Efficiency and driving pleasure aboard New Clio thanks to the 160 hp hybrid engine
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For over 30 years, Clio has established itself as a benchmark in its segment. With its sixth generation, Renault is once again redefining the standards. At a time of energy transition, Renault is building its strategy on two pillars to meet CAFE standards: on the one hand, a range of E-Tech electric vehicles, and on the other, a range of E-Tech hybrid vehicles that fully contribute to this objective. Thus, New Clio offers a completely renewed range of modern and efficient powertrains, with the full hybrid E-Tech 160 hp as its flagship. This engine is presented in detail by Marine Clinchard, powertrain launch manager at Renault, who sheds light on the Group’s technological choices.
A powertrain range tailored to today’s needs
New Renault Clio is available with four different powertrains to meet the diverse expectations of customers, whether private individuals or corporate fleets:
- the TCe 115 hp, available with a manual gearbox or an all-new EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission,
- the Eco-G 120 hp version, with dual petrol/LPG fuel capability,
- and the flagship of the range, the full hybrid E-Tech 160 hp.
The 1.2-litre three-cylinder TCe 115 engine perfectly illustrates this philosophy. Designed from the outset to be multi-energy, it can be adapted into petrol, LPG, mild hybrid and even full hybrid versions on certain models within the Group.
“We made the choice to offer powertrains that are truly aligned with real user expectations. While diesel is in low demand, petrol, and even more so hybrid, meets our customers’ economic, environmental, and driving pleasure needs.”
Marine Clinchard
This pragmatic approach makes it possible to respond quickly to market changes and environmental regulations.
The full hybrid E-Tech 160 hp: a concentrate of innovation
A true technological showcase of New Clio, the new full hybrid E-Tech 160 hp engine embodies Renault’s new generation of hybridization. Developed around a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder block with high-pressure direct injection, now delivering 15 more horsepower and 22 Nm more torque than the previous generation, it relies on two electric motors and a new 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, made more efficient thanks to its cooling system connected to the air conditioning circuit.
Its intelligent multi-mode gearbox, derived from Renault Group’s F1 expertise, offers 15 different combinations of thermal and electric operation, optimizing driving pleasure, fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions depending on usage. The result: smooth transitions between power sources, no torque interruption and exceptionally fluid driving.
Renault chose series-parallel hybrid technology, which ensures maximum efficiency by combining the strengths of thermal engines (power) with those of electric motors (energy optimization). This is paired with a multi-mode gearbox that manages energy flow, including recovering energy generated by the combustion engine or deceleration and reusing it when the thermal engine is less efficient. This is Renault’s full hybrid E-Tech technology.
The figures speak for themselves:
- up to 80% of driving time in cities and suburbs in all-electric mode,
- the segment’s best certified combined fuel consumption, starting from 3.9 l/100 km,
- CO₂ emissions as low as 89 g/km,
- 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.3 seconds,
- and a range of up to 1,000 km.
“We wanted a hybrid powertrain that compromises neither driving pleasure nor efficiency. The driver has nothing to manage: the system optimizes consumption on its own and prioritizes driving comfort.”
Marine Clinchard
Concrete benefits across many areas
Innovation only has value if it delivers tangible benefits. With the full hybrid E-Tech 160 hp, Renault combines technological progress with real advantages in everyday use.
For the driver, it guarantees a smooth, quiet and responsive ride. The 100% electric start makes urban journeys more fluid, while the multi-mode gearbox ensures seamless acceleration. It also means lower running costs: up to 40% less fuel consumption compared to an equivalent petrol engine, with no charging constraints thanks to self-recharging technology. Finally, it is another step towards carbon neutrality, with drastically reduced CO₂ emissions and a powertrain already compliant with upcoming Euro 7 standards.
“Today, our customers expect solutions that combine savings, environmental responsibility and driving pleasure. With the full hybrid New Clio, we have found the right balance between all these expectations.”
Marine Clinchard
With New Clio, Renault once again demonstrates its ability to anticipate the transformations of mobility. The full hybrid E-Tech 160 hp is not just a more efficient engine: it is an innovation that combines driving pleasure, savings and environmental responsibility. A rare balance that reaffirms Clio as the benchmark city car in its segment.
