On September 9, 2025, French car manufacturer Renault announced the sixth-generation full model change of the Clio (known as the Lutecia in Japan), one of the world’s most beloved compact cars. We will take a closer look at how this popular model, which boasts cumulative sales of 17 million units, has evolved.
Overview of the new Renault Clio (Lutecia)
2026 Renault Clio
Overwhelming market success
The new Clio is an overwhelmingly popular model that is expected to be the number one selling car in Europe in the first half of 2025. Since its first release in 1990, it has enjoyed success over five generations in just 35 years, and is known as one of the most successful models in the history of French cars.
The reason for the Japanese name “Lutecia”
It is sold overseas under the name “Clio,” but in Japan it is sold as “Lutecia,” because the “Clio” trademark was owned by Honda Japan.
Major changes to the 6th generation Clio
Revolutionary evolution of design
2026 Renault Clio
Major revamp of the exterior
- Muscular and powerful body lines
- Independently positioned C-shaped LED daytime running lights
- Newly designed front grille with a diamond pattern
- Honeycomb split taillights
2026 Renault Clio
Increased body size
2026 Renault Clio
- Total length: 4,116mm (+41mm)
- Overall width: 1,768mm (+43mm)
- Overall height: 1,451mm (-19mm)
- Wheelbase: 2,591mm (+6mm)
Major interior upgrade
2026 Renault Clio
Latest infotainment system
- Two 10.1-inch widescreen displays
- Compatible with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible
- Wireless charging function
2026 Renault Clio
Improved practicality
- The shift lever has been changed to a column shift, expanding storage space.
- Luggage space of 391L
- Luggage height reduced by 40mm, making it easier to load and unload luggage
Advanced Powertrain Systems
2026 Renault Clio
1.8L E-TECH Hybrid (recommended)
- Output: 160ps/17.3kgm
- 0-100km/h acceleration: 8.3 seconds (1 second faster than the previous generation)
- Fuel economy: Approximately 25.6km/L (European value)
- 80% of city driving is powered solely by the electric motor
1.2L gasoline turbo
- Output: 115ps/19.4kgm
- 0-100km/h acceleration: 10.1 seconds
- Transmission: 6-speed DCT or 6-speed MT
Technological Innovation
Evolution of the E-TECH Hybrid System
The “E-TECH” hybrid system installed in the new Clio is an advanced system that applies F1 powertrain technology.
System Features
- Main motor + HSG (High Voltage Starter Generator)
- Dog clutch transmission with 4-speed engine and 2-speed motor
- Efficient electric motor/engine switching
Enhanced safety technology
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- Emergency Stop Assist
- adaptive cruise control
- Safety Score Feature
- Safety Coach Function
- Equipped with up to 29 ADAS functions
Environmental performance and fuel efficiency
Excellent environmental performance
The new Clio’s 1.8L hybrid achieves excellent environmental performance with CO2 emissions of 89g/km. This is the result of achieving further improvements in environmental performance despite increasing the engine displacement from the previous 1.6L hybrid.
Improved practical fuel economy
It achieves excellent fuel economy of approximately 25.6km/L in European measurements, and boasts a high electrification rate, allowing it to run on electric motor alone for 80% of the time in urban driving.
Pricing and Market Strategy
Price forecast for the Japanese market
The introduction price of the new Renault Clio in Japan will be higher than the previous model due to the inclusion of the latest equipment, and is expected to start at around 3.2 million yen.
Comparison with previous model
- Previous model: From 2.99 million yen
- Estimated price of new model: from 3.2 million yen
Grade structure
The following trim levels have been announced for the European market:
- Evolution (base grade)
- Techno (intermediate grade)
- Esprit Alpine (top grade)
Comparison with competing models
Main competitors
Positioning in the European B-segment market
- Volkswagen Polo
- Peugeot 208
- Opel Corsa
- Ford Fiesta (discontinued)
Advantages of the new Clio
Design
- Bolder, more contemporary styling
- Luxurious interior design
- Coupe-like silhouette
Technical aspect
- Advanced E-TECH hybrid system
- Extensive infotainment features
- Extensive safety equipment
Release date and future developments
Expansion in the European market
The new Clio is scheduled to go on sale in European markets in 2025. Its world premiere at the 2025 Munich Motor Show will be followed by its introduction in each country.
Introduction to the Japanese market
The new Lutecia is expected to be introduced in the Japanese market in the first half of 2026. It will be officially announced after the development of a right-hand drive version and work to comply with Japanese regulations.
Future electrification development
Currently, only hybrid models are available, but in the future, a fully electric vehicle (EV) version, the Clio EV, is also planned, strengthening the lineup of electric compact cars alongside the Renault 5 EV.
summary
The sixth-generation full model change of the new Renault Clio (Lutecia) is not just a minor change, but a truly new generation model that has undergone significant evolution in all aspects: design, technology, and environmental performance.
The attractive points of the new Clio
- Innovative and sophisticated design
- Advanced E-TECH hybrid system
- Extensive latest infotainment features
- Excellent environmental performance and practical fuel economy
- Extensive safety equipment
We are very much looking forward to the introduction of the new Clio in Japan, which will further solidify its position as Europe’s most beloved compact car.
