Renault Clio: first drive of the 5th generation in Portugal

The weight of expectation sits squarely on the (broadly defined) shoulders of the 5th-generation Renault Clio. It is a name we first met back in 1990 and it remains the diamond brand’s best-selling model ever - with more than 15 million units sold across four generations.

As the segment sales leader in Europe - and the outright leader in Portugal - the new Renault Clio must not only defend that crown but ideally strengthen it, especially with several heavy hitters set to launch new generations this year, such as the Opel Corsa and, above all, its fellow French rival, the Peugeot 208.

Renault chose Portugal for the international launch of the new Clio, basing operations in Évora, in the Alentejo. It gave us the chance to drive, on home soil and first-hand, one of the most important models from Boulogne-Billancourt.

Although its styling evolution is more grown-up - and some may call it conservative, almost like a straightforward facelift - the 5th-generation Renault Clio is genuinely all-new. It is built on the fresh CMF-B platform, which is stiffer, 50 kg lighter, and ready for increasing levels of electrification.

That move to CMF-B also reshapes the Clio’s dimensions and stance. In a counter-trend for the class, it is 14 mm shorter and 30 mm lower than its predecessor. Even so, interior measurements have improved, yet, as Diogo notes, rear-seat room still feels somewhat tight - a criticism already aimed at the outgoing generation.

Boot capacity has also increased, to the point of challenging cars from the segment above. With a petrol engine, it offers 391 l. On Diesel versions, the additional AdBlue tank reduces this to 366 l - still an excellent figure for the class.

New engines

On the powertrain front, there are updates too. It starts with a new turbocharged three-cylinder 1000 cm³ unit producing 100 cv - an engine we previously experienced in the updated Nissan Micra. The Clio also gains the 1.3 TCe with 130 cv, an engine already familiar from other Renault and Nissan models and even the… Mercedes-Benz A-Class. For Diesel buyers, the dependable 1.5 dCi continues, now delivering 85 cv.

The headline addition, however, is the debut of a hybrid version called E-Tech, pairing a 1.6 l petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.2 kWh battery.

The interior impresses more than the exterior

Back inside is where the 5th-generation Renault Clio makes its biggest leap over the model it replaces.

Diogo walks us through the cabin, pointing out the strong perceived material quality, the new digital instrument cluster (7″ or 10″), and the significantly improved Easy Link infotainment system - available in three versions: a 7″ touchscreen with or without navigation, and a 9.3″ screen with navigation. There’s more besides, including multiple storage areas adding up to 26 l of space (a benchmark figure for the segment, according to Renault).

The driving position is also improved compared with the previous generation. Among the changes helping here is the gear selector being moved closer to the steering wheel and mounted higher.

R.S. Line, the sportiest trim level

Beyond the 1.0 TCe with 100 cv and a manual gearbox, Diogo also had the chance to drive what is, for now, the most powerful new Clio: the 1.3 TCe with 130 cv. This version is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (EDC7) and comes in R.S. Line trim, which replaces the old GT Line.

It shares the same strong dynamic character as the 100 cv TCe, with a precise front end, communicative steering, and similarly restrained fuel consumption.

R.S. Line brings a sportier look, noticeable in the bumpers and the uniquely styled wheels. The cabin also leans further into the theme, adding leather seats, a sport steering wheel, red stitching, and several surfaces finished to resemble carbon fibre.

The new Renault Clio will go on sale in September - prices have not yet been announced - and to find out more about this new French favourite, join Diogo in another of our videos:

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