Renault Clio Adds Pure Petrol Option in the UK, Price Reduced by £3500
Renault has introduced a cheaper pure-petrol engine option for the new Renault Clio in the UK. This move comes in response to the current cost of living crisis, which has impacted consumer demand for new cars across the market. The decision to offer a petrol engine alongside the hybrid powertrain was made to meet the needs of customers in a difficult economic climate.
The new Renault Clio will be available with an E-Tech full-hybrid engine, delivering 143bhp. In addition, Renault is offering a TCe petrol engine with 89bhp for customers looking for a more affordable option. The hybrid powerplant consists of a 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors, providing a combined output of 143bhp and 151lb ft of torque. It is paired with an automatic gearbox and offers an impressive fuel efficiency of 67.3mpg. On the other hand, the TCe 90 is a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 89bhp and 118lb ft of torque, achieving a fuel economy of 56.5mpg. The TCe 90 engine is shared with the Dacia Sandero and is only available with a manual gearbox. It is priced £3500 lower than the hybrid option.
With the introduction of the petrol engine, the starting price for the Renault Clio has been reduced to £17,795 from £21,295. This makes it more affordable than several key rivals in the supermini segment, including the Peugeot 208, Hyundai i20, and Vauxhall Corsa. The Peugeot 208, priced from £20,610, is set to increase with an upcoming mid-life facelift. The Hyundai i20 is priced at £20,770, while the Vauxhall Corsa starts at £19,275.
In terms of design, the updated Renault Clio features bolder and sharper styling compared to its predecessor. It now aligns with the brand’s new design identity, showcasing an enlarged chequered grille, a fresh lighting signature, and Renault’s simplified 2D logo. The rear of the car has been enhanced with redesigned brake lights and a more angular bumper. Inside the cabin, there is a new 10.0-inch edgeless instrument display (7.0-inch on lower trims) and a 9.3-inch infotainment touchscreen on top trims. Renault has also improved the material quality by incorporating more soft-touch materials around the dashboard and doors, reflecting their commitment to sustainability by not offering any leather trims. The options packages have also been simplified for a more streamlined buying experience.
The range-topping variant of the Renault Clio is the new Esprit Alpine trim, which was first introduced on the Renault Austral SUV. It comes with bespoke badging, colors, and diamond-cut 17-inch alloy wheels. The pricing for this variant starts from £20,595, still undercutting mainstream rivals.
Renault’s design vice-president, Gilles Vidal, expressed his excitement about the new Clio, stating that it successfully combines generous shapes and chiseled volumes with technical, structured, precise, and efficient lines.
In conclusion, Renault has responded to the difficult economic climate by introducing a cheaper pure-petrol engine option for the new Renault Clio in the UK. This move aims to meet the needs of customers who are looking for a more affordable option amidst the cost of living crisis. With its competitive pricing and updated design, the Renault Clio is poised to attract customers in the supermini segment.