Renault Clio E-TECH Hybrid 2021 In-Depth Review - Best Hybrid Supermini?

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A RENAULT CLIO E-TECH HYBRID FROM OSV: bit.ly/3o4FNJS
Until now, hybrid technology has usually been decreed too pricey for the supermini segment but Renault has attempted to democratise it with this car, the Clio Hybrid. It's a little pricier than an ordinary Clio but the French brand hopes you'll be impressed by the key WLTP figures here - 64.2mpg on the combined cycle and 98g/km of CO2, plus there's an 'EV' option that gives limited all-electric driving range.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:44​​​​ Background
02:52 Driving Experience
10:06 Design & Build
21:13 Market & Model Range
32:00​​ Cost of Ownership
37:18​​​ Summary
Background
This is where it starts getting interesting. Europe now has the world's strictest emission regulations, requiring a 95g/km across-the-board range average for small cars which it simply isn't possible for a manufacturer to meet without electrifying a large number of its engines. Prior to 2020, all that was available in that regard in the small car market was the Toyota Yaris self-charging Hybrid and a handful of EV models that hardly anyone bought. That's got to change - and it's going to.
An obvious route to driving down your brand's supermini emissions average is to churn out full battery versions - which is why Peugeot has launched its e-208, Vauxhall has the Corsa-e and Renault sells its ZOE. But these cars are getting on for £30,000 in a market that expects to buy a small car for way less than that. So other solutions must be found, like this, the Clio Hybrid.
Driving Experience
Unlike the plug-in E-TECH engine that Renault uses in the Captur and the Megane, this isn't a plug-in powerplant: Renault reckons that would make this particular Clio too pricey. Instead, it's a 'self-charging' full-Hybrid unit like that in, say, a Toyota Yaris (so it can, for very short periods, run independently on full-electric power, unlike the mild hybrid engines you'll find in segment rivals like the Ford Fiesta and the Kia Rio). Renault makes much of the way the design of this car's engine borrows from its F1 racing technology. Like the racing powerplant, this one is extremely compact and features two electric motors, one with 36kW on the rear of the gearbox and one with 15kW on top of the transmission, along with a four-cylinder 1.6-litre 140hp normally aspirated petrol engine. The gearbox is an auto of course and the motor is powered by 1.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack located beneath the boot floor. The rest of the drivetrain has somehow been shoehorned beneath the bonnet.
There's plenty of mid-range pulling power - the petrol engine musters 144Nm of it, whilst the electric motor generates 205Nm and the HSG (High-Voltage Starter Generator) delivers an addition 50Nm. The result is excellent acceleration - especially at speeds of between 50mph to 75mph where the battery assists with sharper responses than a conventional petrol or diesel engine, enabling a 50mph to 75mph time of just 6.9 seconds. But efficiency is this car's primary purpose and Renault claims that a Clio Hybrid will be able to travel for 80 per cent of urban journeys on battery power alone. Plus the car is able to travel up to 38mph in all-electric mode.
Design and Build
Apart from the badge work, there are no visual differences to mark the Clio Hybrid out from standard variants in the range. Stylist Laurens van den Acker wanted this MK5 model Clio to be more expressive, while keeping the previous version's sleek profile. The body has been lowered by up to 30mm and big 17-inch wheels give top versions a more dynamic look. At the front, the bonnet incorporates ribs for a sculpted effect. The grille is bigger and the front bumper is more pronounced with a very expressive central air scoop. Full-LED headlights are now standard and the rear lights can feature a more distinctive C-Shape signature.
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[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hope you enjoy the review! BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A RENAULT CLIO E-TECH HYBRID FROM OSV: bit.ly/3o4FNJS

[@jaypea2930]

Great review as usual gents/ladies. Honestly, you should have millions of viewers on this channel. Your reviewing is always in-depth, informative, and totally unbiased. The Clio seems to go from strength to strength and is a great little runner that has just been improved with electrification.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for your continued support, Jay! 👍

[@peterodukwe223]

Bern waiting for this👍The only review you need.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hope we didn't keep you waiting too long! Many thanks for watching, Peter 👍 Are you interested in getting the Clio Hybrid?

[@eruma]

I got mine mid of January and so far I'm quite satisfied with it. The infotainment system is a bit lacky in software, but nothing serious there (ambient light loses settings in brightness occasionally). In terms of performance it's a quite surprising car, not much about top speed but in low-speed and city traffic and keeps easily pace with much more performant cars. Regarding fuel consumption cold temperatures aren't the cars favourit, so the combustion engine would run more often if you set the car heat and therefore increases the overall consumption. It's more efficient to use the steering and seating heat and skip the air heater, if possible. But now, in mild spring and summer time temperatures, the car (normally driven) takes just a little more than 4l/100km (4,1-4,2) but I go mostly on countryside roads and a bit highway (100km/h) and if you would drive more in city/rural conditions, something around 3,8-3,9l/100km is achievable with a sensible driving style. So overall I like mine, it's smart, nimble, now and then cheeky (if you like) and nicely comfortable and quiet inside.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for sharing! Great to hear that you're enjoying the Clio Hybrid 👍

[@andrewcawood1364]

Great review. Just a couple of things the colour of the car is flame red not valencia orange as mentioned. Also the Tce100 petrol has now been discontinued and replaced by the Tce90 to meet Euro 6d full compliance with a standard 6 speed gearbox. Would like to see a review of this one.

