Renault Clio Fuel Economy Guide: Real-World MPG, Hybrid Efficiency & Best Engines

The Renault Clio stands tall as one of Britain’s favourite compact hatchbacks — a car celebrated for blending comfort, urban agility, and wallet-friendly running costs. With over 1.3 million units sold in the UK since 1991, it carved its place as a smart, stylish, and frugal choice for budget-conscious drivers.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore Renault Clio fuel economy, covering real-world MPG, official figures, hybrid efficiency, the best engines for motorway vs. city driving, and historical fuel consumption performance across model years. Our goal is simple — help UK buyers choose the most efficient Clio variant for their lifestyle and driving habits.
- Why the Renault Clio Is a Fuel-Saving Icon
- Official MPG Figures: Petrol vs Hybrid vs Diesel
- Real-World Fuel Economy Results
- Hybrid E-Tech Fuel Economy Explained
- Renault Clio MPG by Variant (Detailed Reference Table)
- City vs Motorway Fuel Economy Performance
- Fuel-Saving Tips for Renault Clio Owners
- Recommended Engines by Driver Type
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Why the Renault Clio Is a Fuel-Saving Icon
The Clio’s enduring success owes much to its frugal powertrains — from petrol TCe units to diesel dCi options and Renault’s standout E-Tech hybrid system. With the latest facelift offering an Alpine-inspired sporty trim and modern technology, the Clio remains stylish while delivering impressive fuel figures.
Key efficiency benefits include:
- Lightweight chassis engineering
- Aerodynamic design updates
- Advanced hybrid energy-recapture tech
- Small-capacity turbo engines designed for everyday real-world economy
Official MPG Figures: Petrol vs Hybrid vs Diesel
Latest UK Engine Line-up & Efficiency Ratings
| Engine | Fuel | Transmission | Official MPG | CO₂ (g/km) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCe 90 | Petrol | Manual | Up to 54.3 mpg | 118–120 | Everyday economy & motorway commuters |
| E-Tech 145 Hybrid | Petrol-Electric | Auto | Up to 67.3 mpg | 97 | Best overall efficiency & urban driving |
| Blue dCi 85 (older) | Diesel | Manual | 67.3 mpg | 94 | High-mileage motorway drivers |
The E-Tech self-charging hybrid boasts the best balance of economy and emissions without needing a plug-in charge.
You may be interested in reading
Toyota RAV4 “0 Miles to Empty” — How Far Can You Really Drive?Real-World Fuel Economy Results
True efficiency based on mixed UK driving
| Engine | Real-World MPG | Driving Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TCe 90 Petrol | ~50 mpg | Best when driven smoothly; town & motorway mix |
| E-Tech Hybrid | 50–60 mpg | Higher efficiency in city stop-start traffic |
| Diesel dCi | 60–70 mpg | Ideal for long-distance motorway mileage |
Urban drivers will often beat motorway MPG with the Clio hybrid, thanks to electric-motor bias at low speeds.
Hybrid E-Tech Fuel Economy Explained
Renault’s E-Tech hybrid tech delivers electric-first driving in towns, recycling braking energy to extend EV moments and reduce petrol consumption.
Hybrid MPG Breakdown
| Driving Type | Expected MPG |
|---|---|
| City / Slow Traffic | 60–70 mpg (EV mode active often) |
| Motorway | 50–55 mpg |
| Rural / A-Roads | 55–60 mpg |
Renault Clio MPG by Variant (Detailed Reference Table)
Below is a curated and corrected MPG summary referencing the database provided in the source text — reorganised for clarity and buyer comparison.
Diesel MPG (dCi 85 / dCi 90)
| Variant | Transmission | Combined MPG | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue dCi 85 | Manual | 67.3 mpg | 57.6 | 78.5 |
| dCi 90 | Manual | 56.5–58.9 | 49.6–51.4 | 65.7–70.6 |
| dCi 90 | Auto EDC | 56–57.6 | 52–55 | 64–65.7 |
Petrol TCe 90
| Variant | Gearbox | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCe 90 | Manual | 47–53.3 mpg | 38–42 | 55–63 |
Hybrid E-Tech 140/145
| Variant | Gearbox | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-Tech 140/145 | Auto | 62.8–65.7 mpg | 60–67 | 74 |
City vs Motorway Fuel Economy Performance
Best for Town/City
✅ E-Tech hybrid
✅ TCe 90 petrol (short trips)
Best for Motorway
✅ Diesel dCi
✅ TCe 90 (steady motorway cruising)
Toyota RAV4 “0 Miles to Empty” — How Far Can You Really Drive?
MINI Cooper Fuel Economy & Efficiency Guide (All Engines & Generations)Fuel-Saving Tips for Renault Clio Owners
To maximise MPG:
- Use Eco mode where available
- Anticipate braking — hybrids gain more EV time
- Maintain tyre pressures (check monthly)
- Avoid short trips on cold engines
- Drive at steady speeds; avoid harsh throttle inputs
Recommended Engines by Driver Type
| Driver Profile | Best Engine Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| City commuter | E-Tech Hybrid | EV city driving, low running costs |
| Motorway cruiser | Blue dCi 85 | Best long-distance efficiency |
| First-time buyer | TCe 90 | Low insurance + good fuel economy |
| Mixed urban/A-road | Hybrid or TCe 90 | Versatility and economy |
Key Takeaways
- Hybrid Clio leads urban efficiency with up to 67.3 mpg
- Diesels still rule motorways, returning near 70 mpg
- TCe petrol remains a sensible, efficient pick for first-time buyers
- Real-world UK economy sits around 50–60 mpg, depending on engine & driving style
FAQs
Is the Renault Clio good on fuel?
Yes — the newest hybrid returns up to 67.3 mpg, and petrol versions regularly achieve 50+ mpg.
Which Clio engine is the most economical?
The E-Tech hybrid leads in mixed driving, while Blue dCi diesels excel on motorways.
Does the Clio hybrid need charging?
No — it’s a self-charging hybrid.
What MPG should I expect in real UK driving?
Expect 50–60 mpg depending on engine and driving style.
You may be interested in reading
Toyota RAV4 “0 Miles to Empty” — How Far Can You Really Drive?
MINI Cooper Fuel Economy & Efficiency Guide (All Engines & Generations)
MINI Cooper 0-60 Times & Quarter-Mile Guide (All Models & Years)Is the Clio a good first car?
Absolutely. Low running costs, easy handling, and affordable insurance make it ideal for first-time buyers.
If you want to know other articles similar to Renault Clio Fuel Economy Guide: Real-World MPG, Hybrid Efficiency & Best Engines you can visit the category Driving.
Leave a Reply

More content of your interest