More than half a million Renault Clios have already been sold in Portugal, which says a great deal about the strengths of this French supermini.
The Renault Clio is something of an institution in Portugal: since 1991 it has chalked up over half a million units, and it regularly features among the country’s best-selling models. Across Europe, the story is much the same. The fifth generation is close to being replaced, yet registrations rose in 2025: it is the second best-selling model in the “old continent”.
That popularity is not simply down to price. The Renault Clio brings plenty of qualities that also hold up well on the used market: it is comfortable and suitably roomy, it is safe (five Euro NCAP stars), it offers the key equipment expected in modern life, and it is not (generally) a wallet-drainer.
In this buying guide, the focus is on the fifth generation. It arrived in 2019 and is now almost on its way out - the sixth generation lands in early 2026. In this article and video about how the model has evolved, we explain what you should watch out for and which engines make the most sense, helping you choose among roughly 1,400 cars for sale in Portugal on Pisca Pisca.
Evolution first, boldness later
When the fifth-generation Renault Clio launched, there was no shortage of criticism about its exterior styling, largely because it looked too similar to its predecessor. To many, it felt like little more than an update. With the fourth generation having been such a huge hit, Renault effectively followed the saying “you don’t change a winning team”.
Its arch-rival, the Peugeot 208 - which also moved to a new generation that same year - looked more dramatic and more distinctive, inside and out, but there was little reason to worry. The Clio kept doing what it has always done: it sold like hot cakes… or perhaps hot baguettes?
Even so, it did not stand still. In 2023 it received an update that gave it a new, more expressive and bolder “face”. The bumpers, headlamps, grille and lighting signature were revised - and it also adopted the brand’s newer diamond logo - aligning it with the design language set out by Renault’s new design chief, Gilles Vidal, who, intriguingly, is the same person responsible for shaping the… 208.
You can see the model’s progression in the gallery below.
On the car we drove in the video above - a Clio 1.0 TCe - that bolder look is toned down somewhat because it is an entry-level version with the Evolution trim level.
For the full visual effect, you will want the R.S. Line versions and, later, Esprit Alpine (from the facelift), both with a sportier vibe. They are more eye-catching, helped in part by the larger wheels (17″ rather than 16″), although that extra style does nibble away at ride comfort.
Supermini with family-car ambitions
If the exterior came across as a cautious step forward, the cabin was far more of a leap, with the Clio putting real emphasis on digital features: from the instrument cluster (7″ or 10″) to the central infotainment touchscreen (7″ or 9.3″), which in its larger format sits in a vertical orientation.
Unfortunately, this generation never received the Google-based OpenR Link system found in today’s Renaults. Even so, the Easy Link setup fitted to this Clio was perfectly usable and already supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Physical controls were not ignored either, most notably for the climate control: three large rotary dials with small integrated displays - a solution that remains as straightforward and effective now as it was when first introduced.
Beyond that, as you would expect of a supermini, the materials are not especially plush, but the Clio feels well put together. The car featured in the video had covered more than 30,000 km and there were no rattles or unwanted noises.
Another strong point is the 360-litre boot, among the largest in the segment and not far off some cars from the class above. Rear-seat room is adequate - only taller passengers may find it a bit tight - and combined with Isofix, the Clio can take on family duties without much fuss.
Engine options for every need
One of the biggest selling points of the fifth-generation Renault Clio is the breadth of powertrains available: petrol, Diesel, LPG and hybrid. The only thing it seems to lack is a fully electric version, but that gap was first covered by the Zoe and is now filled by the nostalgia-tinged 5.
Another argument in favour of the fifth-generation Renault Clio is that it nearly always offers an engine that fits what you need: petrol, Diesel, LPG and hybrid. It is only the electric option that is missing, but that shortfall was addressed first by the Zoe and now by the nostalgia-inspired 5.
The car shown in the video above uses the entry-level engine in Portugal: the 1.0 TCe with 90 hp, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. That may sound modest - especially in an era of very powerful electric cars - but in practice it is not. The Clio’s restrained weight delivers performance that is perfectly sufficient for everyday driving, without making motorway use feel daunting.
This 1.0-litre three-cylinder is also noticeably nicer to live with than the older 0.9 TCe, and fuel economy is very respectable: on Spritmonitor, it records an average of around 6.1 l/100 km.
