Petrol, diesel, LPG or hybrid: the new Clio offers you every option, and this is the best one for the price

Order books open for the new Renault Clio for the Spanish market, a model that has been updated in terms of design, connectivity and equipment options, while keeping no fewer than four mechanical options: petrol, LPG, diesel and the E-TECH hybrid variant. In addition, the range has been simplified with the evolution, techno and new esprit Alpine trim levels.

The best thing about the new Clio remains the same as before the update: it is a car with very good dynamic qualities, suitable for daily use in the city as well as for long-distance trips. The downside is interior space, which is not among the best of cars in its size class, although it is adequate.

This is the range resulting from combining the different engines and equipment levels, with their manufacturer’s recommended retail prices for our market:

• Clio evolution TCe 90: €16,990
• Clio evolution TCe 100 LPG: €17,790
• Clio evolution dCi 100: €21,290
• Clio techno TCe 90: €19,990
• Clio techno TCe 100 LPG: €20,830
• Clio esprit Alpine TCe 90: €21,990
• Clio evolution E-Tech 145: €23,130
• Clio techno E-Tech 145: €25,130
• Clio esprit Alpine E-Tech 145: €27,130

As you can see, it is a much simpler and streamlined range, compared with the more than 50 versions offered by the previous Clio. As for prices, they have risen slightly, but the car also comes with more equipment. Even so, it is one of the cars with the best value for money in its class.

Which trim to choose: evolution, techno or esprit alpine

The evolution versions come well equipped as the entry-level trim. As standard, they include, among other items, a digital instrument cluster, lane departure warning, a following distance assist, air conditioning, Bluetooth and four electric windows.

With the same engine, in the variants where both trims are available, there is a difference of 3,000 euros between the evolution and techno, except for the E-Tech hybrid, where the difference is 2,000 euros. It is a significant difference, but the step up is worth it if you are going to add options to the car. Note what you get with the techno, among the most important items: auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror, rear-view camera, driving mode selector, climate control, keyless entry, tinted rear windows, leather steering wheel, LED rear lights, phone charger, alloy wheels and a folding rear seat, plus various styling details.

As for the esprit Alpine trim, it is only offered with the 90 hp petrol TCe engine and the E-Tech hybrid, at a premium of 2,000 euros over the techno. As with the Renault Austral and Renault Espace, which also have this trim, the esprit Alpine adds decorative details on the exterior and interior, notably the gradient-effect grille, matt grey mouldings and diffuser, specific 17-inch wheels and contrast stitching on the interior upholstery.

Without doubt, except for those on a tighter budget, our choice would be the techno trim; and we would leave the esprit Alpine for the more “whimsical” buyers looking for a touch of distinction and sportiness, although they should know that it is purely aesthetic: these versions do not have specific damping calibrations.

Engines in the new Clio: petrol, diesel, LPG or hybrid

This is where doubts can arise when choosing an engine. Setting aside the Clio E-TECH hybrid, which is the top of the range in both power (145 hp) and price and clearly stands apart from the other variants, and considering that it is a good alternative to the hybrids in its category thanks to its low consumption and comfortable driving, our “favourite” today is still the TCe 100 LPG, for several reasons.

Firstly, it only costs around 800 euros more than the 90 hp petrol TCe, so if you are short of budget that is no excuse: the investment is worth it, and you will recoup it quickly thanks to the low cost per kilometre of running on gas. If fuel consumption worries you because you are going to cover many kilometres a year, the dCi is excellent, very smooth and with very low consumption. But it costs 3,500 euros more than the LPG, which you will never recoup.

Therefore, while the 90 hp TCe versions and the 100 hp dCi are fully competitive on price, performance and consumption against their direct rivals, the LPG option remains, today, the most recommended if you are going to buy a Clio… unless you can afford to spend the 25,000 euros for the E-Tech in techno trim, which is the one we would choose if budget were no constraint.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackRenault Clio20 versions · from 16,390 €