2026 Renault Clio Coming In EV And Hybrid Forms, Will Coexist With The R5

The all-new R5 E-Tech Electric might be the coolest member of Renault’s lineup, but it’s not intended to replace the similarly-sized Clio. Instead, reports suggest that a new sixth-generation Clio is under development, slated for a 2026 debut. This next-gen Clio will offer both hybrid and fully electric powertrain options, aligning with Renault’s revised electrification plans.

The current fifth-gen Clio debuted in 2019, receiving a facelift in 2023. Despite its recent update, its successor is expected to arrive around 2026, maintaining Renault’s tradition of a seven-year lifecycle for previous generations.

More: Here’s Everything We Know About The Rebooted Renault Twingo EV

In terms of market positioning, the new Clio could cater to young families seeking an electrified hatchback, filling the gap between the R5 and the Megane in Renault’s lineup. With a hybrid option, it aims to stay relevant amid the global EV slowdown until the world fully embraces zero-emission powertrains.

On the outside, the new Clio will embrace Renault’s latest design philosophy, guided by the new design director, Gilles Vidal. This approach has been showcased in models such as the Scenic E-Tech crossover and the Rafale coupe-SUV flagship. The goal is to give it a contemporary aesthetic that sets it apart from the retro-inspired R5 and R4, as well as the nostalgic Twingo.

Our speculative rendering below reflects this, incorporating Scenic design elements into a compact hatchback while maintaining its familiar size and proportions.

Illustration Thanos Pappas for CarScoops

The current Clio spans 4,053 mm (159.6 inches) in length, slightly surpassing the 3,920 mm (154.3 inches) of the electric-only R5. While this variance may not categorize them into distinct segments, it does provide them with some leeway in the subcompact hatchback landscape. This strategic positioning comes at a juncture when other manufacturers, such as Ford, are veering away from this segment.

The next generation of the Clio will likely sit on an upgraded version of the existing CMF-B architecture. The Ampr Small platform (CMF-BEV) that underpins the fully electric R5 shares around 60 percent of its components with the CMF-B, meaning that a crossover between the two is possible. In this context, Autocar reports that the hybrid and fully electric versions of the Clio will have identical designs.

It is safe to assume that Renault will keep evolving the hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains found in the existing Clio and Captur with the E-Tech badge. By 2026, the electrified setups could offer a longer zero-emission range while improving their fuel efficiency credentials.

The upcoming sixth-gen Clio will face stiff competition from rivals such as the Peugeot 208 and the Opel Corsa, both of which offer EV and hybrid variants under the Stellantis umbrella. In contrast, the forthcoming VW ID.2 is slated to solely embrace electric power. Notably, the Clio will remain Renault’s sole ICE-powered hatchback, distinguishing itself from the future Twingo, R5, and Megane models, all exclusively available in zero-emission configurations.

We expect to learn more about the 2026 Renault Clio as we move closer to its debut. If the rumors hold true, we can expect to catch glimpses of camouflaged prototypes for the new generation emerging sometime next year.

Note: This story includes renderings that are not affiliated with nor endorsed by Renault.

2023 Renault Clio E-Tech