OFFICIAL NEW RENAULT CLIO

REVEALED Sixth generation of small hatch has been revealed, and will arrive in the UK in 2027

- Paul Barker

TODAY'S Renault Clio – Europe's bestselling car in 2025 – is a tough act to follow. But it's getting old, so Renault has unveiled this angular new hatchback to replace it in 2027.

This sixth-generation car will come with hybrid and pure-petrol power as Renault maintains its two-pronged attack; the 4 and 5 models address the growing EV market, while the Clio and baby SUV Captur aim for those keen to stick with combustion.

From a styling point of view, the target, according to design project director Paula Fabregat-Andreu, was to “elevate Clio and make it the most desirable, expressive and dynamic” car in its class.

Slightly longer, wider and taller than the outgoing fifth-generation car (an extra 67mm, 39mm and 11mm respectively, despite sitting on the same CMF-B platform), the Clio's dimensions are intended to make it look more sporty. That slightly larger footprint doesn't actually liberate any more cabin or boot space; the extra width is taken up with additional crash protection and slight flaring of the sides. Renault has hinted, though, that the wider track will have a positive impact on the driving experience – despite this car having much the same underpinnings as its predecessor.

The new model is deliberately more angular in styling than the curvy outgoing car, a move that extends as far as the squarer font (first seen on the new Scenic) for the Clio badging in the centre of the bootlid. Although the Scenic has a slight inverse angle to its rear end, the new Clio takes that further. “It's important to do the maximum you can for each car and create an icon,” Fabregat-Andreu added. “Depending on the car, you can push more in some directions.”