Renault Clio MK4 vs Renault Clio MK5

Renault Clio

MK4 · 2012 – 2019

The fourth Clio (MK4), on a modified B platform.

Renault Clio

MK5 · 2019 – 2026

The fifth Clio (MK5), on the CMF-B platform with the E-Tech hybrid.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Renault Clio

Pick the MK4 for an affordable, reliable early Clio with a large used supply.

Best engine: The 0.9 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 dCi (diesel).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Renault Clio

Pick the MK5 for the modern, efficient Clio with a bigger boot and the E-Tech hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.0 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech 140/145 (hybrid).

Read the full guide

Performance

0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol vs 1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol

	Renault Clio	Renault Clio
Power	90 hp	100 hp Winner
Torque	135 Nm	160 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	12,2 s	11,8 s Winner
Top speed	182 km/h	187 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	87,0 hp/t	91,7 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	99 g/km Winner	112 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,3 L/100km Winner	5,0 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Renault Clio	Renault Clio
Boot	300 L	391 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.146 L Winner	1.069 L
Wheelbase	2,59 m Winner	2,59 m
Length	4,06 m	4,05 m
Ground clearance	—	—
Turning circle	10,6 m	10,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	900 kg	900 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Clio	Renault Clio
Platform	B (modified)	CMF-B
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	0.9 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.6 RS · 1.5 dCi	1.0 SCe · 1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145
Transmission	5-speed manual	6-speed manual · X-tronic CVT
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Renault Clio

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC (2013–2015): jerky shifts
Electrical gremlins and MediaNav/R-Link freezes

Renault Clio

E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Electrical gremlins and infotainment freezes
1.5 Blue dCi: DPF and AdBlue on short trips

Pros

Renault Clio

Compact, agile and cheap to run
Reliable 0.9 TCe and efficient 1.5 dCi
Large, affordable used supply

Renault Clio

Modern interior and attractive design
Smooth 1.0 TCe and efficient E-Tech hybrid
Bigger boot than the MK4 (391 L)

Cons

Renault Clio

Tight boot and rear seat
1.2 TCe carries chain risk

Renault Clio

Rear seat still tight
Infotainment can be slow

Driving experience

Renault Clio

Light and easy to manoeuvre in town with a small turning circle, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is acceptable but the ride is firmer than the previous generation, especially on larger wheels. The 0.9 TCe and 1.2 TCe feel responsive for daily use when healthy, while the 1.5 dCi is stronger on the motorway. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but often shows low-speed hesitation or judder. Overall a competent supermini of its era rather than a driver's car.

Renault Clio

Light and easy to place in town, with precise-enough steering for the class but little real feedback. Body control is firmer than the previous Clio, reducing roll in corners while staying acceptable on normal roads — the ride is firm rather than plush. The 1.0 TCe and 1.3 TCe feel responsive for daily use; the E-Tech hybrid adds strong low-speed electric assistance and smooth transitions in most conditions. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, and the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but can hesitate at low speeds. Overall a competent, easy supermini rather than a driver's car.