The new Renault Clio now has a more affordable pure-petrol engine option available in the UK. This comes after the supermini was exclusively made as a hybrid in a recent facelift.

The decision was made in response to the current cost of living crisis, which has had an impact on consumer demand for new cars throughout the market.

Renault stated in a statement to Autocar: “We are committed to achieving 100% electrification in the UK with Renault’s E-Tech electric technology, available in both fully electric and full-hybrid powertrains.

“The new Renault Clio will be launched with an E-Tech full-hybrid [143bhp] engine.

“To cater to the needs of some customers in a challenging economic climate, the new Clio will also be available with an [89bhp] TCe petrol engine.”

The hybrid powerplant consists of a 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors that work together to deliver 143bhp and 151lb ft of torque to the front wheels. It is only available with an automatic gearbox and offers a fuel efficiency of 67.3mpg.

On the other hand, the TCe 90 is a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 89bhp and 118lb ft of torque. It achieves a fuel efficiency of 56.5mpg.

The new petrol engine, which is shared with the Dacia Sandero and is only offered with a manual gearbox, is £3500 cheaper than the hybrid option.

As a result, prices for the Clio now start at £17,795 instead of £21,295. This makes it more affordable compared to key rivals in the supermini segment, such as the Peugeot 208 (starting from £20,610 but expected to increase with an upcoming mid-life facelift), the Hyundai i20 (£20,770), and the Vauxhall Corsa (£19,275).