Renault Clio MK5 vs Volkswagen Polo 6R

Renault Clio

MK5 · 2019 – 2026

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

Volkswagen Polo

6R · 2009 – 2017

The fifth-generation Polo (6R), on the PQ25 platform.

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…

Volkswagen Polo

Pick the Polo for a mature, thrifty supermini with low running costs and solid build quality.

Best engine: The 1.2 TSI (90 hp) or 1.4 MPI (85 hp).

Read the full guide

Performance

1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol vs 1.2 TSI 90 · Petrol

	Renault Clio	Volkswagen Polo
Power	100 hp Winner	90 hp
Torque	160 Nm	160 Nm
0–100 km/h	11,8 s	10,5 s Winner
Top speed	187 km/h Winner	182 km/h
Power-to-weight	91,7 hp/t Winner	84,9 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	112 g/km	110 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,0 L/100km	4,8 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Renault Clio	Volkswagen Polo
Boot	391 L Winner	280 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.069 L Winner	950 L
Wheelbase	2,59 m Winner	2,47 m
Length	4,05 m	3,97 m
Ground clearance	—	14,5 cm
Turning circle	10,4 m Winner	10,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	900 kg	1.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Clio	Volkswagen Polo
Platform	CMF-B	PQ25 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	1.0 SCe · 1.0 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.5 Blue dCi · E-Tech 140/145	EA111 1.2/1.4 TSI (pre-facelift) · EA211 1.0/1.2 TSI (facelift) · EA189/EA288 TDI · EA888 1.8 (GTI)
Transmission	6-speed manual · X-tronic CVT	5-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
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

Volkswagen Polo

Timing chain on EA111 TSI (pre-2014)
Water pump/thermostat module
EGR/DPF on diesels (short trips)

Pros

Renault Clio

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

Volkswagen Polo

Affordable and cheap to maintain
Facelift (2014+) brought better EA211 engines
Compact and easy to park

Cons

Renault Clio

Rear seat still tight
Infotainment can be slow

Volkswagen Polo

EA111 chain (early 1.2/1.4 TSI) can cause trouble
Pre-facelift interior and infotainment dated

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.

Volkswagen Polo

Light, nimble and easy to thread through town. The 6R steers quickly and accurately, rides acceptably for its size, and feels genuinely small and manageable in tight streets. The 1.0 and 1.2 TSI engines are adequate rather than exciting; the 1.4 TSI and GTI add real pace; the 1.6 TDI is the economical choice for distance. The 7-speed DSG is smooth once moving, though it can hesitate from a standstill. It is a competent, economical supermini, though it trails the AW for refinement and cabin quality.