[@RaduB.]

Impresive specs on this Clio!... And an enjoyable review as ever! Thank you!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

We're glad you enjoyed it! Are you thinking about getting this car?

[@RaduB.]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Not me... I've recommended it to a friend! 🙂

[@smartjim]

I have the launch editor of this car and had it for a couple of months, very impressed all round and the performance and economy are very impressive. Recommend

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for sharing, James. Great to hear you're enjoying the Clio Hybrid 👍

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

Great review as usual, I've got a real soft spot for clios.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching! It's a great car, loved test driving it 👍

[@sevesellors2831]

Great review very well explained and a great car.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you! Subscribe for plenty more well explained and detailed reviews - bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@magus497]

Brilliant review.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for watching! Subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@andyaccount]

I have just ordered on which is due for delivery in June. The range has changed a bit from the above test as they are now available in Play, Techno and RS Line trim. My will be Techno which does have a camera fitted. As commented by Andrew Cawood below I thought this was Flame Red as I have had two Mk.4 Clio's in that colour and compared to the thumbnail for the 2022 review which is appearing next to this it is definitely a darker shade. The only thing the pillar inside looked a bit more orangey

[@tjw52x]

It's all the humour I love!

[@eileenharrison7816]

Thanks for this great review. I'm off to test drive one on Monday

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Our pleasure, Eileen. Thank you for watching. Let us know how you get on with the test drive 👍

[@eileenharrison7816]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply I loved it and bought one. Delivery in a few days. A pretty blue colour too 👏

[@alanhock5760]

How are you finding it Eileen? I am test driving 1 on monday

[@eileenharrison7816]

@@alanhock5760 Truth is Alan, I love the car, but the technology is causing a problem. It had to be towed away after only 3 days because the engine kept fading out, the dashboard went blank momentarily and other intermittent faults. The breakdown guy tested it and said it was showing an intermittent fault on the clusters - whatever that means, It was reset the next day and returned to me. Occasionally it will do the engine fade out, but I now just push on through and it pulls itself together. However, last night, I was going somewhere locally when an engine warning light came on - the spanner, with another message telling me to drive very cautiously and contact my main dealer! I tried turning everything off and on again, a bit like you would do with your mobile, but it still showed the same message. I went to the pub anyway, and when I came out an hour or so later, it was ok again. This is very frustrating, as I was contemplating driving to my brothers, which is over 200 miles away, and I wouldn't fancy having to deal with this. I will ring the dealer - again - on Monday, but don't really fancy having to take it in. The fuel consumption is great - around 60 mpg, and I do think its a pretty little car. But they need to sort out this technology. Having said that, having spoken to people with new fancy cars, they also report problems with the tech. So who know? Hope this helps

[@alanhock5760]

@@eileenharrison7816 thanks for the info, that doesn't sound very good, but I really like the look of the car, and the price is reasonable. I think I will still go for the car and fingers crossed I don't come across those issues

[@phil8437]

Renault have come a long way in terms of build quality, but my money would go on the Honda Jazz due to Honda's superior reliability record and customer service. I am a big Toyota fan, but the new Yaris feels very flimsily built. The doors close with a "clang" reminiscent of a 1990's Fiesta. Thanks for a great review.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching, Phil. We're glad you found the review helpful 👍

[@piglet5287]

Very good review as always. I just wonder about the reliability of such a complex drivetrain, given Renault's mixed reputation when it comes to electronics.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching, James 👍 Are you interested in getting one?

[@piglet5287]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply it's a possibility yes. I wasn't convinced by a new Yaris I drove recently; the Renault sounds more enjoyable

[@rossdev]

I was going to buy one but decided to get a Ford Puma in the end. I've seen a few reports already of owners having gearbox problems, so I would be inclined to let them try and sort out any early teething problems.

[@piglet5287]

@@rossdev that's interesting, good choice

[@baboom007]

@@rossdev lol, and you got Puma with more troubles. how is it? are you satisfied with your Puma?

