Renault Clio Owners' Guide

The first Renault Clio, a supermini introduced in 1990, replaced the popular Renault 5. It had a lot to live up to and has exceeded expectations, earning numerous awards in the process, including ‘Best Small Car’ at the UK Car of the Year awards in 2024. Now in its fifth generation, the Clio remains as popular as ever, appealing particularly to young and cost-conscious drivers. 

This owners’ guide compiles key information about your Clio in one convenient place, covering service intervals, recommended tyre pressures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you keep your car running smoothly. 

Renault Clio generations

Renault Clio 1990-1998 

The original Renault Clio quickly became a favourite in the UK thanks to a clever, long-running advertising campaign and even clinched the European Car of the Year award in 1991. Its compact size made it ideal for city life, and though it was a simple car, it was also nimble, which made it a joy to drive.  

In addition to the standard petrol engines, a series of increasingly fast sports engines were introduced, eventually leading to the creation of the much sought-after Clio Williams, a tie-in with the Williams F1 team to whom Renault supplied engines at the time.  

A facelift in 1996 introduced more efficient engines, smoother styling, and bigger headlights. 

Body styles: 

• Three-door hatchback 

• Five-door hatchback 

Key engine options: 

• 1.2-litre 55bhp petrol 

• 1.4-litre 75bhp petrol 

• 1.8-litre 95bhp petrol 

• 1.8-litre 137bhp 16V petrol 

• 2.0-litre 150bhp petrol (Clio Williams) 

• 1.9-litre 65bhp diesel 

Renault Clio 1998-2005 

The second-generation Clio debuted in 1998, showcasing a more rounded and modern design. It improved on interior space and safety features, including the introduction of side airbags and ABS as standard on many models. This generation also saw the introduction of the sporty Clio Renaultsport variants. 

Body styles: 

• Three-door hatchback 

• Five-door hatchback 

Key engine options: 

• 1.2-litre 75bhp 16V petrol 

• 1.4-litre 98bhp 16V petrol 

• 1.6-litre 110bhp 16V petrol 

• 2.0-litre 172bhp 16V petrol 

• 1.5-litre 65-100bhp dCi diesel 

Renault Clio 2005-2012 

The third iteration of the Clio was bigger than its predecessor, offering more interior space and comfort. It became the first supermini to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Inside, it sported higher-quality plastics, helping it to move a little further upmarket. The thing that the Clio was best known for, other than the Renaultsport versions, was its outstanding comfort. 

Body styles: 

• Three-door hatchback 

• Five-door hatchback 

• Five-door estate 

Key engine options: 

• 1.2-litre 75bhp 16V petrol 

• 1.2-litre 100bhp TCe turbo petrol 

• 1.6-litre 110bhp VVT petrol 

• 2.0-litre 197-200bhp petrol (Renaultsport) 

• 1.5-litre 86-106bhp dCi diesel 

Renault Clio 2012-2019 

The fourth generation was the most stylish one yet, featuring a sleek and modern interior complete with a new touchscreen infotainment system intended to entice customers who had abandoned the Clio to return. Almost all engine options were turbocharged, and the three-door hatchback and estate versions were dropped.   

Enthusiasts who had previously praised the Renaultsport models were disappointed this time around, as the new version had slightly less power than its predecessor.  

A 2016 facelift brought minor styling changes but did little to reverse the Clio’s waning popularity. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door hatchback 

Key engine options: 

• 0.9-litre 90bhp TCe turbo petrol 

• 1.2-litre 75bhp 16V petrol 

• 1.2-litre 120bhp TCe turbo petrol 

• 1.6-litre 200bhp petrol (Renaultsport) 

• 1.5-litre 90-110bhp dCi diesel 

Renault Clio 2019-present 

The fifth generation Clio is an all-new model despite being visually similar to the Mk4. It has advanced driver assistance systems and a new soft-touch dashboard with more infotainment options, including smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.   

Renault decided not to renew the hot hatch Renaultsport version and instead introduced a new trim level – RS Line. Other trim levels include Evolution and Techno, the former of which comes with climate control, LED headlights and integrated daytime running lights, alloy wheels, Bluetooth, smartphone integration, electric front windows, automatic wipers, and a seven-inch infotainment screen.  

