Renault Clio e-Tech: Complete Performance & Fuel Economy Test

The Renault Clio e-Tech reveals its true performance in our comprehensive supertest. With its new 160-horsepower hybrid powertrain, the French city car delivers variable fuel consumption depending on driving conditions. A identified bug can, however, send urban consumption figures soaring in cold weather.

"When driving in city traffic during cool or cold conditions, a bug prevents the thermal engine of the Renault Clio 6 hybrid from shutting down, even with a full battery" — Automobile Magazine

A promising new hybrid powertrain

The Clio e-Tech retires the aging 1.6-liter HR16 four-cylinder in favor of the more modern HR18. This naturally-aspirated, direct-injection engine produces 109 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque—a notable step forward from the previous generation's 94 horsepower.

The electric drivetrain combines an alternator-starter rated at 20 hp and a traction motor delivering 49 hp. The entire system relies on a 1.4 kWh gross-capacity battery, with 0.8 kWh usable according to our measurements. This e-Tech technology delivers a combined 160 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque.

Power flows through Renault's distinctive multi-mode clutchless transmission—a proprietary system that has earned recognition for its energy efficiency. This automated gearbox optimizes transitions between electric and thermal modes without the need for a traditional clutch.

Convincing everyday performance

Our supertest reveals satisfying performance for a hybrid city car. Acceleration remains adequate thanks to instant electric torque delivery, while top speed sits comfortably within segment expectations.

The Clio e-Tech truly shines in urban driving, where electric mode engages frequently. Traffic-light stops and city-speed launches happen in near-silence, as you'd expect from a modern hybrid.

Measured consumption: the good and the frustrating

Our testing uncovered significant variation depending on driving conditions. Under optimal urban cycles, the hybrid city car can dip below 4 liters per 100 km—a remarkable figure for a car of this size.

Highway and motorway figures climb predictably higher. The thermal engine carries more of the load at sustained speed, where hybridization offers diminished advantage.

A bug that undermines winter performance

Automobile Magazine has identified a critical malfunction affecting fuel consumption. In cool or cold weather, the thermal engine refuses to shut down in city driving—even with a full battery—if the climate control system isn't set to automatic mode.

This bug can dramatically spike urban fuel consumption, transforming a frugal city car into a fuel-guzzler. Renault is preparing an OTA (Over The Air) update said to arrive "within the coming weeks," according to our sources.

When will the fix arrive?

The corrective update is promised for the coming weeks. Clio e-Tech owners will receive a notification on their vehicle's screen to automatically download the patch via cellular connectivity.

In the interim, Renault recommends using automatic climate control mode to sidestep the glitch. This simple adjustment can restore normal fuel economy even in cold conditions.

Against the competition

The Clio e-Tech enters a fiercely contested segment where Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Honda Jazz e:HEV, and Hyundai i20 Hybrid all compete. At 160 horsepower, it ranks among the segment's most powerful.

Its real advantage lies in the e-Tech technology already proven on other Renault models. The Symbioz and its twin Mitsubishi Grandis employ the same powertrain, as does the recently launched Dacia Bigster. This platform-sharing should eventually guarantee stronger long-term reliability.