Renault Clio engines

Since its launch in 1990, Renault Clio has become one of the most successful small cars in Europe, offering an impressive range of Renault Clio engines over five generations. Each generation has brought innovative technologies and different strengths, from the robust atmospheric engines of the early days to the modern hybrid powertrains of the current generation.

Renault Clio engines: Historic generations I-III (1990-2012)

The first three generations of the Renault Clio shaped the European small car market for over two decades and established the foundation for the brand. Generation I (1990-1998) started with proven atmospheric engines that easily reached 250,000 to 300,000 kilometers with proper maintenance. Generation II (1998-2005) introduced more modern injection technology and offered a greater variety of engines, while Generation III (2005-2012) introduced the first turbo petrol engines and common-rail diesels. The absolute highlight of these historic generations was the 2.0 16V from Generation II with 172 hp in the Clio RS, which combined sporty performance with surprisingly high reliability. Typical repair intervals for atmospheric engines were between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers, while the early turbo engines required attention from as little as 120,000 kilometers.

Renault Clio gasoline engines: Historic generations I-III (1990-2012)

The Renault Clio petrol engine range of the first three generations included a wide range from basic 1.2-liter engines to powerful 2.0-liter units. Generation I mainly offered atmospheric engines: 1.2 (54-58 hp), 1.4 (75-80 hp) and 1.8 (90-107 hp). These Renault Clio engines were considered particularly reliable and low-maintenance. Generation II expanded the range with the legendary 2.0 16V with 172 hp in the Clio RS and introduced the first 1.6-liter engines. The Renault Clio 1.6 16V with 110 hp became the most popular engine of this generation. Generation III finally brought the first turbocharged petrol engine: the 1.2 TCe with 100 hp, which initially struggled with turbocharger problems. The best petrol engine of these historic generations was the 1.4 16V with 98 hp from Generation II - it offered a perfect balance of performance, consumption and durability.

Renault Clio diesel engines: Historic generations I-III (1990-2012)

Renault Clio diesel history began in Generation I with the robust 1.9 D (64 hp), an indirect injection engine without turbocharger. Generation II introduced the more modern 1.5 dCi, which was offered with various power levels from 65 to 106 hp. This Renault Clio 1.5 dCi developed into a successful engine and is still in use today. Generation III further refined the 1.5 dCi and also offered a 1.2 dCi with 75 hp as an entry-level diesel. The Renault Clio 1.5 dCi with 86 hp from Generation III is considered the most reliable diesel engine of these generations - it combined low fuel consumption (4.2 l/100 km) with a long service life and regularly reached over 400,000 kilometers.

Renault Clio engines: Generation IV (2012-2019)

The fourth generation Renault Clio marked a technological turning point with the introduction of modern downsizing concepts and improved efficiency. This generation typically reached 200,000 to 280,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, with the proven 1.5 dCi diesels remaining the long-distance champions. Major engine failures were rare, with only the new 0.9 TCe three-cylinder engines showing teething problems at the beginning. The absolute top engine of this generation was the Renault Clio 1.5 dCi with 90 hp, which perfectly combined efficiency and reliability. Technical highlights included start-stop systems as standard for the first time and optimized aerodynamics. Compared to the competition, the Clio IV positioned itself as a particularly economical and reliable small car.

Renault Clio petrol engines: Generation IV (2012-2019)

The Renault Clio petrol engine range of the fourth generation consistently focused on downsizing with turbocharging. The new 0.9 TCe three-cylinder engine was offered in various power levels from 90 to 120 hp and replaced the larger atmospheric engines. In parallel, the proven 1.2 16V with 75 hp remained available as an entry-level engine. The Renault Clio 0.9 TCe with 90 hp developed into a bestseller, but suffered from typical problems of early three-cylinder turbo engines: ignition coil failures, turbocharger problems and increased oil consumption. The Renault Clio 1.2 16V, which was the last atmospheric petrol engine in the series, proved to be much more reliable. For sporty drivers, there was the Clio RS with 1.6 Turbo and 200 hp, which was, however, more susceptible due to its complexity.

Renault Clio diesel engines: Generation IV (2012-2019)

The tried-and-tested Renault Clio 1.5 dCi remained the heart of the diesel range and was offered in power levels from 75 to 110 hp. All variants had modern common-rail injection and particulate filters. The Renault Clio 1.5 dCi with 90 hp (Energy dCi 90) proved to be the best engine of this generation - it combined a standard consumption of just 3.2 l/100 km with high reliability and regularly achieved over 350,000 kilometers. The more powerful 110 hp variants offered more power, but were slightly more susceptible to turbocharger problems during sporty driving.

Renault Clio engines: Generation V (2019-today)

The current fifth generation of the Renault Clio represents the state of the art in small car technology and relies entirely on electrified drive systems. All engines feature mild hybrid technology or are designed as full hybrids. The expected mileage is 250,000 to 300,000 kilometers, whereby the hybrid technology relieves the combustion engine and ensures a longer service life. Typical repair intervals have been extended due to the electric support, with the first major maintenance not expected until 180,000 kilometers. The absolute highlight is the Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid with 140 hp system output, which offers efficiency and driving comfort at the highest level. In technical terms, this generation introduced innovative multi-speed hybrid transmissions and 48-volt electrical systems. In a market comparison, the Clio V positions itself as the technology leader in the small car segment.

Renault Clio mild hybrid petrol engine: Generation V (2019-today)

The Renault Clio engine range is based on two 1.0 TCe engines with 67 kW (91 hp) and 74 kW (100 hp), both equipped with 12-volt mild hybrid technology. These Renault Clio engines are equipped with Start-Stop systems and regenerative braking. The Renault Clio 1.0 TCe with 100 hp is considered to be particularly successful and is becoming the best-selling engine of this generation - it offers smooth power delivery and has so far been free of major production problems. The mild hybrid technology reduces fuel consumption by around 0.2-0.4 l/100km compared to conventional engines.

Renault Clio full hybrid: Generation V (2019-today)

The Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid combines a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine with two electric motors and achieves a system output of 103 kW (140 hp). The innovative clutchless multi-speed hybrid transmission enables purely electric driving at low speeds. This Renault Clio engine offers a standard consumption of just 4.3 l/100km and is considered a technical masterpiece, but occasionally shows adaptation problems with the transmission in stop-and-go traffic.

Renault Clio petrol engines: Generation V (2019-today)

In addition to the mild hybrid variants, there are also conventional Renault Clio 1.0 TCe engines with 65 and 90 hp for price-conscious buyers. However, these are less efficient and are mainly offered in base markets.

Conclusion: The best Renault Clio engines of all generations

The development of Renault Clio engines shows a continuous improvement in efficiency and technology. While the historic generations were characterized by robust, simple engines, the modern generation relies on innovative hybrid technology. The diesel engines have remained the long-distance champions across all generations, while the petrol engines have only come into their own in the current generation thanks to electrification.

• Best Renault Clio gasoline engine:

The Renault Clio 1.0 TCe mild hybrid (100 hp, Generation V) combines modern technology with high efficiency and excellent reliability.

• Best Renault Clio diesel engine:

Renault Clio 1.5 dCi (90 hp, Generation IV) offers the best combination of reliability, economy and durability across all generations.

• Best Renault Clio hybrid engine:

The Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid (140 hp, Generation V) with its innovative multi-speed hybrid transmission and low fuel consumption of 4.3 l/100km.

For maintenance and spare parts for all Renault Clio generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.

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