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Iconic Renault Clio models

To introduce the Renault Clio V 2023, the French automaker has of course made an introduction video. In that video, we see the tastiest Clio models pass by. Think of the Clio Williams, the Clio V6 Phase II and the not-to-be-missed Renault Clio RS. Still extraordinary that Renault does revert to those iconic versions, but has no further plans in this area. With the environment in mind, the Clio needs to slow down. Dumbbells and protein shakes are a thing of the past at Renault.

Million hit

The Renault Clio has been on the market since 1990. It then took over from the Renault 5. In fact, the Clio is the best-selling French car of all time. As many as 16 million copies of the Clio have been sold worldwide to date. The fifth generation Renault Clio – the Clio V – after some years of toil, is now getting an extensive facelift so that it can last for a while. Delivery of the updated Renault Clio starts in September. The price of the Renault Clio E-Tech Full Hybrid 145 Esprit Alpine is 30,120 euros in the Netherlands. Prices of other versions will follow only in and later stage.

Driving the updated Renault Clio hybrid (2023) – REVIEW – AutoRAI TV

Emphasis on facelift

It really is a facelift. Indeed, at the rear, we detect only a different bumper and new taillights with a crystalline housing. At the front, the changes are considerably greater. There, the Renault Clio V now has new headlights, new bumpers and the new Renault logo.

Dimensions Renault Clio 2023

The French automaker did not tinker with the dimensions of the Renault Clio 2023. So the five-door B-segment hatchback is still 4,053 mm long, 1,988 mm wide and 1,439 mm high. The luggage space of the Clio V comes out to 391 liters. Unless you take the Clio E-Tech full hybrid 145. That one has 301 liters of luggage space. That has to do with the placement of the compact battery. At the luggage compartment, watch out for a substantial lift threshold.

Esprit Alpine

New to the lineup are the so-called Techno and extra richly dressed Esprit Alpine. Those get an air guide under the grille that the manufacturer says is inspired by motor racing. In fact, this is the wing of the RS Line. Renault also said goodbye to RS Line. Sportiness is now offered under the name Esprit Alpine. The wing is finished in body color on the Techno and in a gray color on the Esprit Alpine.

Colors

Speaking of color, the updated Renault Clio is available in Blanc Glacier, Noir Etoile, Gris Schiste, Bleu Iron, Rouge Flamme, Orange Valencia and Gris Rafale colors. And it’s a facelift: so six new wheel designs are also available.

Interior Renault Clio 2023

What about the interior? There, Renault made minimal changes. However, Renault does use more eco-friendly fabrics and the interior finish is better than before. The seats, door panels and dashboard of the Techno version are upholstered in a sustainable fabric composed of 60 percent Tencel Modal, or a cellulose fiber of biomaterial developed by Lenzing Group. What makes this fabric special? The fibers are particularly soft to the touch and are made from a renewable resource: natural wood sourced from sustainably managed, semi-natural forests in Europe.

Environmentally friendly

Leather is a thing of the past in the Renault Clio V 2023. Instead, the surfaces are covered with TEP, a grained, coated fabric made from bio and polyester fibers. In addition, less water and energy are required to dye TEP than conventional fiber dyeing methods. Again, this is better for the environment.

Displays

The dashboard is virtually unchanged. There is a choice of 7- or 10-inch digital instrumentation, depending on the version. The 10-inch version also displays the navigation map and adjusts to the driving mode set. The Renault EASY LINK infotainment system is available in two screen sizes, 7-inch and 9.3-inch. Both displays support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A new Renault logo appears on the steering wheel.

Driver assistance systems

The Renault Clio is available with 20 driver assistance systems. These include a collision prevention system with cyclist and pedestrian recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, a 360-degree camera system and more.

Engines Renault Clio 2023

In the Renault Clio’s engine lineup, the French give particular attention to the 107 kW (145 hp) strong E-Tech full hybrid. This series-parallel powertrain combines two electric motors (a 36 kW drive motor and an 18 kW starter/generator) with a 69 kW (94 hp) 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, an intelligent multimode clutchless automatic transmission and a 1.2 kWh battery.

The multimode transmission has two gears for the electric motor and four for the gasoline engine. These gears can be combined in fourteen ways for maximum efficiency. The Clio E-Tech full hybrid 145 is systematically started by the primary electric motor and can drive fully electric in the city for up to 80% of the driving time. Thus, fuel savings of up to 40% can be achieved compared to a conventional gasoline engine. Thanks to CO2 emissions of 94 g/km, the Dutch BPM penalty is not too bad.

TCe 90

An alternative to the 145 hp hybrid variant is the TCe 90 with 90 hp (66 kW) and 160 Nm turbocharged gasoline engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard.

Drive

We were previously very enthusiastic about the 145-horsepower hybrid powertrain. The interplay between the gasoline engine and electric motor is particularly smooth, and the automatic transmission is also a good match. To brake extra strongly on the electric motor, engage B-mode, and you’ll also gain back a nice amount of energy. This helps to reduce fuel consumption. Speaking of which, this hybrid Clio achieves an average fuel consumption of 1 in 20 with childlike ease. Those who really make an effort can achieve even more favorable consumption.

The handling is fat. There is a good mix between sportiness and comfort. The seats in the Esprit Alpine trim sit very well and provide adequate lateral support. We also like the adjustability of the steering column. It is well adjustable in depth and height. This is a different story at times in the B-segment. The room offer in the Renault Clio 2023 is fine for this segment. You can also sit in the back as an adult just fine. This does depend on the height of the driver. If it is a bit longer, logically some legroom is lost in the rear.

Conclusion Renault Clio 2023 review

We are very pleased with the updated Renault Clio. The car gets a substantial design upgrade and a better finished interior. In terms of driving, the Clio is a fine companion, especially when combined with this hybrid powertrain. That’s when the Clio is actually at its best.