An extensive facelift in 2023 helped differentiate this version of the Clio from the Mk4, altering its appearance to bring it in line with Renault’s other models, such as the Megane. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door hatchback 

Key engine options: 

• 1.0-litre 90bhp TCe turbo petrol 

• 1.6-litre 143bhp E-Tech hybrid petrol 

Service intervals

Maintaining your Clio is crucial to prevent breakdowns and extend its lifespan. A good rule of thumb for most cars is to book a full service once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.  

 You can usually find specific replacement intervals for parts in your owner’s manual or maintenance/service booklet. You should stick to these for optimal results.  

 The following maintenance recommendations are suitable for 2012-2019 petrol Clio models, according to AutoDoc. 

How to reset the service light on a Renault Clio 

The reset method can vary depending on the year and trim of your Clio. If unsure, check your owner’s manual. 

2005-2019 models 

• Switch the ignition on without starting the engine. 

• Use the buttons on the end of the right indicator stalk to cycle through the menu options on the dashboard display screen. 

• When you find the ‘service intervals’ option, press and hold the same indicator button until you see the mileage reset. 

2019-present models 

• Switch the ignition on without starting the engine.  

• Press the menu/pages button on the steering wheel controls until you reach the car options. 

• Cycle through the options until you find ‘oil change’. 

• Press and hold ‘OK’ until the message starts flashing. 

• When the mileage resets, you can release ‘OK’. 

Want to learn more about vehicle servicing? Check out the following guides: 

• What's the difference between a full service and an interim service? 

• How much should a full service cost? 

• How much should an interim service cost? 

• The ultimate guide to car maintenance 

Tyre pressure

What are the tyre pressures for a Renault Clio? 

The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the spec and engine of your car. The table below shows tyre sizes and pressures listed for the Clio on TyrePressures.com. 

However, you should always check this information before adjusting your tyres. You can find the correct pressures: 

• In your vehicle handbook/owner’s manual. 

• Printed on the sill of the driver’s door. 

• On the inside of the fuel tank cap. 

Read our guide to tyre pressure for more information. 

How to reset the Renault Clio tyre pressure light 

The tyre pressure reset method varies depending on the year and spec of your Clio. You can find instructions for your specific model in your owner’s manual. 

Pre-2019 models 

• Make sure your tyres are topped up to the correct pressures. 

• Switch the ignition on. 

• Using the buttons on the end of the right indicator stalk, scroll through the menu options until you reach ‘tyre pressure’. 

• Hold the same button down to begin the reset process. 

• You will see a message saying the tyre pressure has been set. You can now release the button. 

2019-present 

• Switch the ignition on. 

• Press the menu button on the central infotainment screen. 

• Next, select ‘car info’. 

• Press ‘tyre pressure’ (found under the ‘vehicle’ tab). 

• Once you’re happy with your current tyre pressures, press ‘initialisation’, followed by ‘yes’ to confirm. 

• The reset is complete. 

Engine oil

It’s crucial to use the correct engine oil – find out why in this guide. 

The recommended oil can vary between different Clio engine configurations and depending on whether the car uses petrol or diesel. Your owner’s manual will provide information about the right oil for your vehicle. 

Many Clio models use 5W-30 or 5W-40 engine oil grades. 

Renault oil approvals 

Renault has specific oil standards that go beyond general ACEA and API classifications. They ensure that the oil is tested and proven to work with Renault-specific designs.  

• RN0700: For older, naturally aspirated petrol engines. Usually 5W-30 or 10W-40.  

• RN0710: For turbo petrol and high-performance engines. Usually 5W-40.  

• RN0720: For diesel engines with DPFs. Usually 5W-30 (low SAPS).  

• RN17: For the latest petrol and diesel engines, compatible with modern emissions systems. Usually 5W-30. 

What is the oil capacity of a Renault Clio? 

Oil capacity varies depending on the engine size and model year. The Clio requires between 3.3 and 5.8-litres of oil. 

When topping up, remember to add oil gradually and check the dipstick to avoid overfilling. Too much oil puts more pressure on seals and gaskets and can lead to increased friction between parts.   

Battery

What battery do I need for my Renault Clio? 

The table below shows the battery requirements of Renault Clio engine variants using information from What Battery. The base hold-down is B13. 

How to make your Renault Clio battery last longer  

Follow these tips to keep your battery in good condition. 

• Drive regularly 

• Keep battery terminals clean 

• Use a trickle charger when not using your car for a long time 

• Protect from extreme temperatures 

• Switch off non-essential appliances 

Check out this guide for more battery maintenance tips. 

Warning lights

What do the warning lights mean on a Renault Clio? 

