The next-generation Renault Clio is set to ditch pure-petrol engines and go hybrid-only when it arrives next year.
It will also introduce several new design cues, as shown in pictures of a new prototype spotted testing on public roads. These include a more prominent nose with a diamond-shaped grille pattern, as well as twin-decked lip spoilers at the rear – hinting at the prioritisation of aerodynamic performance.
Autocar understands that, under the skin, the 2025 Clio is an all-new car rather than a development of the current model, which was introduced in 2019. However, it is likely to use an upgraded version of that car's CMF-B platform aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs.
The new Clio will be powered by an evolution of the existing E-Tech hybrid powertrain, in which an atmospheric four-cylinder engine and two electric motors put out a combined 143bhp and 151lb ft.
This is set to become the sole powertrain option, in part because of stringent fleet emissions targets being rolled out across the European Union. From next year, car manufacturers in the EU will be required to hit an average of 93.6g/km of CO2, down from 95g/km this year.
This incentivises manufacturers to drop powertrains that do not feature electrical assistance, such as the current Clio’s TCe 90 turbocharged three-pot, due to their higher carbon emissions.
For reference, the TCe 90 puts out 120g/km, whereas the E-Tech is rated at 96g/km, a reduction of 20%.
Axing the pure-petrol engine would therefore provide a significant cut to Renault’s fleet average – crucial, given the EU’s fleet emissions targets will only become stricter in the coming years, hitting 49.5g/km in 2030.
Autocar understands that Renault has now decided not to offer the new Clio with a battery-electric powertrain, however.
It is therefore possible that it may not be offered in the UK, due to the new Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
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Surprising to see that Renault are persevering with the Clio as I thought the EU emissions mandate was largely the same as that of the UK. Personally I think the current model is a great little car but it's appeal is largely down to its low price. A hybrid will not be such good value and you have to question whether Dacia are best positioned to represent Renault at the entry level. I'm afraid, despite being an EV owner myself, that the rush to prohibit the sale of hybrids by 2035 and effectively force their withdrawal from the market by 2030 to ensure that at least 80% of car sales by 2030 are pure BEV's is I think too ambitious and therefore a mistake. Anything the UK does to reduce transport CO2 emissions is going to be insignificant against the return of more fossil fuel gas guglers in the US.
Camo working?, you can't tell anything from the images what this car looks like,ok, you can see the wheelbase,but that's about it.
Looks a lot like every other Clio since 2015. Great but forgettable.
How can it be forgettable if you remember what they look like?
Good one!
LMFAO!!!
I don't, I just know that it's a good looking hatch in a generic way. Can't even picture the lights and grille very well unless I really think about it. Only element of note is the glass house tapering above the rear wheels.