Renault Clio Heritage Takes Center Stage at Rétromobile 2026

Renault presents the Clio legacy at Rétromobile 2026, combining heritage models, motorsport history, and modern design, as reported by the brand.

At Rétromobile 2026, Renault is using the Paris show not merely as an exhibition space, but as a statement about how brand heritage can remain alive and relevant. At the heart of its presence stands the Renault Clio, a model that for more than three decades has reflected shifts in popular culture, engineering priorities, and motorsport ambition.

In Hall 7.2, Renault presents “Cliorama”, a large-scale retrospective covering six generations of Clio. Designed as both a chronological and emotional journey, the exhibition spans more than 900 square metres and is structured around five themes: competition, innovation, sport, saga, and luxury. At its centre sits the sixth-generation Clio, positioned as the link between the model’s past and its technological present.

The motorsport section highlights Clio’s long-standing role as an accessible yet competitive platform. Rally and circuit cars from different eras illustrate how the model built its reputation, from early Group A competition cars to later Super 1600 and Clio Cup machines. Alongside them are road-going icons such as the Clio Williams and Clio V6, cars that helped define the idea of the compact performance hatchback.

Another strand of the exhibition focuses on Clio’s premium interpretations. From the early 1990s Baccara versions to the more recent Initiale Paris specification, these models show how Clio has continuously adapted to changing expectations while maintaining a clear identity. In this context, Clio is presented not as a sequence of separate products, but as an evolving concept shaped by design, engineering, and market demands.

Beyond the exhibition itself, Renault uses Rétromobile to underline its broader heritage strategy. The Originals Renault Garage, a network dedicated to the maintenance and restoration of classic Renault vehicles, reflects a shift from preservation as a museum exercise to preservation through use. Its participation in the 2026 Tour Auto with a 1968 Dauphine Gordini reinforces this idea of heritage in motion.

Renault’s contemporary interpretation of performance is showcased in parallel at the Ultimate Supercar Garage. Here, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E makes its public appearance in France. With a limited production run of 1,980 cars, 555 horsepower, sub-3.5-second acceleration to 100 km/h, and rapid charging capability, the electric “mini supercar” demonstrates how historical references can serve as a foundation for bold, forward-looking design.

Taken together, Renault’s presence at Rétromobile 2026 illustrates a coherent vision of brand heritage. Rather than treating the past as a static archive, the company positions models like Clio as living symbols of continuity, capable of connecting collectors, enthusiasts, and future customers through a shared automotive narrative.