If your priority is cutting your fuel bill, the Clio answers with the Eco-G version - in other words, bi-fuel (petrol/LPG). It uses the same 1.0 TCe, but gains 10 hp (100 hp in total). It is, quite possibly, the most sensible choice in the range.
For high-mileage drivers, there is the familiar 1.5 dCi (100 hp) - and, in fact, this Clio generation is likely to be remembered as the last to offer a Diesel option. The Renault Clio E-Tech hybrid (no plug required) was an all-new addition for this generation and promises stronger performance (140 hp) alongside lower consumption (5.0 l/100 km on average in Spritmonitor records). It could be the ideal companion for anyone who rarely leaves the city.
Behind the wheel
Finding a comfortable driving position in the Clio is straightforward. On the move, it pulls off that typically French trick of combining a comfortable ride with tidy, predictable handling. It is not class-leading in any single area, but it is also not out of place anywhere.
A Ford Fiesta is more entertaining, a Volkswagen Polo feels more polished, and a Citroën C3 majors more on comfort, yet the Renault Clio manages to strike a strong balance across all of those attributes.
Renault Clio price trends
As mentioned in this Used Car of the Week feature, on Piscapisca.pt you can find around 1,400 Clios from all generations advertised for sale. Narrowing the search to the fifth generation, there are close to 390 cars priced between €11,000 and just over €25,000 - you can check every Renault Clio listing via the link provided.
Figures from consultancy MotorCV, which aggregates real transaction values in the used-car market, show how Renault Clio (5th generation) prices have evolved/depreciated over the years.
Keep in mind these numbers are only indicative. Trim level, mileage and the specific engine can significantly shift the real-world value of any given Clio.
Overall, among superminis, this French model continues to sit at competitive price points versus its rivals, remaining one of the segment’s most well-rounded options.
Running costs
Broadly speaking, despite being relatively recent, the fifth-generation Renault Clio has built up a solid reputation in the market. In this report provided by MotorCV, you can see the main recall operations affecting this generation of Renault Clio.
To increase confidence when choosing, ask for the servicing and maintenance history whenever possible. On Piscapisca.pt you will find hundreds of cars with a complete history and warranty, as well as certified models.
Known chronic issues? None stand out. The 1.0 TCe engine is generally dependable, although sticking to the service schedule is important. The most common complaint may be noise from the turbo’s dump valve (wastegate), typically not serious and usually with a moderate repair cost.
Early cars in this generation also became known for some electrical niggles (starting difficulties, jolting), which were later addressed through software updates. Nothing that undermines the model’s overall reliability.
The Clio E-Tech hybrid is the most complex powertrain and therefore the one that deserves the closest scrutiny if you are considering it. There are reports of gearbox-related issues (especially oil leaks) and the appearance of error messages. A full vehicle history is crucial to confirm whether any work has already been carried out. The “trick” here is to choose newer examples.
As for replacement and wear parts, costs also tend to be competitive, as you can see in the table below.
Our pick of the Renault Clio
There are many strengths that cut across the Renault Clio range: from the variety of capable engines to the equipment on offer - even lower trims provide everything we expect from a modern car - plus the sheer versatility (a supermini that can genuinely work as a family car).
So, which Clio should you go for? Ideally a 2023-onwards car, meaning the facelifted Clio. Alongside the styling changes, it gained extra equipment (safety, connectivity) and the hybrid version was updated.
On the engine front, it is fair to say the Clio 1.0 TCe impressed us. It proved economical and well matched to what the car is meant to do. Better still is the LPG option, which can reduce fuel spend substantially.
Alternatives to the Renault Clio
There is no shortage of alternatives to the Renault Clio, starting with the already-mentioned Peugeot 208. The fellow Frenchman projects a more upmarket feel, inside and out, but not everyone gets on with the i-Cockpit driving position, and the 1.2 PureTech engine remains something of an unknown quantity.
The Volkswagen Polo is the more conservative choice. Equipment levels are often lower, but build quality is among the best in class. Staying within the Volkswagen Group, there is also the SEAT Ibiza, which is more engaging to drive but not as comfortable, making up for it with one of the roomiest cabins in the segment.
For those chasing extra fun behind the wheel, it is impossible not to mention the Ford Fiesta, the dynamic benchmark in this class, although it falls short on space and the 1.0 EcoBoost is not always as restrained on fuel as you might hope.
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