Driving Report Renault Clio 6: Full Hybrid As A Bridge to E-Mobility

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More aggressive design, digital cockpit, full hybrid drive: Renault is sending the sixth Clio generation into the race. But there is a catch.

Several previous Clio model changes were already characterized by major design breaks. Generation 6.0 is no different. Not only has the French car gained several centimeters in length and width. It also looks completely different than before from its LED headlights: rather a bit growly and grumpy than relaxed and friendly. But the entire front also looks more athletic, more aggressive. Let's see what buyers think of this new look.

The Evolution base model comes with a 7-inch central display and a 10-inch touchscreen, while the Techno and Esprit Alpine versions each have two 10-inch screens. The central screen is slightly aligned towards the person at the steering wheel. The Renault Open-R-Link infotainment system with integrated Google services, i.e. with "Maps", "Assistant" voice control and "Play" with access to more than 100 apps, is also included. Three gigabytes of data per month are free for the first three years. An Arkamys sound system is responsible for the good sound.

Hybrid Engine As Main Drive, Petrol Engine to Follow Later

The drive portfolio is clearly laid out: at the beginning of the year, the Clio will only come with the "Full Hybrid E-Tech" with a system output of 116 kW/158 hp. Here, a .48 gallons  four-cylinder petrol engine works together with a 36 kW electric motor and a starter generator, which supplies a further 15 kW. A classic three-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 0.32 gallons and 84 kW/115 hp will follow in the spring, which will be available with a manual transmission and a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Because the hybrid battery has grown slightly by 0.2 kWh to 1.4 kWh, this arrangement makes it possible to cover longer distances in urban areas with almost no gasoline consumption. Provided you have a gentle foot on the gas. If you press too hard on the right pedal, you will immediately hear the combustion engine. Even with a forced start, the background noise remains muted, but the sounds are not necessarily to everyone's taste. The only sensible reaction in this case is to be careful with the accelerator pedal, which also saves a lot of fuel.

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Smart Mode Automatically Orchestrates 15 Driving Mode Combinations

The fact that a highly sophisticated performance is taking place in the background, modulated by the multi-mode gearbox with four ratios for the combustion engine and two for the electric motor, goes almost unnoticed by the drivers. In short, the aim is to choreograph a full 15 combinations of purely electric, hybrid and conventional locomotion with as little loss of comfort or acoustic imposition as possible.

If the driver activates the new function called Smart Mode using the Multi-Sense button on the steering wheel, the on-board computer automatically switches to the appropriate driving mode based on a variety of factors: Eco, Comfort or Sport. This works really well in practice and ensures lightning-fast changes between fuel-saving coasting and quite dynamic intermediate sprints. In our case, an average consumption of just 1.1 gallons per 62 miles was achieved on a mixed 81 miles route consisting of city traffic, freeway and country road. That's good.

The ride comfort in the new Clio meets the expectations of a modern small car. The suspension is well tuned and filters out bumps in the road well, although it does get a little rougher when the asphalt gets rough. Under the protective umbrella of up to 29 assistance systems, nine more than in the fifth generation, you are also safe on the road. And yes: even in the new Clio, annoying jingling and ringing can be turned off quite easily at the touch of a button. The cornering performance and directional stability of the French car, which is no longer so small, give no cause for criticism, nor does the steering feel.

Comfortable Space at the Front

People of average build sit quite comfortably in row one, the seats provide decent lateral support and are well upholstered. Row two is rather cramped, but even there two average figures can sit for a while. The trunk capacity has increased slightly, with the petrol version holding 85 to 310 gallons and the hybrid version 79 to 290 gallons. The high inner loading sill is striking. A considerable amount of force is required to unload heavy cargo.

Thanks to the Google system, operating the Clio is almost like using a tablet at home—so it's quite easy to manage. In addition to various assistants, the basic version includes air conditioning and central locking with remote control. In addition to the two 10-inch screens, the mid-range Techno version also offers the high beam assistant, keyless entry, automatic climate control and a reversing camera. The Esprit Alpine is fitted with 18-inch wheels instead of the 16-inch wheels of the Evolution and Techno. In addition to visual refinements and an Alcantara interior, there is also a lavish range of assistants. Plus an inductive smartphone charging area. Various equipment packages are also available for all three variants. For the base model, for example, Keycard Handsfree, electrically operated and folding exterior mirrors, a center armrest, rain sensor and high beam assistant can be booked for 600 USD.

High Prices Despite Interesting Hybrid Technology

But then it no longer works with the psychologically important one on the front of the price tag. The bare-bones Evolution Clio costs exactly $22,000 as a petrol model with a manual gearbox, and a good $23,000 with a dual-clutch gearbox. The basic full hybrid is available from $26,000, while the most expensive version is the Esprit Alpine Hybrid for well over $29,000.

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Conclusion: The new Clio is a well-made, modern small car. It is intended as an offer for all small car drivers who are not yet ready for the electric offerings R4 and R5 from Renault. The sophisticated full hybrid at least provides a gentle introduction to electric mobility. However, it also makes the Clio quite expensive.

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