Renault Clio MK5 vs Volkswagen Polo AW

Renault Clio

MK5 · 2019 – 2026

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

Volkswagen Polo

AW · 2017 – 2026

The sixth-generation Polo (AW), on the MQB A0 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 1.0 TSI (110 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

1.0 TCe 100 · Petrol vs 1.0 TSI 110 · Petrol

	Renault Clio	Volkswagen Polo
Power	100 hp	110 hp Winner
Torque	160 Nm	200 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	11,8 s	10,0 s Winner
Top speed	187 km/h	196 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	91,7 hp/t	97,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	112 g/km Winner	113 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,0 L/100km	5,0 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Renault Clio	Volkswagen Polo
Boot	391 L Winner	351 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.069 L	1.125 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,59 m Winner	2,56 m
Length	4,05 m	4,05 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	MQB A0 (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	EA211 1.0/1.5 TSI · EA888 2.0 TSI (GTI) · EA288 1.6 TDI (pre-facelift)
Transmission	6-speed manual · X-tronic CVT	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6d
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

DQ200 DSG shift quality (dry clutch)
Timing belt + water pump (EA211)
Infotainment glitches on early cars

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

Roomier and more mature than the Polo V
Thrifty 1.0 TSI with low CO2
Mature road manners and good finish

Cons

Renault Clio

Rear seat still tight
Infotainment can be slow

Volkswagen Polo

DQ200 DSG service (dry clutch)
GTI and higher trims get pricey

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

Bigger, more comfortable and closer to a Golf in feel. The AW rides with noticeably better isolation and body control than the 6R, steers accurately with decent weighting, and stays quiet at speed for a supermini. The 1.0 TSI is the sensible pick — smooth and economical — the GTI adds real pace, and the 1.6 TDI is the long-distance choice. The DSG is smooth; the manual is light and precise. It is a more grown-up, more premium-feeling small car than the 6R, with a maturity close to the Golf in a smaller package.