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Photo of a Renault Clio

Renault Clio

Two European Car of the Year crowns: Clio won in 1991, then did it again in 2006.1

Researched October 23, 2026 from 39 sources

Also called

  • Clio RS1Common name for the 2.0-liter F4R Clio Renault Sport launched in January 2000.2

At a glance

Layout
Front-engine/FWD; V6: rear mid-engine/RWD1412
Gearbox
4/5/6-speed manuals; automatics; IV R.S.: DCT; E-Tech 140: clutchless1710
Built at
Bursa, Turkey; Novo Mesto, Slovenia (2023 production)3

The story

Built to replace the Renault 5, Clio traded a number for a name in 1990. By 2025, five generations had sold nearly 17 million cars across 120 countries, making it the best-selling French car ever.34

1990: A name takes over from the Renault 519901991: First European Car of the Year win19911993: 3,800 numbered Williams cars19932000: A V6 takes the rear seats20002005: Sachs dampers for the 182 Trophy20052006: A second European crown20062020: E-Tech starts the hybrid chapter20202025: Sixth generation: E-Tech 160 hp20252026: Early French deliveries scheduled2026 Renault 5: 1972–1985Renault 5Renault 5 Supercinq: 1984–1996Renault 5 SupercinqRenault Clio I (X57): 1990–2001X57Renault Clio II (X65): 1998–2017X65Renault Clio III: 2005–2012Renault Clio IV: 2012–2019Renault Clio V: From 2019Renault Clio VI: From 2025 19801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones134911162127
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1972–1985Renault 5
1984–1996Renault 5 Supercinq
1990–2001Renault Clio I (X57)
1998–2017Renault Clio II (X65)
2005–2012Renault Clio III
2012–2019Renault Clio IV
From 2019Renault Clio V
From 2025Renault Clio VI
1990A name takes over from the Renault 5
1991First European Car of the Year win
19933,800 numbered Williams cars
2000A V6 takes the rear seats
2005Sachs dampers for the 182 Trophy
2006A second European crown
2020E-Tech starts the hybrid chapter
2025Sixth generation: E-Tech 160 hp
2026Early French deliveries scheduled
  1. 1990

    A name takes over from the Renault 5

    Clio replaces the Renault 5, swapping a number for the name of a Greek muse.134

  2. 1991

    First European Car of the Year win

    The first Clio wins European Car of the Year. In March, the 1.8-liter 16S takes over from the Renault 5 GT Turbo.3

  3. 1993

    3,800 numbered Williams cars

    A 148-hp 2.0-liter homologation special starts with 3,800 cars. Renault Sport engineered it; the Williams F1 team supplied the name.15

  4. 2000

    A V6 takes the rear seats

    A halo project to publicize the new Clio places a 227-hp 3.0-liter V6 where the rear seats belonged.6

  5. 2005

    Sachs dampers for the 182 Trophy

    The run-out 182 Trophy pairs Sachs remote-reservoir dampers with Recaro seats and Capsicum Red paint: 500 for the UK and 50 for Switzerland.78

  6. 2006

    A second European crown

    Clio III follows its 2005 debut and five-star Euro NCAP result with another European Car of the Year win; an estate follows in 2008.34

  7. 2020

    E-Tech starts the hybrid chapter

    The first E-Tech hybrid brings 140 hp, a 1.6-liter four, two electric motors, a 1.2-kWh battery and a clutchless multimode gearbox.910

  8. 2025

    Sixth generation: E-Tech 160 hp

    The 4.12-meter Clio brings E-Tech 160 hp, Google built-in and up to 391 liters of luggage space; French orders open October 15.411

  9. 2026

    Early French deliveries scheduled

    French deliveries were set for early 2026, with TCe 115 manual or EDC and E-Tech 160. ECO-G 120 EDC was planned to join during the year.11

Every generation

  • Renault 5
    Renault 51972–1985
  • Renault 5 Supercinq
    Renault 5 Supercinq1984–1996
  • Renault Clio I
    X571990–2001
  • Renault Clio II
    X651998–2017
  • Renault Clio III
    Renault Clio III2005–2012
  • Renault Clio IV
    Renault Clio IV2012–2019
  • Renault Clio V
    Renault Clio VFrom 2019
  • Renault Clio VI
    Renault Clio VIFrom 2025

Power over the years

From 59 hp to 252 hp in 13 years.

