Renault Clio 2026: what we know so far

The future of the Renault Clio has been questioned more than once, particularly since the fully electric Renault 5 and 4 were unveiled and reached the market, but there is no cause for concern.

We have once again “run into” the test prototypes of the sixth-generation French supermini, with its reveal very likely to take place later this year.

While the Renault 4 and 5 are electric-only, the Clio will continue with electrified combustion engines. These powertrains will offer different levels of electric assistance (either mild-hybrid or hybrid) and will not need to be plugged in.

Goodbye to Diesel and LPG gas

What seems all but certain is that the Diesel engine will “die” with the current generation. The Renault Clio 2026 should rely solely on Otto-cycle engines, running on petrol and LPG. The bi-fuel option, which has many fans in our country, is expected to remain for the sixth generation.

However, there are changes here too. If today the Clio LPG uses a 1.0 TCe with 100 hp, the next generation is expected to move to the 1.2-litre three-cylinder (HR12) - the same unit that forms part of the Austral’s hybrid system. Capacity increases, and so does output: the French press points to 120 hp.

This new HR12 will be paired with a 12 V mild-hybrid system and is set to become the backbone of the new Renault Clio’s engine line-up. In addition to the LPG version, petrol variants are expected with 100 hp and 115 hp, matched either to a manual gearbox or an automatic (dual-clutch) transmission, both with six speeds.

The most powerful option will be a full hybrid first introduced by the Dacia Bigster. In the Renault Clio 2026, this setup swaps the current Clio E-Tech Hybrid’s 1.6-litre petrol engine for a larger 1.8-litre (HR18) - it will be hit even harder by our outdated tax system. Combined with an electric motor - made in Portugal, in Cacia - it should deliver 160 hp, 5 hp more than in the Bigster.

The Renault Clio 2026 platform

If the details of the engines that will power the Renault Clio 2026 still need official confirmation, one point is already beyond doubt: the platform it sits on is fully confirmed. It is an evolution of CMF-B, used by the current generation.

That helps explain why the proportions of the new generation’s test prototypes look so familiar, appearing almost identical to those of today’s Clio, even though the camouflage continues to conceal nearly everything.

Even so, it is impossible not to notice the headlights with a completely new design, as well as the grille, now made up of multiple diamond shapes - echoing the French brand’s logo.

At the rear, the lights are new, the boot line seems more pronounced, and the rear window is (even) smaller. In profile, the rear door handles are disguised within the window area.

When will it arrive?

The official presentation of the new Renault Clio generation may still be a few months away. Everything suggests it will happen towards the end of this year, with market launch only becoming more likely at the beginning of 2026.