Ultimately, sources suggest, offering an electric Clio alongside the 5 is more about providing customers with greater choice than filling every gap in the line-up.
In any case, Renault bosses do not see the 5 as a replacement for the Clio. Indeed, product performance boss Bruno Vanel has previously told Autocar that “Clio is a brand in itself”, hinting at the importance of retaining the well-known name for another generation.
Renault is committed to keeping costs down for its small electric cars, so any electric Clio would no doubt command just a small premium over the 5, which is being launched next year at around £25,000. A starting price of just under £30,000 would neatly fill the gap between the 5 and the Mégane, which is currently available from £34,995.
However, Renault engineering boss Gilles Le Borgne suggested offering an electric Clio is not an immediate priority for the new-generation car’s launch in 2026 because, in theory, “you can have a whole life of ICE, hybrid Clio before the ICE ban” in 2035.
Nonetheless, he remains a vocal proponent of offering ‘multi-energy’ powertrain options on the same platform, so long as it is affordable – and profitable – to do so.
“It’s like religion. We always fight over multi-energy. Perhaps you know my background,” said Le Borgne, referring to a 30-year tenure at the PSA Group, during which he oversaw the development of electrified powertrains for Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Vauxhall-Opel. “I was the one fighting for multi-energy on the other side of the river – and I have no religion.
“I’m very practical. When I can use multi-energy, I do.”