Two Clios, one decision
Britain's Clio situation in 2026 is unusual enough to need explaining. The all-new Mk6, revealed at Munich in September 2025, is not yet on sale here — reports indicate UK deliveries won't begin until 2027. Instead, Renault has repriced and refreshed the fifth-generation car, adding a new entry Generation trim that cuts the start price by £1,000 to £17,995, with the range walking through Techno+ (£19,495) and Techno Esprit Alpine (£20,995) to the Iconic Esprit Alpine at £24,795.
That makes the current Clio one of the strongest value plays in the supermini class — provided you're honest about what's coming.
The engines, honestly ranked
Two choices. The TCe 90 — a 90hp 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo with a manual gearbox — claims 54.3mpg and suits town-first buyers who prize price over pace; it is, bluntly, slow on motorways. The E-Tech 145 full hybrid (from £21,795) is the range's star: 145hp, automatic-only, and a claimed 65.7mpg that real-world driving gets impressively close to in urban use. The hybrid's ~£3,800 premium over an equivalent petrol repays itself fastest for high-mileage and city drivers.
Even the base Generation trim is genuinely equipped: automatic climate control, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, built-in navigation and wireless smartphone mirroring — kit that rivals still option-charge for.
The honest assessment
The Mk5 Clio remains one of the class's most complete cars: a classy cabin for the money, mature ride and handling, and that outstanding hybrid. The considerations are timing and taste. The Mk6 arriving in 2027 promises a claimed 72.4mpg hybrid, twin 10-inch Google-based screens and a larger body — buyers who keep cars long may prefer to wait or negotiate harder knowing dealers must clear the old car. Recent Clio reliability has been solid, with the E-Tech system building a good record and a standard 3-year warranty behind it.
The questions buyers actually ask
Buy now or wait for the Mk6? If you need a car, buy now — the repriced Mk5 is excellent and runout deals will only improve. If you're upgrading for want rather than need, the 2027 car's tech jump is real.
Hybrid or TCe 90? Under 8,000 gentle miles a year, the petrol's £3,800 saving wins. Above that, or in stop-start traffic, the hybrid pays its way and drives far better.
Clio or Corsa? The Renault has the better cabin and the proper full hybrid; the Vauxhall counters with an electric version and heavy discounting. On merit, the Clio; on deal, check both.
- Repriced 2026 range: £17,995–£24,795; hybrid from £21,795
- E-Tech 145 hybrid claims 65.7mpg and is the pick of the range
- Base Generation trim carries genuinely generous standard kit
- All-new Mk6 reportedly reaches the UK in 2027 — factor it into timing
- Rivals: Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 208, Skoda Fabia, Toyota Yaris
Key takeaways
- Repriced 2026 range: £17,995–£24,795; hybrid from £21,795
- E-Tech 145 hybrid claims 65.7mpg and is the pick of the range
- Base Generation trim carries genuinely generous standard kit
- All-new Mk6 reportedly reaches the UK in 2027 — factor it into timing
- Rivals: Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 208, Skoda Fabia, Toyota Yaris
Sources & further reading
- Renault UK 2026 price lists
- Munich reveal coverage
- Motoring Research UK-timing reporting, January 2026
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