[@jimmacgregor4122]

A really good, informative review - especially the power-train details - clever stuff, although, you could argue, potentially a lot to go wrong.....maybe I'm just a pessimist.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

That's great to hear, thanks for watching, Jim 👍

[@yoho403]

Since the gearbox only has 4 gears, how is it like on the motorway? I.e. is it slow and does it have high revs at 70mph

[@ysjmichael]

It's got 6 according to the spec sheet... thought it's a slip of the tongue.

[@yoho403]

@@ysjmichael on some web pages it says 4 🤷🏻‍♂️. Never had a hybrid so it might not need some gears, like it uses the electric motor to start off the car so it might not need gear 1 or 2 for example compared to petrol/diseal

[@jetpigeon8758]

6 gears.

[@jsponson]

Please don't perpetuate Toyota's marketing term "self-charging hybrid". It's misleading as you have to fuel up the vehicle with petrol (as opposed to genuine self-charging like from solar). It's also not significant as it describes regenerative braking or sometimes running the ICE as a generator, both of which PHEV's can also do.

[@chrisclarke5040]

Neither the Yaris or Jazz have 'belt drive CVT transmissions'...

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Apologies for the error, Chris. Thanks for pointing this out 👍

[@dd9ag]

Was about to say this 😄

[@jamesowen7518]

Hello. Does this car have “park assist”?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hey James, our team can look into this for you 👍 Call our vehicle experts on 01903 538835 or book a call online: bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@1972scenic]

MPG is the same with my Fiat 500 1.2 petrol. 2015

[@Andtification]

Can’t be 😂

[@Tranquilmind89]

isn't this more comparable to the Toyota Corolla than the Toyota Yaris?

[@dd9ag]

No that would be the Megane

[@Tranquilmind89]

@@dd9ag yes you are right I've driven the clio and Corolla recently and the corolla is bigger

[@SarahDIrish]

Got one of these and it shut down on me. The car wouldnt start. This car is not reliable. 5 weeks old brand new and it was put on a back of a truck. An update they said the car needed.. after 5 weeks.. smh..

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

We're sorry to hear that, Sarah. What went wrong with the vehicle?

[@SarahDIrish]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply I still dont know to be honest. The car wouldnt drive on when I press the accelerator but would reverse with power no problem. The renualt garage said the car needed to be updated. I ask updated for what exactly? And why would a brand new car needed this update so soon. Still waiting to know exactly what was the problem with this car.

[@SarahDIrish]

An update on remapping I got told.😤

[@1972scenic]

You looks like Ben Gazzara fom ,,Roadhouse,,

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you? 😅 Interested in getting a Clio E-TECH Hybrid?

[@1972scenic]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Think about Yaris hybrid on PCP

[@toy2day1]

Yaris has a better system overall and it's much cheaper. Great review though, congratulations!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you for watching! 👍

[@blackforestemtb1393]

Yaris is cheaper ? so here in Germany the Yaris cost around 3000-4000 Euro more.

[@toy2day1]

@@blackforestemtb1393 in Germany, Yaris Hybrid is more expensive than Clio Hybrid? Are you sure?

[@blackforestemtb1393]

@@toy2day1 yes, i had an offer for both cars with similar equipment. The Clio has also more space so for me the Clio is the choice to go

[@toy2day1]

@@blackforestemtb1393 go for the Clio then! Here in Greece the Yaris hybrid costs 17.600 and the Clio Hybrid 26.000

[@davidyates6546]

If the majority of my drive is around 50 mph is it better than a diesel or petrol. And as things stand I've no way of charging a car. Why would I buy it.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi David, are you looking for a new vehicle at the moment?

[@davidyates6546]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply I'm not, I was just curious.

[@alanhock5760]

You don't have to charge this, it charges itself

[@dd9ag]

I’d say probably, i have a RAV4 hybrid and do about 53mpg on average. 58 mile round trip commute and all the local usage too for family use.

[@davidyates6546]

@@dd9ag Thanks.

[@ZedsDeadOK]

Any potential buyers look else where, and don't listen or read the Renault BS, it won't run 80% of the time in EV mode in the winter as soon as you put the fan on to clear your windscreen the ICE kicks in regardless of the charge state of the EV battery it won't work as advertised until the engine is warmed up so on short town journeys you'll be burning fuel. I've spoken to other hybrid drivers of Honda and Toyota makes and they don't suffer the same issues. Had I known this on purchasing the vehicle I've would of walked away SO BUYER BEWARE.

[@SarahDIrish]

Getting one of these today! 🤍

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

That's great news, Sarah! What made you pick this car over other hybrids?

[@SarahDIrish]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply best bang for your buck💰🚗

[@SarahDIrish]

Got one of these and it shut down on me. The car wouldnt start. This car is not reliable. 5 weeks old brand new and it was put on a back of a truck. An update they said the car needed. If I was on a motorway and the car started to shut down I would be dead by now. An update after 5 weeks.. smh..