Clio E-Tech is punchy and stylish

THE Clio is Renault’s smash hit model.

While not sitting at the top of the sales charts like the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa, it’s been this French manufacturer’s bread and butter for decades, with 650,000 being sold to British buyers in its 30-year model run.

The latest Clio, introduced in 2019, takes things up a level – bringing more in the way of creature comforts and spaciousness, but with no sacrifice when it comes to style.

And now this French supermini has been electrified for the first time, thanks to a new hybrid E-Tech model.

This is the brand’s first hybrid and features a new powertrain that Renault says takes advantage of their expertise in Formula 1.

Under the bonnet the E-Tech set-up comprises a 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to two electric motors, the first acting as a traditional e-motor and the second as a starter-generator – ensuring that it will always start-up as an EV.

There’s also a 1.2kWh battery there that can harness electricity and enable the Clio to run on battery power alone for longer than is customary from a standard (eg non plug-in) hybrid. There’s also a smooth new clutchless automatic gearbox – there’s no dreaded CVT to contend with here.

In total it produces 138bhp – making it the most powerful Clio in the range – and offers a 0-60mph time of 9.7 seconds – while also being the most efficient. Renault says it’ll return 64.2mpg, with CO2 emissions of 99g/km.

Renault seriously upped its game when it came to the look and feel of the cabin on the latest Clio. The quality is great for a small car, while all E-Tech models feature a seven-inch digital dial system and a large iPad-like 9.3-inch touchscreen system.

It’s smooth, punchy and efficient – and its ability to run largely as an EV around town is a key selling point.