The new Renault Clio has gained a cheaper pure-petrol engine option in the UK, after the supermini was made hybrid-only in a facelift earlier this year.
The decision was made in response to the cost of living crisis, which has affected consumer demand for new cars across the entire market.
Renault said in a statement supplied to Autocar: “We are committed to becoming 100% electrified in the UK thanks to Renault’s E-Tech electric technology, available in both 100% electric and full-hybrid powertrains.
“The new Renault Clio will launch with an E-Tech full-hybrid [143bhp] engine.
“In order to meet the needs of some customers in a difficult economic climate, the new Clio will also be available with [an 89bhp] TCe petrol engine.”
The hybrid powerplant comprises a 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, which combine to drive 143bhp and 151lb ft through the front wheels. It can only be had with an automatic gearbox and yields 67.3mpg.
The TCe 90, on the other hand, is a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine outputting 89bhp and 118lb ft. It gives 56.5mpg.
The new powerplant, which is shared with the Dacia Sandero and is only available with a manual gearbox, is £3500 cheaper than the hybrid.
As such, prices for the Clio now start from £17,795 instead of £21,295. This undercuts several key rivals in the supermini segment, including the Peugeot 208 (priced from £20,610 but set to increase with an upcoming mid-life facelift), the Hyundai i20 (£20,770) and the Vauxhall Corsa (£19,275).
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Nothing more complicated than acknowleging reality for private buyers. Renault are to be commended for being so realistic. Hopefully other mainstream marques will follow this long-overdue attitude.
Nothing more complicated than acknowleging reality for private buyers. Renault are to be commended for being so realistic. Hopefully other mainstream marques will follow this long-overdue attitude.
Strong and brave move by Renault. Not everyone wants or can afford a £40k or more EV. Infact, based on latest sales figures, private buyer interest in EV's is falling fast. Only fleet/business are keeping the market afloat, and they're only doing it for the tax benefits!