Old fashioned ingredients
The all-new Renault Clio arrives not only as a hybrid, but also ‘simply’ with a turbo petrol engine and a real manual gearbox. In this form, we are happy to hoist it onto the Back to Basics podium, because what exactly do you get for €26,990?
Renault Clio TCe 115 Evolution – €26,990
Yes, €26,990 is the starting price of the new Renault Clio. That sounds like a lot, but is really competitive in the B-segment of 2025 in the Netherlands. For just under 27 grand you get at least a car with a healthy amount of power, because that’s how we would describe 115 hp in a compact car. The 1.2-liter three-cylinder is also linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, an extinct pleasure in today’s automotive landscape. The cheapest Evolution version is also available as a Hybrid 160 with automatic transmission. Then you pay €28,990 and your Clio looks exactly like the copy above this story.
Afraid that such an ‘old-fashioned’ gasoline-fueled Clio is not green enough? Unjustly, because thanks to the basic color ‘Vert Absolu’ this Clio is as green as it can be. It is also immediately a metallic lacquer. Oddly enough, a Clio in this color is never an Esprit Alpine, because that sporty top version is never green and standard uni-white. Renault offers quite a few other colors and asks a surcharge of €700 for this.
That manual gearbox is not the only classic basic model ingredient of this new Renault, because we even find wheel covers. These are disguised as light metal in a reasonably successful way, but still. The trained eye also recognizes the Evolution by the absence of privacy glass and the matt finished grille, which is executed in high-gloss black on the more expensive Techno. Piercing LED headlights are of course standard, just like those striking daytime running lights in the bumper.
The interior makes a complete impression, not least because of the sporty shaped seats and the, Judging by the pictures, very nice upholstery fabric. The large 10-inch touchscreen also does a lot and naturally offers Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Adaptive cruise control is always present and air conditioning too, although this is the manual version. We also miss a center armrest in the basic Clio, the car does without a rain and light sensor, you will have to unlock this Clio yourself with a button on the key and a cord is always needed to charge your phone.
The author’s choice
Completely against the fashion, this Clio can still be dressed with separate options and packages. For example, you can choose the Pack Navigation for €800 with a more extensive Google infotainment system with Play Store and more speakers and the Pack Comfort for €500 provides an armrest, electrically folding exterior mirrors, a rain sensor and keyless entry. Attractive packages, but I would probably still end up in a Techno. With €28,990, this is even more expensive than an Evolution with Navigation and Comfort (which would be €28,290), but it is also more luxurious. For example, the Techno offers everything from the mentioned packages, but nicer upholstery up to the dashboard, light-alloy wheels and a wireless phone charger. As a bonus, the Techno opens the gate to the temporarily free ‘Pack Première’. That costs no extra and provides seat heating, height-adjustable front seats, 18-inch light metal and some extra safety aids, which suddenly creates a pretty thick Clio.
According to the configurator, the ‘Pack Première’ does indeed have a small surcharge, probably due to the increased bpm because of those larger wheels. The total would therefore be €29,509. Be sure to ask the dealer about this, but even so that package is a nice offer. In terms of color, we are quickly ready: that green is excellent!