Renault Clio Review: Notes From the German and UK Press
We round up what outlets like Auto Bild, Carwow, and What Car say about the Renault Clio — praise and criticism on styling, fuel economy, and the transmission — alongside current Turkish pricing.
Renault Clio Review: Notes From the German and UK Press
In the shrinking supermini class, the Renault Clio is a model European press regularly ranks near the top of its segment. In this article we round up what German and UK automotive press say about the 6th-generation Clio, alongside a comparison to the version sold in Turkey.
What the German and UK Press Say
Auto Bild tested the Full Hybrid E-Tech 160 version, giving it a "gut" (good) score of 2.3/5.0 and highlighting fuel consumption of 5.2L/100km. Carwow rates the Clio highly at 9/10, while What Car? and Top Gear also paint a broadly positive picture. Auto Motor und Sport's test keeps comfort and efficiency front and center.
Standout Strengths
- Sharp, two-tone, quality-material cabin design introduced with the 6th generation
- Strong fuel economy (up to 57.6mpg in What Car's test of the E-Tech hybrid version)
- Agile, enjoyable driving dynamics
- A usable full-hybrid system (E-Tech) that needs no manual intervention
Standout Criticisms
- Cramped rear legroom and headroom
- An automatic transmission described as hesitant/jerky under hard acceleration
- Unpleasant engine noise when pushed
- A 2-year warranty that's short for the segment
- Motorway wind/road noise isolation trailing class leaders like the VW Polo
Who Is It For?
Per Top Gear's assessment, the Clio is competent but has drifted a bit from previous generations' "joie de vivre." The overall takeaway: a strong option for budget-conscious, design-focused buyers doing city and short-trip driving; less ideal for those prioritizing rear-seat space or long-distance comfort.
Which Clio Versions Are Sold in Turkey?
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evolution Plus 1.2 TCe 115 HP | 1.2 TCe | 6-Speed EDC Automatic | 1,799,000 TRY |
| Esprit Alpine 1.2 TCe 115 HP | 1.2 TCe | 6-Speed EDC Automatic | 1,895,000 TRY |
In Turkey, the Clio is sold with a 1.2 TCe turbo-petrol engine rather than the E-Tech full-hybrid most praised in international tests; a 120 HP LPG-powered Eco-G and a 160 HP E-Tech full-hybrid version are both expected to join the lineup later in the year. See our Renault Clio page for current prices and full equipment details.
Conclusion
The common thread across European press is placing the Clio ahead of its class on styling and fuel economy, but a bit behind on rear-seat practicality and automatic-transmission refinement. To compare it against other models in its segment, check our Clio or i20? article or our Compare tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scores has the Renault Clio received from international press?
German outlet Auto Bild gave the Clio Full Hybrid E-Tech 160 a score of 2.3 out of 5 (gut/good), while UK site Carwow rated it 9 out of 10.
Does the Turkish-market Clio have the hybrid engine praised in tests?
Not currently — in Turkey, the Clio is sold with a 1.2 TCe turbo-petrol engine. A 120 HP LPG Eco-G and a 160 HP E-Tech full-hybrid version are both expected to arrive in Turkey later in the year.
What does international press criticize most about the Renault Clio?
Cramped rear legroom and an automatic transmission found hesitant under hard acceleration are among the most frequently repeated criticisms.
Sıfır Fiyatlar Editör
Sıfır Fiyatlar's editorial team compiles and regularly updates current price lists, campaigns, and buying guides for Turkey's automotive market.
