The Renault Clio has spent decades proving that a small hatchback does not have to feel cheap or basic. The current UK model remains one of the more polished superminis on sale, combining a smart cabin and useful efficiency. For buyers comparing petrol and hybrid small cars, the main question is which powertrain best suits the way you actually drive.
Renault Clio engines: petrol or full hybrid?
The current UK range keeps the engine choice simple. The TCe 90 is a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 90 hp, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. It is the straightforward option for drivers who prefer a conventional setup, cover mixed mileage and want to keep the purchase price under control.
Official WLTP figures put Renault Clio mpg for the TCe 90 at roughly 53.3 to 54.3 mpg, depending on version. Performance is modest, with 0-62 mph taking around 12.2 seconds. That is fine for commuting and local roads, but drivers who regularly join fast roads with passengers on board may want more effortless acceleration.
The alternative is the full hybrid E-Tech 145. It combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with electric motors and an automatic multimode transmission for a total output of 145 hp. Renault quotes WLTP fuel economy in the mid-to-high 60s mpg depending on specification, while 0-62 mph takes about 9.3 seconds. The hybrid can move away on electric power and recovers energy during slowing and braking, making it particularly well suited to stop-start urban driving.
A practical example makes the choice clearer. If your week is mostly school runs, city traffic and suburban errands, the hybrid’s automatic gearbox and low-speed electric running make everyday driving calmer. If you cover longer, steadier journeys and prefer a lower-cost manual petrol car, the TCe 90 is likely to make more financial sense.
What is the Renault Clio interior like?
The Renault Clio interior is one of the car’s stronger points. The dashboard is logically arranged, the driving position is easy to settle into and the cabin feels more substantial than the exterior dimensions suggest. Higher specifications add larger digital displays and a 9.3-inch portrait-style infotainment screen, while smartphone connectivity makes familiar navigation and media apps easy to use.
Material quality is convincing for the class. There are harder plastics lower down, as expected in a supermini, but the areas you see and touch most often are neatly finished. Physical controls for key functions also help the Clio feel easy to use rather than forcing every adjustment through a touchscreen.
Front-seat space is generous enough for adults, but rear accommodation is less impressive. Children and average-height passengers should be comfortable, yet taller adults may find knee room tight on longer journeys. Buyers who regularly carry four adults should sit in the rear before ordering.
Comfort, handling and refinement
On the road, the Clio strikes a sensible balance between comfort and control. Steering is light enough for parking and town work, while the chassis feels composed on faster roads. It changes direction neatly and feels secure without demanding much effort from the driver.
Ride comfort is generally good, though larger wheels can make sharper urban bumps more noticeable. The petrol engine is acceptable at a steady cruise but has to work harder during quick acceleration. The hybrid feels stronger at lower speeds and is quieter when running electrically, although its petrol engine can become noticeable when maximum power is requested.
Renault Clio boot space and practicality
Boot capacity depends on the engine. Renault quotes up to 391 litres under the VDA measurement for the TCe 90 and 301 litres for the E-Tech hybrid, with the difference largely caused by hybrid hardware. With the rear bench folded, capacity rises to as much as 1,069 litres in the petrol and 1,006 litres in the hybrid.
The petrol Clio is therefore especially useful for a small hatchback, but capacity is not the whole story. The loading lip is relatively high, so lifting a heavy suitcase or pushchair takes more effort than the headline number suggests. If luggage space matters, take your usual buggy, golf bag or large case to a dealer and test the opening rather than relying only on litres.
Running costs, equipment and value
Fuel economy is a strength whichever engine you choose, but the hybrid has the advantage in congested driving. Insurance, servicing and tyre costs still depend on trim and driver profile, so the best official mpg figure does not automatically mean the lowest total ownership cost. Renault’s current UK manufacturer warranty for new petrol and hybrid cars runs for up to three years, with unlimited mileage for the first 24 months and a 60,000-mile total limit in the third year.
As of September 2026, Renault lists the current MY27 Clio from £20,995, although dealer stock and discounts can change the real transaction price. This generation is also nearing the end of its life: Renault has announced a new Clio for a UK launch in 2027. Buyers keeping a car for many years may prefer to wait and compare the replacement, while anyone shopping now could find the mature outgoing model attractive if discounts are strong.
Who should buy a Renault Clio?
The Clio suits buyers who want a small car that feels more grown-up than its footprint suggests. The TCe 90 works best for value-conscious drivers happy with a manual gearbox, while the E-Tech 145 is more appealing for regular urban use, automatic convenience and stronger performance. If rear-seat space matters more than cabin finish or boot capacity, compare it carefully with roomier rivals.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Renault Clio economical?
Yes. The TCe 90 is officially rated at roughly 53.3 to 54.3 mpg WLTP, while the E-Tech 145 hybrid can reach figures in the mid-to-high 60s mpg depending on version. Real-world results vary with traffic, temperature, speed and driving style.
How big is the Renault Clio boot?
Renault quotes up to 391 litres for the TCe 90 and 301 litres for the full hybrid using VDA figures. Folding the rear seats increases the available load area substantially.
Is the Renault Clio hybrid worth choosing?
It makes the most sense for drivers who spend plenty of time in town or want an automatic. Its stronger performance and better official economy are appealing, but the petrol model costs less in some specifications and has a larger boot.
Should I buy the current Clio or wait for the new one?
The current car remains competitive, but Renault has confirmed a new-generation Clio for 2027. If you need a car now, the existing model is well proven and may be discounted. If you are in no rush, waiting gives you the chance to compare both generations.
Conclusion
The Renault Clio remains a convincing all-round supermini because it gets the everyday fundamentals right. Its cabin feels well finished, the petrol model offers excellent luggage space and the hybrid brings useful efficiency and stronger performance without plug-in charging. The rear seats are not class-leading and the outgoing model is close to replacement, but for UK buyers who value a polished interior, manageable dimensions and sensible running costs, the Clio still deserves serious consideration.
