While the electric Renault 5 is causing a sensation, Renault has a big surprise in store for us. The French manufacturer has just been caught testing the future generation of its hybrid city car, successor to the iconic Clio.
The first stolen photos, despite the traditional camouflage, already reveal the outlines of a promising design. This sixth generation, expected in 2025 for probable marketing in 2026, seems to adopt a more assertive and modern silhouette while retaining its DNA as a versatile city car.
Hybrid engines still have their place
This double-edged strategy – offering both the electric R5 and a new hybrid city car – demonstrates that Renault does not put all its eggs in one basket. The manufacturer thus responds to the different needs of its customers: urban residents ready to make the switch to electric with the R5, and those who still prefer the versatility of the hybrid with this new generation.
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The prototype seen suggests a significant evolution of the design: more dynamic, more modern, but still faithful to the compact proportions which made the success of its predecessor. This new generation therefore seems ready to perpetuate Renault's heritage in the city car segment, while adapting to current environmental requirements.
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What we can see on the spy photos that have been published is that it uses new front light clusters and rear lights, that the rear door handles are “hidden” in the C-pillar and that the grille is quite far from what we are used to at Renault.
Other details, like the exhaust system situation, should be left aside for now, as this is still a prototype, and such solutions have no place in a production car .
In the absence of official data, the reference for the car is the length of 4.05 m of the current Renault Clio, from which the sixth generation will not move away, nor the 254 liter trunk announced for the moment.
Improvements are expected in the hybrid engine, for the sake of efficiency and reduction of fuel consumption, which is currently 4.2 liters per 100 kilometerswhich is already quite low.
It remains to be seen whether the power of 145 hp will be retained and whether the size of the battery with a capacity of 1.2 kWh will be changed to improve efficiency.
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Expected technical characteristics
Although Renault has not yet revealed all the technical details, the Renault 5 hybrid should be equipped with a efficient hybrid enginecombining energy efficiency and emissions reduction. This technological choice aims to offer increased autonomy and reduced operating costs, thus meeting the expectations of modern consumers while competing with existing models on the market.
Renault focuses on intelligent energy management, maximizing efficiency during urban journeys while providing a pleasant driving experience. Specific innovationssuch as advanced connectivity and safety equipment, could also complete the offer, making this model as attractive as it is functional.
Perspectives for the future of Renault and the hybrid range
The success or failure of the Renault 5 hybrid could significantly influence Renault's strategy in the years to come. If the model succeeds in attracting the public, it could pave the way for other modernized reissues of the brand's old successes, while consolidating its image as a manufacturer capable of combining tradition and innovation.
The transition to full electrification is not without challenges. For Renault, this new hybrid version is a full-scale test to assess the market's receptivity to hybrid models alongside an electric range. The expectations of experts and consumers will be closely scrutinizedand their reception will largely determine the future strategic directions of the brand.
As there is still a lot of time before its commercialization, which could only take place end of 2025 or beginning of 2026it is difficult to know what the price range will be, although we can again take as a reference the price of base at which it is currently sold, namely 22,165 euros.
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