2023 Renault Clio Review & Buyer's Guide
Looking up a specific Renault Clio?
Check VIN History ReportOverview
What Are the Strengths of the 2023 Renault Clio?
Fun and Agile Handling
Balances agility and comfort with direct steering and controlled body roll, making it enjoyable on twisty roads and easy to park in town.
Efficient E-Tech Hybrid
1.6 E-TECH hybrid delivers up to 55mpg in real-world mixed driving, with seamless electric mode covering nearly half of short journeys under 1000 miles.
Top Safety Rating
Five-star Euro NCAP score with standard AEB for pedestrians/cyclists, lane assist, traffic sign recognition, and optional 360-camera.
Refined Ride
Excellent refinement by class standards, comfortable at motorway speeds and isolates road imperfections well.
Value for Money
Competitive pricing from £21,295 for E-Tech, with five-year warranty showing brand confidence.
Smooth Powertrain
Quick off the mark in electric mode, plenty of power for overtaking, and creeps like a torque converter auto.
What Are the Weaknesses of the 2023 Renault Clio?
Infotainment Glitches
R-Link2 system issues like out-of-date maps, DAB drop-out, dashboard rattles, and window whistles reported by owners.
Hesitant Transmission
E-Tech gearbox delays under hard acceleration, leaving engine roaring; 0-62mph over nine seconds.
Mixed Brand Reliability
Renault ranked 29th/32 manufacturers; 25% fault rate in first year per surveys.
Hard Interior Plastics
Scratchy materials in places despite solid build and recycled fabrics.
Shorter Service Plan
Owners note service plan could be longer for better long-term value.
What Are the Most Common 2023 Renault Clio Problems?
Infotainment and Sat Nav Faults
ModerateGlitches with R-Link2, out-of-date maps, DAB drop-out reported early in ownership.
Dashboard Rattles and Noises
LowRattles and window whistles common, check during inspection around 10,000-20,000 miles.
Transmission Hesitation
ModerateGearbox lag under acceleration noted in E-Tech hybrids from new.
Tyre and Brake Wear
LowCommon wear items; inspect pads, discs, tyres, and suspension alignment at routine services under 20,000 miles.
Early Faults
Moderate25% of owners report faults within first year per Driver Power survey.
What Owners Say
Owners love the driving fun, hybrid efficiency, and smoothness but report infotainment glitches, noises, and some reliability concerns; positive for short journeys but cautious on long-term durability.
"Love it. Quick off the mark, pulls away in electric mode, engine fires up seamlessly... getting around 55mpg... nearly half of the first 1000 miles in EV mode." — HonestJohn forum
"My experience with the car has been great, travelled twice to Limpopo with the Clio V at 11k mileage." — YouTube (Mothapo KM)
"Best way to get great fuel economy is to drive it in Eco mode, but ja it's not as fun. Renaults service plan could have been a bit longer." — YouTube (Mothapo KM, 1-year review)
"Lovely to drive but shocking fuel economy (low 20s) - some variability noted early on." — HonestJohn forum
"We came across glitches with the R-Link2 infotainment and sat nav... dashboard rattles and window whistles." — RAC Drive owner survey
Reliability Rating
AverageMidfield customer satisfaction; Clio ranked 29th in 2021 Driver Power, related Captur 34th/75 in 2023; Renault brand 29th/32 with 25% first-year faults, but backed by 5-year warranty. New platform means long-term data emerging.
Final Verdict
The 2023 Renault Clio E-Tech excels as a stylish, efficient urban supermini with top safety and fun handling, ideal for short-trip commuters. Potential buyers should inspect for infotainment issues and early rattles, prioritizing full service history given average brand reliability. Strong value if you value driving pleasure over proven long-term dependability.
See price guide for the 2023 Renault Clio
Market values, cost of ownership, depreciation data, and buying tips.
Compare This Vehicle
Check Any Renault Clio VIN
Get a comprehensive history report for any 2023 Renault Clio
Check VIN Now