Renault Clio MK5 vs Renault Twingo MK3

Renault Clio

MK5 · 2019 – 2026

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

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 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

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

1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol vs 0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol

	Renault Clio	Renault Twingo
Power	100 hp Winner	90 hp
Torque	160 Nm Winner	135 Nm
0–100 km/h	11,8 s	11,0 s Winner
Top speed	187 km/h Winner	165 km/h
Power-to-weight	91,7 hp/t	95,7 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	112 g/km	105 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,0 L/100km	4,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Renault Clio	Renault Twingo
Boot	391 L Winner	219 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.069 L Winner	980 L
Wheelbase	2,59 m Winner	2,49 m
Length	4,05 m	3,62 m
Ground clearance	—	—
Turning circle	10,4 m	8,6 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	900 kg	—

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Clio	Renault Twingo
Platform	CMF-B	C (rear-engine)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive
Engine family	1.0 SCe · 1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145	1.0 SCe · 0.9 TCe · 0.9 TCe GT · E-Tech Z.E.
Transmission	6-speed manual · X-tronic CVT	5-speed manual · EDC6
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Renault Clio

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

Renault Twingo

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

Pros

Renault Clio

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

Renault Twingo

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

Cons

Renault Clio

Rear seat still tight
Infotainment can be slow

Renault Twingo

Small boot (188–219 L)
Tight rear seat

Driving experience

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.

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.