Estoril, Portugal. mobile.bg team from the event site.
With more than 35 years of history and over 16 million units sold, Renault Clio is not just a model, but an automotive icon. Its sixth generation, presented in the exclusive Esprit Alpine line, arrives with the ambition to retain its European bestseller crown, combining its bold new design with phenomenal hybrid efficiency. During the first kilometers on the roads of Portugal, Renault Clio 6 showed that it has come a long way from the previous generation. Our team was at the event and here are our initial impressions of the model.
Exterior
The more muscular and athletic appearance is immediately striking. The new design, especially in the front, is highlighted by expressive changes and mainly by a radical redesign of the headlights and mirrors, which also contribute to the drastically improved aerodynamics – the drag coefficient (CX) has been reduced from 0.32 to 0.30.
This effect is also achieved thanks to the active air flaps, which optimize airflow and cooling, directly reflecting on efficiency. The silhouette is cleaner and more dynamic, with new LED daytime running lights that create a distinctive light signature.
In the higher trim levels, such as the Esprit Alpine we tested, the body is highlighted with dark accents and specific rims, giving additional sporty aggression, especially visible under the bright Portuguese sun.
Engine
Under the hood, the focus falls on the E-Tech hybrid unit. The four-cylinder 1.8-liter engine now generates 160 hp (an increase from 145 hp before), combined with the innovative multi-mode automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 8.3 seconds, which is quite respectable for a car in this segment – enough to make the car noticeably dynamic.
For customers who prefer more traditional solutions, the Clio 6 is also available with a basic 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. This unit is more than sufficient for urban use and is aimed at more pragmatic buyers. In some markets, a version with factory-installed AGU will also be available, but unfortunately for Bulgarian consumers, the version with AGU will not be offered at this stage.
But let's get back to the main innovation - the new hybrid powertrain, which definitely made a very strong impression on us. The real trump card of the Renault Clio 6 is its economy. During normal driving and testing the car's capabilities, the on-board computer reported an average consumption of only 4.2 l/100 km (with a calm ride) to 4.5 – 4.7 l/100 km (with a significantly heavier right foot on our part), which is an exceptional result, guaranteeing a range of about 1,000 km with one tank.
And one more thing that made a strong impression on us. The multi-sense system now includes a new mode - smart eco, which automatically optimizes energy consumption based on driver behavior. The electronics ensure that in urban conditions the car runs mainly on electricity, which makes urban consumption lower than extra-urban. And as we have already mentioned, the latter does not exceed five percent, regardless of how and where you drive the car, which makes this hybrid a unique substitute for the missing diesel in the range.
Interior
The interior of the new Clio is also a big step forward. The seats in the Esprit Alpine version offer exceptionally good lateral support, and in combination with the small steering wheel with excellent grip, the control is very intuitive and direct. The OpenR Link infotainment system with integrated Google is fast, responds instantly to touch and offers a full range of applications from Google Play.
The navigation, which can also be projected onto the digital dashboard in front of the driver, is particularly impressive. We cannot fail to mention the Harman Kardon audio system with a power of 410W, whose sound is truly captivating. In addition, the quality of the materials is noticeably better, as in the version we tested we find very good-looking recycled fabrics and Alcantara elements with blue stitching - details that raise the feeling of class compared to the previous generation.
The digital dashboard has excellent graphics and allows a high degree of personalization, while the improved 360-degree HD cameras make maneuvering in tight spaces surprisingly easy.
Driving characteristics
In terms of road behavior, we can say that the suspension is set up perfectly. The car handles bumps and bad asphalt very well, without being too soft. At normal speeds, the cabin noise insulation is very good (about 66 dB at 100 km/h), but when you press the gas hard, especially when climbing, the multi-mode transmission in question shows its character, holding the revs in the upper ranges and causing noticeable noise in the cabin - a reminder that the Renault Clio 6 is an efficient hybrid, not a sports car.
However, our personal impression from driving is that the new Clio is an extremely agile car in urban conditions, and the light and much more direct steering wheel contributes to increased maneuverability. The Active Assist system (adaptive cruise control and lane assist) works precisely and makes long journeys less tiring, making the car an excellent proposition not only for the city. The exceptional feeling of stability, achieved through changes to the chassis, is also a plus. As another minus, we would like to note that visibility through the strongly inclined rear window is slightly limited, although this is compensated for by the new digital reversing camera.
In other words, we are impressed by the new Clio. The sixth generation, although it is made on the current, but modernized platform, is not only a new design, but also a tangible technological leap. The OpenR Link system is a platform that allows for future (Over-the-Air) updates over the air, which will keep the car up-to-date for a long time. In this regard, the brand representatives assured us that in addition to integrated Google services, the Gemini chatbot is expected to be added from 2026, which will turn voice control into a real conversation.
And as part of the 29 driver assistance systems, the model also offers improved road sign recognition and an intelligent door opening warning system that protects against collisions with approaching cyclists or cars. Another thing - the doors of the new Clio close extremely softly - not like in a B-segment car, but exactly like in real premium cars.
But whatever we talk about all these advantages, the main thing remains that in the hybrid version it is connected with the incredible economy, comparable to that of diesels, and this is not at the expense of dynamics. However, the hybrid tract in question also has its compromise: due to the location of the battery, the trunk has a more modest volume of 309 liters (versus 391 liters in the gasoline version). However, the space in the back row of seats is comfortable enough for two adults (up to about 1.80 m tall), while for three it would be slightly uncomfortable.
Conclusion and prices
In conclusion, we will say that the Renault Clio 6 is a charmingly mature car. It is simultaneously stylish, agile, comfortable and above all - extremely economical. Despite the small compromises in the hybrid's trunk and the noise during strong acceleration, the new Clio is more than ready to meet the demands of the modern city driver, at prices that are only slightly higher (by a little over 1,000 BGN) compared to the previous Clio 5. Here are the prices.
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