Renault Clio is a B-segment automobile produced by the French car manufacturer Renault since 1990, and it has evolved through five different generations to the present day. With its compact structure addressing the needs of urban mobility, relatively spacious interior for its class, and equipment levels reflecting the technical standards of its time, it has secured a place in European automotive history. Over its more than thirty-year production history, the Clio has undergone transformations not only in technical aspects but also in terms of marketing, design, and user profile.
Historical Development Process
First Generation (1990–1998)
The first generation of the Renault Clio was designed as the successor to the Renault 5. Introduced at the 1990 Paris Motor Show, the model quickly spread across the European market. Being named European Car of the Year in 1991 reflects the prestige it gained early on. This generation was offered with 3- and 5-door hatchback body options, and its engine range included naturally aspirated petrol and diesel engines from 1.1 to 1.8 liters. Compared to its predecessor, the Renault 5, it featured a more optimized body design with reduced aerodynamic drag.
Clio I (Kaynak: Renault)
Second Generation (1998–2005)
The second generation Clio was produced during a period when Renault shifted toward more rounded lines and a modern exterior design language. Safety features were improved in this generation, with ABS and airbags being more commonly offered. Sporty variants such as the 2.0-liter Clio RS and the limited-production mid-engine Clio V6 emphasized the model's performance identity. Additionally, low-cost versions under the name “Clio Campus” were introduced. During this time, Clio expanded its market presence beyond Europe to regions such as the Middle East and South America.
Clio II (Kaynak: Renault)
Third Generation (2005–2012)
The Clio III was Renault’s attempt to elevate its small car to a higher level of equipment and safety. This generation saw a significant increase in vehicle dimensions, enhancing interior space and boot capacity. It was also the first Clio to receive a 5-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. Numerous airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and cruise control were offered as standard or optional features. In 2008, a station wagon version (Grandtour) was introduced to diversify the product range. Renault also partnered with TomTom for the first time in this generation to integrate a built-in navigation system.
Clio III (Kaynak: Renault)
Fourth Generation (2012–2019)
The Clio IV represented a radical change in Renault’s design language. Under the leadership of Laurens van den Acker, the brand adopted sharper lines, a more prominent logo, and modern LED lighting graphics. By hiding the rear door handles in the C-pillar, the five-door model acquired the appearance of a three-door vehicle. In this generation, three-door hatchbacks and station wagons were discontinued in some markets, with all versions being five-door. Turbocharged petrol engines became more widespread, including the 0.9-liter TCe, 1.2-liter TCe, and 1.5 dCi engines, all offered with dual-clutch EDC transmissions. The Clio RS was only sold with an automatic transmission, which received some criticism from enthusiasts.
Clio IV (Kaynak: Renault)
Fifth Generation (2019–Present)
Introduced in 2019, the fifth-generation Clio was built on the CMF-B platform developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. It became the first Clio to include hybrid engine technology. The E-Tech hybrid system, combined with a 1.6-liter petrol engine, offered electric-assisted driving. The interior features a digital instrument cluster, a 9.3-inch vertical multimedia screen, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). With a 2023 facelift, the front design was completely renewed, and trim levels were revised. Features like LED Matrix headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 360° camera system were introduced, placing the Clio closer to higher segments in terms of technology.
Clio V (Kaynak: Renault)
Technical Structure and Equipment Development
The technical platform of the Renault Clio has been revised in line with the requirements of each era. While early generations used mostly naturally aspirated, 8-valve engines, turbocharged, direct-injection, small-displacement engines became more common in later generations. Although manual transmissions dominated the earlier models, automatic transmission solutions became more prominent starting from the fourth generation. With the fifth generation, a multi-mode hybrid transmission system was introduced.
In terms of body type, the Clio initially came only as a hatchback, but in the second and third generations, it expanded to include sedan (Symbol/Thalia), station wagon (Grandtour), and commercial (Société) versions. The fourth and fifth generations saw a simplification of the range, offered exclusively in a five-door hatchback format.
Safety equipment has seen significant evolution over time. While limited in the first generation, the third generation added multiple airbags, reinforced crash resistance, and electronic stability aids. In the fifth generation, active safety features include lane keeping assist, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring.
Design and Brand Identity
Since the third generation, Renault Clio has played a key role in the company’s design strategy. Each generation reflects Renault’s design identity of its time. The Clio IV era, led by Laurens van den Acker, introduced the brand-defining large logo and signature LED daytime running lights.
The interior design has also undergone substantial transformation. The first two generations had a simpler and more functional cabin, while from the third generation onward, a focus on perceived quality and aesthetic elements became more pronounced. The fifth generation, with its digital cluster, touch-screen infotainment system, and ambient lighting, positions itself as a more premium offering within the B segment.
Production and Global Reach
Renault Clio has been produced in various countries over the years, mainly in France and Turkey. The Oyak-Renault factory in Bursa, Türkiye, has been one of the major production centers. In the second generation, sedan variants were primarily produced in Türkiye and exported to markets such as Latin America and Africa.
Outside Europe, the model has been sold in regions like North Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia, often under different equipment levels and specifications. In some markets, Clio-branded models may differ technically from their European counterparts.
