Like the 4CV and Renault 5 before it, Clio has stood out as a landmark model since 1990. In keeping with its original advertising slogan, Elle a Tout d’une Grande (The Small Car with Big Car Attributes), it has served as a driving force in its class, with each successive generation setting new standards in the B segment. In the space of 20 years, it has won over more than 10 million customers in more than 100 countries thanks to a styling, comfort, versatility, safety and equipment package worthy of cars from the next segment up.

Indeed, it is the only model to date to have claimed the Car of the Year award on two separate occasions: in 1991 initially – shortly after the launch of Clio I – and then a second time in 2006, with Clio III.

As a pioneer in the field of safety, too, it broke new ground by becoming the first car in its class to earn a four-star EuroNCAP crash-test rating, in 2000. Then, in 2005, it went on to become the first to achieve five-star status. Last but not least, its exacting build quality has made it one of the most dependable cars in its segment.

To mark Clio's 20-year long career as an international best seller, Renault has decided, since February, to introduce exclusive '20th' limited edition versions of three- and five-door Clio, Clio Estate and Clio Renault Sport.

Renault Clio's interior styling was guided by a desire to provide a sense of well-being and perceived quality. The dashboard is available with a soft-touch finish and incorporates clear, easy-to-read instruments, while the fully-integrated screen of the Carminat TomTom® satnav system is positioned at the top of the centre console. Renault Clio is a car in which drivers feel immediately at home. The practical controls have been made even more user-friendly, including the short steering wheel-mounted stalks. The switch for the cruise control and speed limiter has been moved to the centre console, alongside the parking brake, and the dashboard display permits drivers to check whether the cruise control/speed limiter is activated or not. Meanwhile, special care has gone into the interior trim, with a range of elegant new ambiences depending on equipment level.

• a choice of dCi engines, two of which emit less than 120g of CO₂/km (e.g. the dCi 85: 117g of CO₂/km) and the availability of a particulate filter for a certain number of them,
• the TCe 100, which boasts the lowest CO₂ emissions of any 100hp petrol engine,
• a 1.2 16V engine capable of running on alternative fuels, namely an E85 bioethanol-compatible version and an LPG version (depending on market).

The versions of Renault Clio powered by the 1.2 16V 75, TCe and dCi 70/85/105 engines meet all three of the criteria necessary to qualify for the Renault eco² signature.