Nicole! Papa! Someone else! Whatever the Renault Clio means to you, here’s how to choose the best one.
It’s a nameplate that has spanned more than 35 years, and it’s one of those cars that you’ll know of even if you’re not a car person. The Clio has always been stylish, comfortable and affordable, but it can be a bit confusing to work out what’s the best model or trim level to pick.
Renault Clio models
Since 2012, the Clio has only been sold in the UK as a five-door hatchback. Other markets got a Clio estate model until 2019, but this version never officially came to our shores.
In previous years, the Clio has been offered as a three-door hatchback, and it’s had its fair share of sporty performance models too. Now, the Clio comes with petrol or hybrid engines, and a range of well-equipped trim levels.
A new Clio made its debut at the 2025 Munich Motor Show, swapping the model’s traditionally curvaceous styling for a bold, supercar-inspired design.
Renault Clio trim levels
- Evolution – introduced in 2022, this is now the entry-level Clio, not that you’d know it with its cruise control, phone mirroring and parking sensors
- Techno – a mid-range model featuring extra parking assistance and some eye-catching styling tweaks
- Esprit Alpine – inspired by Renault’s sporty Alpine brand, this trim gets extra driver assistance, bigger screens and gunmetal grey front end trim
On recent Clios, you’ll also find a more basic Play trim, plus Iconic – which was later replaced by Evolution – and the previous sporty-looking models: RS Line and GT Line.
Renault Clio generations
Sixth generation – 2026-on
- Expected to hit the road in 2026
- Petrol and hybrid engines; hybrid said to return 72mpg
- Petrol engine still will be offered with a manual gearbox
- Bigger dimensions should improve passenger space
- Likely to cost from around £20,000
Fifth generation – 2019-2026
- The most recent Clio, with many available as used cars at Motorpoint
- First Clio available as a hybrid; petrol and diesel engines also offered
- Facelifted in 2023
- Higher-quality interior than previous generations
- Large portrait touchscreen fitted to high-spec models
Fourth generation – 2012-2019
- You’ll still find great-value examples of this Clio for sale at Motorpoint
- Last Clio to feature an RS performance model
- Facelifted in 2016
- First Clio to get a touchscreen with smartphone connectivity
- Petrol and diesel engines available
Third generation – 2005-2012
- Cheap and widely available on the used market
- Available as a three/five-door hatchback, or an estate
- Facelifted in 2009
- Introduced Renault’s keycard-style car fob
Second generation – 1998-2008
- Stylish and long-lasting model with more safety tech and better driving experience than Clio 1
- Several iconic Renaultsport models, including one with a mid-engined 3.0-litre V6
- Facelifted in 2001, 2004 and 2006
- Produced in some global markets until 2016
First generation – 1991-1998
- Replaced iconic Renault 5 as brand’s small car offering
- First Renault to consistently be one of the UK’s best-selling cars
- Facelifted in 1994 and 1996
- Clio Williams is an iconic hot hatch and homologation model
What’s the best Renault Clio model?
While earlier Clios are ideal for first car buyers or if you want something that’s becoming a classic, we think the best Renault Clio is the Clio 5, which is currently still on sale. Its hybrid engine is particularly impressive, with high fuel economy and a smooth, refined driving experience. Every trim level gets plenty of equipment.
You could say the best Clio model is actually the Clio V6, above. It's a mad little thing with only two seats, swollen bodywork and enough power to trouble supercars.
Read our Renault Clio review or shop used Renault Clio cars for sale.
