Used Renault Clio: buying guide, engines, prices and alternatives

More than half a million Renault Clios have already been sold in Portugal, which says plenty about the merits of this French supermini.

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The Renault Clio is something of an institution in Portugal. Since 1991, more than half a million examples have found buyers, and it has regularly featured among the country’s best-selling models. The picture is no different across Europe. Although the fifth generation is about to be replaced, its sales increased in 2025, making it the second best-selling model on the ‘old continent’.

Its success is not simply down to price. The Renault Clio brings together plenty of strengths that carry over to the used market: it is comfortable, reasonably spacious, safe - with a five-star Euro NCAP rating - equipped with everything needed for modern life and, generally speaking, not excessively expensive to own.

This buying guide focuses on the fifth generation. It arrived in 2019 and is now close to the end of its life, with the sixth generation due in early 2026. In this article and video, we cover the model’s development, the points to look out for and the most suitable engines, helping you choose from the roughly 1,400 cars advertised in Portugal on Pisca Pisca.

Evolution first, boldness later

When the fifth-generation Renault Clio was launched, many critics took issue with its exterior design because it looked too similar to the model it replaced. It appeared to be little more than an update. The huge success of the fourth generation led Renault to follow the principle that “you do not change a winning team”.

Its arch-rival, the Peugeot 208, received a new generation in the same year and was more expressive and distinctive, both outside and in the cabin. Even so, there was no reason to worry. The Clio kept doing what it had always done: selling like hot cakes… or should that be hot baguettes?

That said, it was not left behind by the times. A 2023 facelift gave it a new face, with a bolder and more expressive appearance. Its bumpers, headlights, grille and light signature were all revised, while it also adopted the diamond-brand’s new logo. These changes followed the new design language established by Renault’s new design chief, Gilles Vidal - coincidentally, the man responsible for styling the… 208.

You can see how it evolved in the gallery below.

On the car we were able to drive in the video above - the Clio 1.0 TCe - this bolder look was toned down somewhat because it was an entry-level Evolution specification.

For the full visual effect, you will need to choose the sportier R.S. Line versions or, following the restyling, the Esprit Alpine models. They are more appealing, partly because of their larger wheels - 17-inch rather than 16-inch - but the extra style comes at the cost of a slight reduction in comfort.

A Renault Clio supermini with family ambitions

While the exterior may have looked like a cautious evolution, the interior was revolutionary, as the Clio made a major push towards digitalisation. This extended from the instrument panel, available in 7-inch or 10-inch forms, to the 7-inch or 9.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen, with the larger display mounted vertically.

Unfortunately, this generation never received the Google-based OpenR Link system found in today’s Renault models. Nevertheless, the Easy Link system fitted to this generation of Clio was straightforward enough to use and already supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Physical controls were not overlooked either. The air-conditioning controls stand out, with three generously sized rotary dials incorporating small displays - a solution that remains as simple and functional today as it was when first introduced.

Elsewhere, although it is a supermini and therefore uses materials that are far from the softest available, the Clio is solidly assembled. The example tested in the video had covered more than 30,000 kilometres, with no unwanted rattles or squeaks.

Another point in the Clio’s favour is its 360-litre boot, one of the largest in the segment and not far behind offerings from the class above. Rear-seat space is adequate - only taller occupants may find it somewhat tight - and, together with the Isofix system, it allows the Clio to handle family duties without much difficulty.

Engines for every requirement

One of the fifth-generation Renault Clio’s strongest arguments is its choice of powertrains: petrol, diesel, LPG and hybrid. The only apparent omission is an electric version, but that gap was first filled by the Zoe and is now covered by the nostalgic 5.

Another strength of the fifth-generation Renault Clio is that it seems to offer the right engine for almost every need: petrol, diesel, LPG and hybrid. It is only an electric version that is missing, a role previously taken by the Zoe and now by the nostalgic 5.

The car shown in the video above used the entry-level engine in Portugal: the 90 hp 1.0 TCe, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. That may not sound like much - particularly in an era of very powerful electric cars - but it is enough. The Clio’s modest weight ensures adequate everyday performance, without any need to fear motorway journeys.

