Renault Clio E-Tech: 15 Gears?! You Won't Believe the Ride!

Okay, folks, buckle up. The Renault Clio, a European staple for over three decades, has gotten a serious makeover. And this isn't just a fresh coat of paint; we're talking about a completely redesigned sixth generation, still rolling off the production line in Bursa, Turkey. I recently had the chance to get behind the wheel, and let me tell you, there's a lot to unpack here. This isn't your grandma's Clio anymore.

Renault Clio E-Tech: 15 Gears?! You Won't Believe ...

First impressions? This new Clio is bigger. Longer, taller, wider – you name it. They’ve stretched the wheelbase, widened the track, and the overall silhouette is definitely more assertive. I have to say, the design is a real standout. The front end, with its sharper angles, almost gives off a Mazda or Subaru vibe. And the rear? Surprisingly aggressive for a B-segment car. It feels like Renault is really trying to shake things up and move away from the somewhat bubbly designs of the past. The 16 and 18-inch wheel options are a nice touch, too. Apparently, the last time the Clio rocked 18-inch wheels was with the V6 engine – a fun fact for the Clio enthusiasts out there.

But the real story is what's under the hood. Forget the old engines; this new Clio comes with a range of updated powerplants. The 1.2-liter gasoline engine, putting out 115 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque, is available with either a 6-speed manual or a dual-clutch transmission. And if you're looking for something a little different, there's an LPG-compatible version that bumps the power up to 120 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. That one’s exclusively paired with the dual-clutch, though.

The real star of the show, at least in my test drive, was the hybrid engine. This is the same setup we've seen previously in the Duster, a 1.8-liter gasoline engine working in tandem with two electric motors. The combined output is a respectable 158 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. Renault is touting a 1,000 km range for the hybrid, which is certainly impressive. But if you're truly obsessed with range, the LPG-powered model reportedly offers a staggering 1,450 km. That's enough to make even the most anxious drivers breathe a sigh of relief.

Inside, you'll find a familiar digital instrument panel and a Google-based touchscreen. The steering wheel now features touch-sensitive buttons, which, admittedly, took a little getting used to. The trunk space is decent, listed at 391 liters for the gasoline model. The hybrid version, however, takes a hit, offering a slightly smaller 309 liters to accommodate the battery pack. One last observation: those hidden rear door handles in the C-pillar? I'm calling it now – they're destined to become a classic Clio design element. Overall, this new Clio feels like a significant step forward. Whether it can maintain its position as a top seller in Europe remains to be seen, but Renault has certainly given it a fighting chance.