Renault is presenting the restyling of its bestseller Clio V for 2023. This second phase is part of the brand’s new stylistic language, inaugurated with the new Renault Megane E-Tech and Renault Austral. This new, more assertive and dynamic style is the work of designer Gilles Vidal, who has worked successfully at Peugeot over the past decade.
We therefore recognize a certain stylistic affiliation, in particular with this star grille that we find on the new 308s. The comparison will stop there, since the new design of the Clio V phase 2 is singular and gives a good boost of young to this bestseller (42,000 units sold in France), whose silhouette lacked a bit of sex appeal.
Thus, the front face is more aggressive, with thinner LED lights, and especially vertical daytime running lights in the shape of an arrow (or half-diamond, it depends). At the rear, the shield is more statutory and visually swells the buttocks of the Clio. A design that will fit well with the new available Esprit Alpine finish and its 17-inch aluminum rims.
However, the style will take precedence over sportiness, since it will be necessary to be satisfied with a full hybrid “self-rechargeable” engine of 145 hp. If the latter favors efficiency on the sporty side, it does so brilliantly since the electric-thermal transitions are generally well managed; the ride is smooth, and doesn’t feel like you’re riding a scooter, as can be the case with other competing hybrids.
The manufacturer announces a consumption of 4.1 l/100 km according to the WLTP standard. In reality, it will take a little more, but our various tests with the manufacturer’s E-Tech engines have shown us that Renault manages the appetite of its hybrid vehicles well.
In the cabin, however, little change, except that now all versions will benefit from a digital instrumentation of 7 or 10 inches depending on the finish. The central screen also benefits from an Easy Link update, but ignores the rather successful Open R infotainment system, previously tested on the Austral for example.
At this time, pricing and availability have yet to be announced, but it will be soon. Note that so far the 145hp Clio V E-Tech starts at €23,050.