Ultimately, sources counsel, providing an electrical Clio alongside the 5 is extra about offering clients with larger selection than filling each hole within the line-up.

In any case, Renault bosses don’t see the 5 as a alternative for the Clio. Indeed, product efficiency boss Bruno Vanel has beforehand informed Autocar that “Clio is a brand in itself”, hinting on the significance of retaining the well-known identify for one more technology.

Renault is dedicated to holding prices down for its small electrical vehicles, so any electrical Clio would little question command only a small premium over the 5, which is being launched subsequent 12 months at round £25,000. A beginning value of slightly below £30,000 would neatly fill the hole between the 5 and the Mégane, which is presently out there from £34,995.

However, Renault engineering boss Gilles Le Borgne prompt providing an electrical Clio shouldn’t be an instantaneous precedence for the new-generation automobile’s launch in 2026 as a result of, in concept, “you can have a whole life of ICE, hybrid Clio before the ICE ban” in 2035.

Nonetheless, he stays a vocal proponent of providing ‘multi-energy’ powertrain choices on the identical platform, as long as it’s reasonably priced – and worthwhile – to take action.

“It’s like religion. We always fight over multi-energy. Perhaps you know my background,” mentioned Le Borgne, referring to a 30-year tenure on the PSA Group, throughout which he oversaw the event of electrified powertrains for Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Vauxhall-Opel. “I used to be the one combating for multi-energy on the opposite facet of the river – and I’ve no faith.