0100200300 19901995200020052010201520202025 hp 1990 · 59 hp · 1.2 E5F2000 · 170 hp · Renault Sport Clio 1722003 · 252 hp · V6 Phase 22004 · 180 hp · 1822006 · 194 hp · 1972009 · 197 hp · 2002015 · 220 hp · 220 EDC Trophy, 1.6 turbo2019 · 84 hp · Blue dCi 85 (UK; axed 2021)2019 · 128 hp · TCe 130 (UK; axed 2021)2020 · 140 hp · E-TECH Hybrid2025 · 160 hp · Sixth-generation E-Tech 160 252 hp V6 Phase 2 59 hp 1.2 E5F
147891012131415
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1990591.2 E5F
2000170Renault Sport Clio 172
2003252V6 Phase 2
2004180182
2006194197
2009197200
2015220220 EDC Trophy, 1.6 turbo
201984Blue dCi 85 (UK; axed 2021)
2019128TCe 130 (UK; axed 2021)
2020140E-TECH Hybrid
2025160Sixth-generation E-Tech 160

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Baccara / Initiale

    Standard

    Baccara / Initiale

  • R.S. Line / Initiale Paris

    Standard

    R.S. Line / Initiale Paris

    2019

  • Standard

    Esprit Alpine

    2026

  • S / RSi / 16S / 16V

    Performance

    S / RSi / 16S / 16V

  • Renault Sport 172 / Cup / Exclusive

    Performance

    Renault Sport 172 / Cup / Exclusive

    170 hp
  • Renault Sport 182 / 182 Cup

    Performance

    Renault Sport 182 / 182 Cup

    2004–2005

    180 hp
  • Renault Sport 197 / 200 and special editions

    Performance

    Renault Sport 197 / 200 and special editions

    2006–2012

  • Renault Sport 200 / 220 Trophy

    Performance

    Renault Sport 200 / 220 Trophy

  • Clio Williams

    Limited

    Clio Williams

    148 hp
  • Clio V6

    Special

    Clio V6

    2001–2005

  • 182 Trophy (UK)

    Limited

    182 Trophy (UK)

    2005

    180 hp

    500 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Clio I: soft curves, an almost closed upper grille and a gray strip joining the taillights.21
  • Clio II: a rounder, fuller body than the first generation.3
  • Clio III and IV also came as wagons; Clio V dropped the wagon body.322
  • Clio IV: an oversized upright Renault diamond against a gloss-black nose.23
  • Early Clio V: C-shaped LED headlight signatures.21

Year by year

  1. Clio I, 1994

    Phase 2 swaps the two-rib grille for one body-colored slat; rounder taillights and badges moved onto the tailgate complete the update.116

  2. Clio I, 1996

    Phase 3 gets rounder headlights with built-in turn signals, a third brake light and a script Clio badge on the tailgate.116

  3. Clio II, 2001

    Rounded headlights become triangular clear-lens units; the grille splits around the Renault diamond and the roof antenna moves rearward.2

  4. Clio II, 2006 / 2009

    Campus moves its plate from tailgate to bumper in 2006; its grille loses the twin nostrils in 2009.2

  5. Clio III, 2009 / IV, 2016

    III gets a new front end. IV moves its running lights from the grille into the headlights, with revised bumpers and wheel designs.2425

  6. Clio V, 2023

    Phase 2 adds slimmer LED headlights, vertical half-diamond running lights and a new satin-finish Renault emblem.21

Don’t confuse it with

  • Renault 5

    Clio I has softer curves and a near-closed grille; its taillights are joined by a gray strip.21

  • Photo of a Renault Clio
    Clio
    Photo of a Clio V vs Clio IV
    Clio V vs Clio IV

