► New Renault Clio supermini launches in 2027
► New tech, new hybrid engine…
► …but can you get past those looks?
Did any of you reading this wince the same way we did looking at these official pictures of the new Renault Clio? No? Either way, this really is the new-generation supermini, revealed at the 2025 Munich motor show. Yeesh.
Renault says the design has been inspired by the Embleme concept that graced the brand’s stand at the 2024 Paris motor show. If ‘inspired’ means ‘on the same continent as’, then fair enough.
The new look includes a new grille arrangement bedazzled with small Renault logos making up a clever pattern, as well as an angular DRL pattern flanking the edges of the bumpers. From other angles, you can spot quite a racy low roofline as well as a tapered rear end – Renault says you can spec an optional rear spoiler. New colours include ‘Absolute Red’ (pictured) and ‘Absolute Green,’ and the current trim levels of Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine are expected to remain.
Inside, the new Clio benefits from fresher technology and even some design details that have been inspired by the 5 and 4 EVs. Upper models benefit from two 10.1-inch displays – an instrument cluster and central infotainment screen – running the brand’s latest Google-based infotainment. Options include a Harman Kardon audio upgrade.
Under the questionable bodywork is the perennial CMF-B architecture that has underpinned the last Clio, Captur, the dreadful Arkana and every Dacia currently on sale.
Two powertrains have been confirmed for the UK marked: a conventional petrol engine and Renault’s latest E-Tech Hybrid. The former is a 113bhp 1.2-litre three cylinder mated to a manual transmission, capable of a 10.1sec sprint to 62mph and a circa-47mpg fuel economy claim.
Choose the hybrid version and you’ll receive a Clio with 157bhp at its disposal, with Renault claiming it can sprint to 62mph in 8.3sec and reach a fuel economy north of 70mpg. The powertrain allows for the Clio to run 80 per cent of the time on electric power alone.
Oddly, Renault says the new Clio won’t arrive in the UK until 2027, but expects the price not to change too much from the current car.
Jake has been an automotive journalist since 2015, joining CAR as Staff Writer in 2017. With a decade of car news and reviews writing under his belt, he became CAR's Deputy News Editor in 2020 and then News Editor in 2025. Jake's day-to-day role includes co-ordinating CAR's news content across its print, digital and social media channels. When he's not out interviewing an executive, driving a new car for review or on a photoshoot for a CAR feature, he's usually found geeking out on the latest video game, buying yet another pair of wildly-coloured trainers or figuring out where he can put another car-shaped Lego set in his already-full house.
By Jake Groves
CAR's news editor; gamer, trainer freak and serial Lego-ist
