Clio, is that you?
The new Renault Clio has been revealed, with a striking new look and lots of high-end tech.
Europe's best-selling car will be reinvented in 2026 – and Renault has swapped curvy sleekness for supercar-inspired boldness. The completely redesigned front end features beady headlights flanking a prominent hexagonal grille, plus daytime running lights shaped like a pair of parentheses.
The side profile gets a sleeker, coupe-like look thanks to a rising windowline, strong creases and the Clio's familiar 'hidden' rear door handles.
Around the back, Renault's designers have apparently been inspired by supercars. The split tail-lights are a little Ferrari-esque, and look premium. Also, the boot lid has a concave shape and a rising ridge that looks like a ducktail spoiler. Seven paint colours are available, including new Absolute Red and Absolute Green shades.
New Renault Clio interior
Following on from other recent Renault models, the next Clio benefits from twin 10-inch screens with a crisp interface. The touchscreen includes built-in Google software, including Google Maps and access to around 100 apps from the Google Play store that can be used in the car – such as a karaoke app and a web browser. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and high-spec cars get a wireless phone charger.
We're told that the Clio has more driver assistance tech than ever before – up to 29 systems, in fact. Handily, up to five (hopefully the most annoying ones) can be turned off with one press of a button, which reduces the inconvenience of having to set up the car to your preferences every time you get in.
Size and dimensions
Measuring 4,116mm long, 1,770mm wide (excluding mirrors) and 1,450mm tall, the new 2026 Clio is bigger in every dimension than the car it replaces. With the boot remaining at a class-leading 391 litres for petrol versions, it seems that the length and width increase has been used to boost passenger space. One of our minor complaints with the current car is that it's a bit cramped in the back.
Engines
Like the existing Clio, there will be two engine options: a petrol and a petrol-electric hybrid. The petrol is a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine with 115hp and – shock! – a manual gearbox. It's more powerful than the current petrol Clio, but promises up to 56.5mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 114g/km. Given the Clio's compact size, the 10.1-second 0-62mph time should feel nippy.
Despite not coming with a plug to charge the battery, the hybrid engine is said to return 72.4mpg. Around town, Renault says this engine can drive for up to 80% of the time on electric power. This engine has also received a power boost, knocking the 0-62mph time down to 8.5 seconds, yet CO2 emissions are just 89g/km.
In 2025, 60% of UK sales have been for the hybrid model.
Prices and specifications
Renault hasn't revealed prices for the new Clio just yet, but expect a starting price of around £20,000. That would be a small increase on the current car, which starts at £18,995 with a petrol engine and £21,895 with a hybrid engine.
The current car's trim level lineup is likely to be carried over with minimal changes. At the top of the range will sit a sporty-looking Esprit Alpine trim level, which you can see in our pictures.
Prefer the look of the current Clio? Save thousands on a used Renault Clio, or read our Renault Clio review to see what we like about it.