Dashboard warning lights are triggered by the car’s electronic control unit (ECU) when a problem is detected. You can learn some information by looking at the shape and colour of the light, but for a detailed diagnosis, you’ll usually need to book a diagnostic test. 

• Red lights indicate a severe problem. You should stop driving and contact a mechanic. 

• Yellow lights are less urgent – you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book your car into a garage. 

Learn more about car warning lights and what they mean in this guide. 

Renault Clio warning lights you might not know  

Renault power steering fault 

If your Clio experiences a power steering fault, you’ll usually see the STOP warning light and a steering wheel with an exclamation mark. Depending on the cause, you may also see the battery warning light. 

Power steering faults are often caused by: 

• Faulty steering column 

• Low voltage 

• Failing electric motor 

Check your battery voltage first. If that’s fine, the next step is to contact a mechanic to help with a diagnosis and repair. 

Renault electronic fault warning light 

The electronic fault warning light resembles a rectangle with a zig-zag line inside it. Since modern Clio models use highly sophisticated electrical systems, it can come on for a variety of reasons, ranging from a fault with the automatic transmission to an issue with the fuel injection computer.  

It’s essential to have the warning light checked by a professional, even if you experience no other symptoms. 

Spotted a warning light but don’t know what’s causing it? Don’t guess – book a diagnostic test! 

Common problems

Whether you’re already a proud Clio owner or you’re in the market for one, it’s helpful to know what kind of problems the model experiences.     

 Our Renault Clio common problems guide explores this topic in detail, so we’ll just cover two top issues here. 

1. Broken suspension 

Suspension issues are one of the top two problems reported by Clio owners. Parts can wear out faster than expected, especially the top shock absorber bushes, which can lead to heavy steering and unusual noises from the front of the car.  

If you’re on the hunt for a second-hand Clio, make sure you take it on a test drive and follow the advice in this guide to identify common suspension problems. 

Wondering what to look for when buying a used car? Read this. 

2. Electrical issues 

Renault Clios have a long-standing reputation for electrical niggles, which can affect everyday usability and even the vehicle’s performance. While some issues are minor, others, such as those involving the ECU or immobiliser, can leave the car undriveable. 

Electrical problems can include: 

• Central locking malfunctions: Doors not locking/unlocking properly due to wiring or module faults. 

• Dashboard glitches: Flickering displays, faulty instrument clusters or warning lights staying on. 

• Electric window failures: Windows getting stuck or switches becoming unresponsive. 

• Starting issues: Often caused by faulty keys, immobilisers, or ECU problems. 

Need help diagnosing car problems? Check out the following guides for advice: 

• Diagnose car problems & find the right fix 

• Diagnose strange noises in your car & find a fix 

Top Renault Clio questions and topics

How to open the bonnet on a Renault Clio 

• Pull the bonnet release lever on the passenger side door frame. You should hear a click. 

• Slide your fingers under the bonnet to the right of the Renault badge and find the second lever. 

• Pull the lever and lift the bonnet. 

• Secure the bonnet in place. 

Still stuck? Check your owner’s manual. 

What insurance group is a Renault Clio? 

The insurance group varies depending on the year, engine and trim of your Clio. 

• 2019-present models: groups 3 to 29 

• 2012-2019 models: groups 3 to 28 

• 2005-2012 models: groups 5 to 19 

Examples: 

• 1.0 SCe 65 Play 5d (2019-): group 3 

• Expression 1.2 16V 75 5d (2012-2019): group 3 

• 1.5 dCi Authentique (68bhp) 5d (2005-2012): group 5 

• 2.0 VVT Dynamique S 3d (2005-2012): group 19 

• Renault Sport Trophy Nav TCe 220 EDC auto 5d (2012-2019): group 28 

• 1.6T 16V R.S. 18 Nav 220 Auto 5d (2019-): group 29 

Learn more about car insurance and how to get it cheaper.

Does a Renault Clio have a timing belt or chain? 

Renault Clio models can have a timing chain or a timing belt, depending on the engine. Typically, turbo petrol engines and Renaultsport engines use chains, whereas non-turbocharged petrol and diesel engines often use a belt.   

Your owner’s manual will provide information about your car’s timing system, including recommended replacement intervals.   

If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:

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• The ultimate guide to car maintenance

• How does a car work?

• Renault Mégane owners' guide

• Common problems with the Renault Clio

• Common problems with the Renault Megane

• Common problems with the Renault Captur