    Clio V vs Clio IV

    The later car has a longer-looking hood, simpler sides and chrome-outlined windows; every body panel was redesigned.22

  • Photo of a Renault Clio
    Clio
    Photo of a Clio R.S. 16 concept
    Clio R.S. 16 concept

    Clio R.S. 16 concept

    2016 concept: 275 hp, a body widened 60 mm, 19-inch wheels and Sirius yellow with gloss-black trim.26

Against its rivals

  • Honda Civic Type R

    Clio vs Honda Civic Type R

    2002 list price lower is better

    Clio15,095 £
    Honda Civic Type R15,995 £
    18
  • BMW M6

    Clio vs BMW M6

    Weight in twin test lower is better

    Clio1,075 kg
    BMW M61,710 kg
    8
  • Audi S1

    Clio vs Audi S1

    Price in review lower is better

    Clio21,780 £
    Audi S124,900 £
    15

  • Clio vs Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVT-i Design

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    Clio9.3 s
    Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVT-i Design9.7 s
    28

Prices

Price when newAuction salePrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K$1M 19901995200020052010201520202025 1990 · $9,636 · France list; FRF 5.5~$11993 · $22,807 · France Williams; FRF 5.7~$12002 · $22,643 · UK 172; £1~$1.502005 · $28,210 · UK 182 Trophy; £1~$1.822007 · $31,990 · UK 197; £1~$2.002016 · $29,403 · UK 220 Trophy; £1~$1.352019 · $15,792 · France Life SCe 65; €1~$1.122024 · $27,258 · UK E-Tech 145 Evolution; £1~$1.28 1990 · 53 000 F · France, 1990; approx. USD at FRF 5.5/$1 2020 · $26,001 · Clio V6, Bonhams Cars Online2022 · $84,834 · Clio Williams, Artcurial2022 · $125,424 · Clio V6, Collecting Cars2024 · $6,200 · 1991 1.4 auto, 44k km, US import, BaT2024 · $12,000 · 1995 1.4 automatic, 19k miles, BaT2024 · $4,960 · Clio Williams, WB & Sons2025 · $3,100 · 1999 RN 5-speed, 83k miles, BaT2026 · $14,175 · 2005 182 Trophy, 115k mi, charity; £1~$1.35, BaT2026 · $74,925 · 2005 V6 Phase 2, 33,862 mi; £1~$1.35, The Market2026 · $5,459 · 2012 RS 200, 71k miles, BaT $125.4K Collecting Cars, 2022
781213151617182028343536373839
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1990Launch price$9,636France, 1990; approx. USD at FRF 5.5/$1
1990Price when new$9,636France list; FRF 5.5~$1
1993Price when new$22,807France Williams; FRF 5.7~$1
2002Price when new$22,643UK 172; £1~$1.50
2005Price when new$28,210UK 182 Trophy; £1~$1.82
2007Price when new$31,990UK 197; £1~$2.00
2016Price when new$29,403UK 220 Trophy; £1~$1.35
2019Price when new$15,792France Life SCe 65; €1~$1.12
2024Price when new$27,258UK E-Tech 145 Evolution; £1~$1.28
2020Auction sale$26,001Clio V6, Bonhams Cars Online
2022Auction sale$84,834Clio Williams, Artcurial
2022Auction sale$125,424Clio V6, Collecting Cars
2024Auction sale$6,2001991 1.4 auto, 44k km, US import, BaT
2024Auction sale$12,0001995 1.4 automatic, 19k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$4,960Clio Williams, WB & Sons
2025Auction sale$3,1001999 RN 5-speed, 83k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$14,1752005 182 Trophy, 115k mi, charity; £1~$1.35, BaT
2026Auction sale$74,9252005 V6 Phase 2, 33,862 mi; £1~$1.35, The Market
2026Auction sale$5,4592012 RS 200, 71k miles, BaT

