There are fashionable small cars, and there are fashionable small cars. You can graft big, round headlights and a smiley grille onto the front of your new car, and offer up stickers, decals and achingly on-trend colour schemes, and what you end up with is – basically – the Fiat 500.
Alternatively, there’s another type of automotive fashion: the type that’s more avantgarde, and less overt, that doesn’t resort to gimmickry to tug at the heartstrings, and ends up being less faddish and ages better as a result. And it’s this type of chic that the Renault Clio hatchback has always gone in for.
That’s why the Clio is, and has always been, immensely popular among young drivers, and an ideal first car. But it’s also beloved of those who value cheap and cheerful motoring, with its low buying and running costs. And with the latest version, it’s even gaining fans among the environmentally conscious, thanks to the addition of a high-tech hybrid model. What better time, then, to look back at the history of this much-loved French supermini?
Generations: 5
- Renault Clio Mk5 (2019-present)
- Renault Clio Mk4 (2012-2019)
- Renault Clio Mk3 (2005-2013)
- Renault Clio Mk2 (1998-2008)
- Renault Clio Mk1 (1991-1998)
Renault Clio Mk5 (2019-present)
Bodystyles:
- Five-door hatchback
Notable features and facelifts of the Renault Clio Mk5:
- An all-new model, despite its visual similarity to the mk4
- Plush interior made Clio feel more upmarket than ever
- First hybrid Clio, with launch of E-Tech Hybrid with a cutting-edge automatic gearbox
- No Renaultsport version planned for the first time in more than 20 years
Declining sales of the Clio mk4 meant Renault knew change was needed, so it was a surprise when the company revealed the mk5 Clio in 2019, as it looked almost identical to the old car.
Looks could be deceptive, though, as despite its similar styling, this Clio was entirely new. The most obvious sign of that came when you climbed aboard; gone was the old interior, which by now was looking slightly plasticky versus its rivals. It was replaced by a soft-touch dashboard with strips of fabric and piano-style buttons that made it feel much nicer. Infotainment options were increased, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available for smartphone integration, and safety levels increased with automatic emergency braking as standard.
Road testers reported that the all-new Clio was quieter and sharper to drive, and praised its large boot, though they also noted that this came at the expense of rear seat space. Still, the new Clio was a big improvement on its predecessor.
In a sign of Renault’s shift in priorities, the hot hatch Renaultsport version of the Clio was not renewed. Instead, Renault offered a new RS Line trim level, with sporty looks but the standard range of engines. However, there was a new hybrid model, called the Clio E-Tech, which paired a 1.6-litre, naturally-aspirated engine with an electric motor and a complex but efficient automatic gearbox to achieve super-frugal fuel economy.
Read our expert review of the Renault Clio mk5 or search for a used Renault Clio mk5 on CarGurus
Renault Clio Mk4 (2012-2019)
Bodystyles:
- Five-door hatchback
Notable features and facelifts of the Renault Clio mk4:
- Three-door hatchback and estate models dropped due to slow sales
- Touchscreen infotainment system made available for the first time
- Renaultsport model now five-door and automatic only
- New downsized engines meant almost every Clio was turbocharged
- Mild facelift came in 2016, before massive range cut in 2018 left only two petrols and one dCi diesel engine on sale
The fourth-generation Clio was introduced with the aim of winning back customers who’d abandoned the model in recent years. To do so, it was armed with a range of up-to-the-minute, downsized, turbocharged TCe engines: the only engine that didn't have a turbo was the entry-level SCe 75. It also boasted a sleek, modern interior with a glossy black ‘floating’ centre console, and the option of a touchscreen entertainment system on posher models.
A range of vibrant colours and personalisation options were offered on the new Renault Clio, and of course, there was a stylish new body with its rear door handles hidden within the window line.
Gone from the line-up, however, were the three-door and estate models, with Renault opting instead to concentrate on the more popular five-door version. That meant that, for the first time, the Clio RS would be five-door, too, and there was a further surprise, as Renault announced they’d be fitted as standard with a twin-clutch automatic gearbox, called EDC, which was claimed to offer faster shifts than a manual would.
Enthusiasts were turned off by the less involving driving experience, though, especially given the new Renaultsport model actually offered slightly less power than before, leaving rivals like the excellent Ford Fiesta ST to swoop in and steal the hot Clio’s customer base.
A very mild facelift in 2016 brought subtly tweaked styling, but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide; in 2018, Renault slashed the model range that was on offer in the UK, leaving only two petrol engines and one diesel on sale, and just three models: Play, Iconic and GT Line.
Read our expert review of the Renault Clio mk4 or search for a used Renault Clio mk4 on CarGurus
Renault Clio Mk3 (2005-2013)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Five-door hatchback
- Five-door estate
Notable features and facelifts of the Renault Clio mk3:
- Increase in size matched a plusher interior and a move upmarket for the Clio
- Five-star Euro NCAP rating marked new model out as one of the safest small cars around
- New estate version offered more boot space
- Renaultsport versions gained power upgrade, though V6 version was discontinued
Arguably the biggest shift in the Clio’s life came with the introduction of the third-generation version in 2005. This new model was bigger and more substantial than its predecessor, and with fresher styling and an interior replete with higher-quality plastics, it had moved upmarket, too.
