New Renault Clio E-Tech on sale now starting from £21,295

• Styling inspired by Renault Megane E-Tech
• New ‘esprit Alpine’ range-topping trim
• Available to order now from £21,295

The Renault Clio is one of Europe’s best-selling superminis, and the E-Tech hybrid has been given a thorough reworking for 2023 with petrol-only models being dropped from the line-up. It’s available to order now and starts from £21,295 in entry-level Evolution trim, a slight reduction in price compared with the previous E-Tech.

Not only has the new Clio’s design been updated, but there’s also a refreshed interior and a new range-topping ‘Esprit Alpine’ trim level. Design-wise, the most notable changes have been made to the Clio’s front end, which now more closely reflects the styling of the latest Renault Megane E-Tech, as well as the Scenic Vision concept car. While the headlights are slimmer than before, they’re joined by a dramatic set of vertical LED daytime running lights that flank silver-painted bumper inserts.

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While the changes to the sides and rear of the car are less dramatic, the updated Clio E-Tech will also gain new paint colours, and new alloy wheel designs measuring up to 17-inches. Renault claims upgrades to interior quality, with a greater focus on sustainability for the materials used inside the cabin. All Clios will get either a seven or 10-inch digital instrument display depending on the trim level, while a 9.3-inch touchscreen sits just ahead of the centre console. The latter now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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Starting in Evolution trim, all cars get alloy wheels, electrically folding and heated door mirrors, keyless entry, air conditioning, LED headlights and rear lights, and a navigation system with wireless smartphone integration, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Evolution cars get the seven-inch digital driver display and central touchscreen, plus 16-inch alloy wheels.

In mid-range Techno, alloys are upgraded to 17 inches, plus cars get front and rear parking sensors, wireless smartphone charging, and ambient lighting.

Existing R.S Line models will be replaced by a new range-topping trim called ‘esprit Alpine’, leveraging Renault’s sister-brand Alpine, which currently has a mid-engined and lightweight A110 sports car in its portfolio. It’s this version of the Clio that gains the contrasting bumper elements, unique wheel designs and a sporty interior with bucket seats, dark fabrics and contrasting blue stitching. It also gets the larger 10-inch digital gauge cluster, 9.3-inch central touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring tech.

The updated Clio is offered with one powertrain in the UK – a full hybrid E-Tech setup with a combined 143bhp from its petrol engine and electric motor. The latter can drive the car alone for short distances at up to 40mph, with the battery recharged as the car drives along; there is no option to plug it into the mains. Its CO2 emissions have been improved slightly, dropping to 96g/km (from 99g/km) in the outgoing version. Economy is also an improvement over the outgoing E-Tech’s 64mpg figure, with Renault claiming up to 67.3mpg from the new model.

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What does it mean for car buyers?

While the Ford Fiesta is no longer available to buy new, the Renault Clio E-Tech still won’t have it easy. Models including the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208 regularly post impressive sales figures, and unlike the Clio they are also available with a fully electric option. 

Renault has taken a different approach, pitching the ageing ZOE as its EV small car. The ZOE is set to be replaced by the new Renault 5 in 2025, which will usher in a new generation of tech into Renault’s smallest electric car. This will also spawn an electric Nissan Micra a few years later thanks to an alliance between the brands. 

There should still be plenty of room for the Clio over the next few years, however, as it not only offers low running costs and the flexibility to drive without relying on the public charging network, but also significantly undercuts EV rivals on price.

Read our in-depth review of the current Renault Clio, or take a look at our round-up of the best hybrids currently available