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “Ragnotti's Monte Carlo class winner”
    • “Three 2023 crowns for David Pouget”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 8 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 39 sources
  1. Renault Clio - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Renault Clio II — Wikipédia fr.wikipedia.org
  3. The Renault Clio: our history, your stories renaultgroup.com
  4. New Renault Clio: the superpowered hatch - Renault global media website media.renault.com
  5. The Renault Clio Williams buying guide - French hot hatch heaven classic-trader.com
  6. Renault Sport Clio V6 (2001 - 2005) review: the mid-engined hatchback with a supercar spirit | evo evo.co.uk
  7. Renault Sport Clio: history of the french hot hatch hero from 172 to 220 | evo evo.co.uk
  8. Renault Sport Clio 182 Trophy (2005) review – an all-time great hot hatch | evo evo.co.uk
  9. Used Renault Clio (Mk5, 2019-date) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  10. New Clio E-TECH Hybrid renaultgroup.com
  11. Nouvelle Renault Clio : ouverture des commandes en France - Site media global de Renault media.renault.com
  12. 2005 Renault Clio V6 Phase 2 For Sale by Auction themarket.co.uk
  13. Renault Sport Clio (Mk3 197/200, 2006 - 2012) review – a more grown-up but still fun Mini Cooper S alternative | evo evo.co.uk
  14. The Clio R.S.18: the spirit of motorsport - Alpine global media website media.alpinecars.com
  15. Renaultsport Clio 220 Trophy review - prices, specs and 0-60 time | evo evo.co.uk
  16. Renault Clio I — Wikipédia fr.wikipedia.org
  17. THE ALL-NEW RENAULT CLIO ARRIVES IN FRANCE - Renault global media website media.renault.com
  18. Renault Clio 172/182 buyer’s guide: what to pay and what to look for | Classic & Sports Car classicandsportscar.com
  19. sport cars - Actualités - Clio R.S. 220 EDC Trophy on Gran Turismo™ Sport ! - renaultsport.com cliorally.com
  20. No Reserve: 2005 Renault Clio 182 Trophy for Thyroid UK for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,500 on May 10, 2026 (Lot #241,805) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  21. HISTÓRIA DO RENAULT CLIO - Site Imprensa Grupo Renault Portugal imprensa.renaultgroup.com
  22. Interview Pierre Sabas, designer extérieur Clio V (+ Vidéos) FRENCH/ENGLISH – LIGNES/auto lignesauto.fr
  23. Nieuwe Renault Clio vanaf 13.990 euro nl.media.renaultgroup.com
  24. Renault Clio III - Auto Review anwb.nl
  25. Used Renault Clio (Mk4, 2012-2019) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  26. The Clio R.S. 16: a new concept car to showcase Renault Sport’s expertise - Alpine global media website media.alpinecars.com
  27. Renault 5 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  28. Toyota Yaris vs Renault Clio 2024 twin test: hybrid supermini battle | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  29. Papa and Nicole - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  30. Clio Maxi Kit Car - The Originals Museum theoriginals.renault.com
  31. Renault Clio R.S. V - iRacing.com | iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations iracing.com
  32. One-two-three for David Pouget - Renault global media website media.renault.com
  33. 1994 Renault Clio Williams For Sale by Auction themarket.co.uk
  34. No Reserve: 44k-Kilometer 1991 Renault Clio for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,200 on December 14, 2024 (Lot #174,037) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 2012 Renault Clio RS 200 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $4,199 on October 8, 2026 (Lot #267,272) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 1999 Renault Clio RN 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $3,100 on August 8, 2025 (Lot #204,248) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 1995 Renault Clio for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,000 on April 8, 2024 (Lot #142,508) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. Renault Clio Williams: Buyer's Guide [UPDATED 2026] theclassicvaluer.com
  39. Renault Clio V6: Buyer's Guide [UPDATED 2026] theclassicvaluer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • fr.wikipedia.org
  • renaultgroup.com
  • media.renault.com
  • classic-trader.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • themarket.co.uk
  • media.alpinecars.com
  • classicandsportscar.com
  • cliorally.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • imprensa.renaultgroup.com
  • lignesauto.fr

Photo credits

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