Comfort was once again the watchword; journalists praised the Clio’s smooth ride quality, and loved the fact this new, larger car was more spacious, with a big boot and generous rear seating. Renault was quick to promote the fact that the new Clio scored five stars in its Euro NCAP crash test – the first supermini to do so – which earned it a reputation for safety.
You could even opt for an estate; the Clio Sport Tourer offered a bigger boot than the standard hatchback, and went head-to-head with the estate versions of the Skoda Fabia and Seat Ibiza.
But it was the Renaultsport versions that enthusiasts awaited with bated breath. They weren’t disappointed, as first the Clio 197 and then the Clio 200 arrived with the same sort of exhilarating performance and incisive handling as before, once again enhanced by the option of a Cup package to firm up the suspension. Fans of the ludicrously overpowered V6 model were disappointed, though, as a new version was not forthcoming.
In 2007, Renault replaced the 1.4-litre petrol engine with a 1.2-litre turbo, badged TCe, giving a boost in both performance and fuel economy. A facelift in 2009 then brought a refreshed nose and better interior plastics. However, buyers were not enormously impressed; sales of the Clio slumped to just 21,000 by the end of 2011, down from a peak of 86,000 in 2002.
Read our expert review of the Renault Clio Mk3 or search for a used Renault Clio mk3 on CarGurus
Renault Clio Mk2 (1998-2008)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Five-door hatchback
Notable features and facelifts of the Renault Clio Mk2:
- New model featured plastic front wings to save weight and reduce corrosion; some examples also got an aluminium bonnet
- Renaultsport versions became hot hatch benchmarks; the quickest Clio had a mid-mounted V6 engine
- Major facelift in 2001 brought redesigned nose and a new, higher-quality interior; a more mild facelift was carried out in 2004
- Second-generation Clio remained on sale alongside third generation from 2005 onwards, badged Clio Campus, as a budget alternative
There was a curvier, more rounded look for the second-generation Clio when it arrived in 1998, but it was no less chic; this fresh look brought the Clio right up to date.
The new interior was more softly styled, and combined with the new, light colour schemes, made the new Clio feel airier and more welcoming. Most of the engines were carried over from the old car, although the diesel was upgraded with a turbo.
To drive, the new Clio skewed more toward comfort than agility, but that just meant it was even better at glossing over rutted tarmac, making it ideal for churned-up urban roads. The overall effect was of a car that felt larger, more spacious, and better able to compete with talented rivals like the Volkswagen Polo and Fiat Punto.
Arguably the biggest news was the arrival on the scene of the first Clio Renaultsport - or RS – the 172, the number referring to its output in metric horsepower. This new model picked up where the Mk1 Clio Williams had left off, its brawny 2.0-litre engine and lithe chassis making it an instant hit.
But Renault wasn’t done yet. It followed up the 172 with a car the like of which we simply haven’t seen since, the Clio V6. As its name suggests, this Clio had a 3.0-litre V6 engine gleaned from the Laguna. To fit it in, Renault removed the rear seats and installed the engine in their place, turning the V6 into a two-seat, mid-engined hyper hatch. Journalists adored the sheer brass neck of such a creation, not to mention the power, although they cautioned that it could be a handful to drive.
In 2001, the Clio was given a nose job to bring it into line with Renault’s avantgarde new look, and a new interior, with higher-quality plastics. Soon afterwards, the Clio 172 was upgraded, gaining more power and even sharper handling, and becoming the 182 in the process. With the optional Cup chassis, this model became the hot hatch of choice among connoisseurs, and was surpassed in desirability only by the limited-run Trophy edition, which was even more hardcore.
Renault Clio Mk1 (1991-1998)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Five-door hatchback
Notable features and facelifts of the Renault Clio Mk1:
- All-new car replaced the old Renault 5, and brought with it a new name
- 1996 facelift brought larger headlights, smoothed-off styling and more efficient engines
- Progressively faster range of sports models culminated in the sought-after Williams version
- Iconic series of adverts gave rise to Nicole & Papa, and a jingle everyone in Britain could hum
Anyone who spent any time watching TV in the 1990s will remember Nicole and Papa, the stars of a long-running series of adverts that helped make the first-generation Renault Clio one of Britain’s most popular small cars.
But it wasn’t just clever advertising. Behind the great marketing lay a car of real talent. You could have your Clio with a choice of 1.2-litre or 1.4-litre petrol engines, or a 1.9-litre diesel, and while equipment levels weren’t exactly generous, the Clio’s lightness and simplicity made it feel nimble and deft to drive. Its soft suspension smothered bumps beautifully, while its styling just oozed Parisian chic.
Renault also offered a 1.8-litre engine in the RSi model, to compete with the hot hatches of the day, but buyers clamoured for more. A 16v version of the same engine followed, but even that wasn’t enough.
So Renault came up with the idea of a tie-up with the Williams Formula One team, to which it supplied engines at the time. The Clio Williams was the result, marked out by its gold alloy wheels, and while the Williams team had nothing to do with actually tuning the car, it was still sensational to drive, and thanks to the 2.0-litre engine under the bonnet, very fast.
Too racy for you? Well, you could opt instead for the top-of-the-range Baccara which, with its leather seats, wood trim and air-conditioning, was something of a miniature luxury car.