and adds some sporty touches such as:

• A unique bodykit inspired by Renault’s Alpine brand
• Sports seats with blue stitching
• Heated seats and steering wheel
• Adaptive cruise control
• An upgraded infotainment system with a larger touchscreen (10 inches) behind the steering wheel and another one (9.3 inches) for the digital driver’s display

The new Clio design

The exterior design of the new Clio has been updated to give it a more modern and aggressive look. The front end features a wider grille with a chequered pattern that resembles Renault’s logo, reshaped LED headlights that flow down into the lower bumper, slimmer LED daytime running lights, fresh color options and new wheel designs of up to 17 inches.

The rear end also gets some tweaks, such as revised tail lights with LED elements integrated into them, a silver airfoil in the lower bumper that adds some aerodynamic flair, and a spoiler on both ends that improves stability at high speeds.

The interior design of the new Renault Clio remains largely unchanged from before, but it has been improved with better quality materials such as leather-free upholstery made from recycled fabrics. The cabin also features digital displays showing various information such as speed, fuel level, navigation directions, and media playback.

Conclusion

The new Renault Clio is one of the most popular superminis in Europe, selling more than one million units since its launch in 1990. It competes with models such as the Peugeot 208, Volkswagen Polo, and Ford Fiesta. With its updated styling, technology and hybrid powertrain option, it aims to attract more customers looking for a stylish, efficient, and fun-to-drive car.