Renault Clio review

Overview

The fifth-generation Clio is an evolutionary-looking supermini hiding a substantial redesign. It arrived in the UK in 2019 with a much better cabin, modern assistance systems and more mature road manners, then received a sharper-looking facelift in 2023. The 1.0 TCe 90 Techno manual is the sweet spot for drivers who cannot justify the E-Tech hybrid's extra purchase price: it combines sensible performance, official economy above 50 mpg and the equipment most people actually use. This review covers the 2019–2025 generation, while the card's figures describe the later TCe 90 Techno rather than every Clio engine and trim.

Exterior and interior

Pre-facelift cars develop the rounded theme of the previous Clio, whereas the 2023 update brings slimmer lighting and a more angular nose. Both remain compact, handsome five-door hatchbacks, with concealed rear handles giving a three-door impression without the inconvenience. The larger transformation is inside. Soft-touch dashboard material, supportive seats and a portrait-style centre display make the Clio feel a class above older superminis. Techno trim adds attractive detailing without becoming gaudy. Some lower plastics remain plainly cost-led, and screen responsiveness trails the best current systems, but the separate climate controls and conventional steering-wheel buttons preserve welcome everyday usability.

Practicality

Renault quotes 391 litres for the petrol Clio's boot, an excellent manufacturer figure for a four-metre supermini, though independent specification databases sometimes publish 284 litres because measurement conventions differ. It is therefore more useful to inspect the shape with your own pushchair or luggage than to compare a single number blindly. The rear bench folds but does not create a perfectly flat floor, and the loading lip is noticeable. Front occupants have good storage and adjustment; rear legroom and headroom are merely average, so regular adult passengers should try it. Five doors, two rear Isofix positions and a compact turning circle make daily family errands straightforward.

Driving experience

The Clio feels settled and grown-up at motorway speeds, with well-contained wind noise and steering that is reassuring without becoming heavy in town. Renault traded some of the old model's soft-edged suppleness for tighter body control, so sharp urban ridges can send a firm impact through cars on larger wheels. On flowing roads it remains predictable and tidy rather than overtly playful. The manual gearshift is light but not especially memorable. Visibility is generally sound, and Techno's front and rear sensors plus camera remove much of the stress from small spaces. Smaller-wheeled versions are worth comparing if ride comfort takes priority over showroom appearance.

Performance

The three-cylinder 1.0 TCe produces 90 hp and 160 Nm in the referenced Techno, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. A 12.2-second 0–62 mph time sounds leisurely, yet the turbocharged mid-range is sufficient for normal commuting, ring-road merges and occasional motorway trips. Fully loaded overtakes require planning and a downshift, so buyers regularly carrying four adults may prefer the E-Tech hybrid after a test drive. The engine has a characteristic three-cylinder note without becoming intrusive at a cruise. Earlier cars used several petrol outputs and diesels, so confirm the advertised badge, power and gearbox rather than treating all 1.0-litre Clios as identical.

Fuel economy

The exact TCe 90 Techno is listed at 53.3–54.3 mpg combined depending on equipment, with 119 g/km of CO₂ in the referenced specification. That gives it a credible low-cost case without the hybrid's higher purchase price. A driver mixing open roads and warm-engine journeys can reasonably target the high 40s, while repeated short winter trips or heavy traffic will produce less. The engine suits average private mileage especially well; very high-mileage drivers should compare fuel savings against the price of an E-Tech or an appropriate used diesel. Official figures are laboratory comparisons, not promises, and wheel, tyre and facelift differences affect like-for-like results.

Reliability

Our 3.8 score signals a reasonable but not class-leading evidence picture rather than a guarantee. Owner reports are mixed and sometimes concern electronics or dealer resolution as much as the engine itself. On a viewing, start the car cold, listen for abnormal noise, check that the touchscreen, camera, parking sensors, air conditioning and every driver-assistance warning operate correctly, and inspect the wheels and tyres for urban damage. A complete scheduled-service record is more persuasive than a low odometer alone. Check the VIN for outstanding recalls with Renault, confirm both keys are present and obtain an independent inspection where history is incomplete or the price looks unusually low.

Safety

The Clio achieved five stars in Euro NCAP's 2019 protocol, scoring 96% for adult protection, 89% for children, 72% for vulnerable road users and 75% for safety assistance. Those are test-year results, not a current retest, and the rating expires in Euro NCAP's archive rather than proving that the structure changed. A separate equipment caveat matters: Euro NCAP notes that a radar-based alert was temporarily removed from production from May 2022 during semiconductor shortages. Buyers should therefore verify the actual functions fitted to an individual car. Lane support, emergency braking and traffic-sign recognition remain assistance, not substitutes for a careful driver.

Technology and features

Techno is especially appealing because its seven-inch display supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, navigation, cruise control and a wireless charging pad are listed for the exact variant. The straightforward physical climate controls are easier to use on the move than screen-only alternatives. Pair your phone, make a call, play audio and test every camera view before buying; software condition is part of the inspection. Equipment names changed around the facelift and semiconductor shortages affected some production, so do not assume that a registration year or online decoder proves every advertised feature is physically present.

Running costs

Insurance group 11E is far friendlier than a warm hatch's rating, though age, postcode, occupation and claims history remain more important than the group alone. Our estimated annual cost is an indicative allowance for fuel, routine servicing, MOT, tax and wear items at typical private mileage; it excludes insurance, finance, depreciation and unexpected failures. Common-sized tyres and strong economy help, while a cosmetically damaged large alloy can erase some of that saving. Warranty terms also changed: later specifications show three years or 60,000 miles, while certain early UK cars were promoted with five years or 100,000 miles. Confirm remaining cover from the VIN, not the advert.

Advantages and disadvantages