The electric vehicle revolution is here, and it's not just limited to luxury sedans and SUVs. Across the pond, Europe is getting a wave of affordable and practical EVs that are perfect for city driving and commuting. One of them is the Renault Clio, a subcompact hatchback that has been a staple of the French automaker's lineup for decades.
The Renault Clio is one of the best-selling cars in Europe and for good reason. It's stylish, spacious, reliable, and fun to drive. And now, it's also electric. Well, sort of. The 2024 Renault Clio E-TECH Hybrid is not a pure EV but a hybrid that can run on electric power for up to 80% of urban journeys, according to Renault. It has a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors, one of which is integrated into the gearbox. The battery pack is only 1.2 kWh, but it can be recharged by regenerative braking or by the engine.
The result is a car that can deliver up to 64 mpg (4 liters per 100 km) in mixed driving and emit as little as 98 grams of CO2 per kilometer. That's impressive for a car that can seat five people and has a decent trunk space. The Renault Clio E-TECH Hybrid also has a range of driving modes, including a pure EV mode that can be activated by pressing a button on the dashboard.
But the Clio is not just about efficiency. It's also about fun. The hybrid system delivers 140 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to make the Clio zippy and agile on the road. Thanks to the electric motor, the gearbox is a clever six-speed automatic that can shift gears without using a clutch. The Clio also has sporty suspension, sharp steering, and strong brakes. It's a car that can make you smile while saving you money at the pump.