This 1.0-litre three-cylinder is also considerably nicer to use than the previous 0.9 TCe, while fuel consumption is very reasonable. Spritmonitor records an average of around 6.1 l/100 km.

If reducing fuel bills is the priority, the Clio answers with the Eco-G version, in other words a bi-fuel petrol/LPG model. It uses the same 1.0 TCe but adds 10 hp, for a total of 100 hp. It is probably the most sensible choice in the range.

For high-mileage drivers, there is the familiar 1.5 dCi with 100 hp. Indeed, this generation of Clio will be remembered as the last to offer a diesel option. The Renault Clio E-Tech hybrid, which does not need plugging in, was an entirely new addition for this generation. It promises greater performance, with 140 hp, but lower consumption too, averaging 5.0 l/100 km in Spritmonitor records. It could be the best friend of those who rarely leave the city.

Behind the wheel

Finding a good driving position in the Clio is easy. On the move, it achieves the classic feat of the best French cars: combining good comfort with competent handling. It is not class-leading in either area, but it is far from embarrassing.

A Ford Fiesta is more entertaining, a Volkswagen Polo feels more refined and a Citroën C3 is more comfortable, but the Renault Clio delivers a strong balance across all these qualities.

Renault Clio price trends

As mentioned in this Used Car of the Week feature, Piscapisca.pt lists around 1,400 examples of every Clio generation for sale. Narrowing the search to the fifth generation leaves close to 390 cars, priced from €11,000 to a little over €25,000 - you can view every Renault Clio listing by following this link.

Data from consultancy MotorCV, which compiles actual used-car transaction values, shows the price evolution and depreciation of the Renault Clio (fifth generation) over the years.

Bear in mind that these figures are purely indicative. Equipment level, mileage and engine choice can significantly alter the precise value of any individual Clio.

Overall, among superminis, the French model remains competitively priced against its rivals and is one of the most well-rounded options in the segment.

Running costs

In general, despite still being a recent model, the fifth-generation Renault Clio has a good reputation in the market. This report supplied by MotorCV provides access to the main recalls affecting this generation of Renault Clio.

To increase confidence when making your choice, ask for the servicing history whenever possible. On Piscapisca.pt, you will find hundreds of cars with a complete history and warranty, as well as certified models.

Chronic problems? None are known. The 1.0 TCe engine is generally reliable, although the maintenance schedule should be followed. The most common issue may be noise from the turbocharger wastegate, which is usually not serious and carries a moderate repair cost.

Early examples of this generation of Clio were also known for a few electronic issues, including starting difficulties and jerking, but these were subsequently resolved through software updates. Nothing that undermines the model’s reliability.

The Clio E-Tech hybrid has the most complex powertrain and deserves closer attention if you choose one. There are reports of gearbox problems, especially oil leaks, along with error messages appearing. A complete vehicle history is essential to establish whether it has already received any intervention. The ‘trick’ here is to opt for more recent examples.

Replacement and wear-item prices are also competitive, as you can see in the table below.

Our Renault Clio choice

Many qualities are shared by every Renault Clio, from its variety of capable engines and equipment offering - even lower specifications include everything needed in a modern car - to its versatility as a supermini that works well as a family car.

Which Clio should you choose? Ideally, one from 2023 onwards: in other words, the facelifted Clio. As well as visual updates, it gained more equipment in safety and connectivity, while the hybrid version was updated.

As for the engine, we have to admit that the Clio 1.0 TCe impressed us. It proved economical and well suited to the task. Better still is the LPG version, which can reduce fuel costs substantially.

Renault Clio alternatives

There is no shortage of alternatives to the Renault Clio, starting with the already mentioned Peugeot 208. Its French counterpart has a more sophisticated image, inside and out, but not everyone gets on with the i-Cockpit, and the 1.2 PureTech engine remains an unknown quantity.

The Volkswagen Polo is the more conservative choice. Equipment levels are usually lower, but its build quality is among the best in the class. Staying within the Volkswagen Group, there is the SEAT Ibiza, which is more engaging to drive but less comfortable, making up for it with one of the segment’s roomiest interiors.

For those seeking more enjoyment behind the wheel, it is impossible not to mention the Ford Fiesta, the class benchmark for dynamics. However, it falls short on space and its 1.0 EcoBoost does not always have a restrained appetite.