Renault Clio MK4 vs Renault Twingo MK3

Renault Clio

MK4 · 2012 – 2019

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

Renault Twingo

MK3 · 2014 – 2026

The third Twingo (MK3), an agile rear-wheel-drive city car.

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 Twingo

Pick the Twingo for a very agile, compact city car with a unique rear-wheel-drive layout.

Best engine: The 0.9 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech Z.E. (electric).

Read the full guide

Performance

0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol vs 0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol

	Renault Clio	Renault Twingo
Power	90 hp	90 hp
Torque	135 Nm	135 Nm
0–100 km/h	12,2 s	11,0 s Winner
Top speed	182 km/h Winner	165 km/h
Power-to-weight	87,0 hp/t	95,7 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	99 g/km Winner	105 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,3 L/100km Winner	4,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Renault Clio	Renault Twingo
Boot	300 L Winner	219 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.146 L Winner	980 L
Wheelbase	2,59 m Winner	2,49 m
Length	4,06 m	3,62 m
Ground clearance	—	—
Turning circle	10,6 m	8,6 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	900 kg	—

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Clio	Renault Twingo
Platform	B (modified)	C (rear-engine)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive
Engine family	0.9 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.6 RS · 1.5 dCi	1.0 SCe · 0.9 TCe · 0.9 TCe GT · E-Tech Z.E.
Transmission	5-speed manual	5-speed manual · EDC6
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6
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 Twingo

0.9 TCe: chain at high mileage
Electrical gremlins and keycard issues
EV: 12V battery drain

Pros

Renault Clio

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

Renault Twingo

Very agile thanks to rear-wheel drive
Compact and easy to park
EV version (E-Tech Z.E.) available

Cons

Renault Clio

Tight boot and rear seat
1.2 TCe carries chain risk

Renault Twingo

Small boot (188–219 L)
Tight rear seat

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 Twingo

Agile and easy to manoeuvre in town thanks to the tight turning circle and light steering. The rear-engine layout is largely neutral in normal driving. Ride quality is firmer than some rivals and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps. Steering is light and accurate enough for city use but lacks feel. The 1.0 SCe is quiet and adequate for urban speeds; the 0.9 TCe is more responsive once moving. Manual gearboxes are straightforward, while the EDC dual-clutch can show low-speed hesitation or judder. High-speed refinement is limited, with noticeable wind and road noise above 110 km/h. Overall a competent city car rather than a refined long-distance cruiser.