The Renault Clio V6: A Crazy Mid-Engine Hot Hatchback You Need to Know About

Introduction: The Renault Clio V6, A Hot Hatch with a Twist

The Renault Clio V6 is far from your typical hot hatchback. While it may not look wildly different from its economy car siblings on the outside, this is a hatchback like no other. It’s smaller than a Mini Cooper, has a mid-engine V6, and is rear-wheel drive. Today, we’ll explore what makes the Renault Clio V6 one of the most unique and exciting hot hatchbacks ever made.

The Origins of the Clio V6

Launched in 2001, the Renault Clio V6 is based on the regular Renault Clio, which was a small, unassuming French hatchback. But instead of the Clio’s typical four-cylinder engine, Renault fitted a three-liter V6 under the hood. Well, not exactly under the hood—in this case, the V6 is mid-mounted. Renault transformed this once front-engine, front-wheel-drive hatchback into a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car.
Early versions of the Clio V6 produced about 230 horsepower, with later models offering closer to 250 horsepower. That’s enough to push this tiny car from 0 to 60 mph in about six seconds, making it one of the fastest hatchbacks of its era. With fewer than 3,000 units produced from 2002 to 2005, and none sold in North America, this car remains a rare sight.

Mid-Engine Madness

The Clio V6’s most notable feature is its engine placement. Typically, hot hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf GTI have their engines up front. Not this car. Renault decided to ditch the back seats entirely and install a V6 engine where the rear passengers would normally sit. The result is an incredibly unique driving experience.
To access the engine, you start by opening the tailgate, but instead of a cargo area, you’re greeted by a large hump covering the engine. Removing panels gives you limited access to the engine, which sits just inches behind the seats. Major maintenance, however, would likely require even more disassembly, making it quite different from your average hot hatch.
Unfortunately, practicality takes a hit due to the engine placement. While you still have some cargo space in the front where the engine used to be, the rear offers very little room for luggage. The small compartment directly above the engine is barely usable, and putting anything in there could obstruct your rear visibility. Despite being a hatchback, the Clio V6 is not a car you’ll want to load up for a road trip.

Unique Body Modifications

Another major change to the Clio V6 compared to the regular Clio is its widened body. Renault didn’t just slap a V6 engine into a standard Clio and call it a day. They had to widen the car to accommodate the engine and other components, like the rear-wheel-drive system.
What’s fascinating is how they did it. Renault didn’t create a new body from scratch for the Clio V6. Instead, they added a body kit over the standard Clio’s existing body. If you look closely, you can see where the wide-body panels were stuck onto the regular car. It’s a clever way of transforming the Clio into a wider, more aggressive-looking car without entirely redesigning the exterior.
This wide-body design isn’t just for looks. The extra width also provides space for the larger rear tires, which help keep the car planted, especially when handling the extra power from the V6 engine. The widened body also houses the massive air intakes that feed cool air into the mid-mounted engine, ensuring optimal performance.

Exploring the Interior

Inside, the Clio V6 looks surprisingly simple, especially given the wild changes on the outside. Aside from some sportier seats, an Alcantara shift boot, and a few minor details, the interior doesn’t differ much from a regular Clio. The steering wheel, for example, is a basic plastic affair, which feels out of place in such a performance-focused vehicle.
Despite the modest interior, there are some quirky features that add character to this hot hatch. For example, the horn can be activated either from buttons on the steering wheel or from a button on the turn signal stalk. Why Renault felt the need to offer multiple horn buttons is anyone’s guess, but it’s just one of those endearing quirks you find in French cars.
Another fun detail is the fuel filler. Since the car has a wide body, the fuel door is set deeper into the body than usual, making it look almost recessed. It’s a small but interesting consequence of the wide-body design.

Driving the Clio V6

Now, let’s talk about what it’s like to drive the Renault Clio V6. With 230 horsepower in a car that weighs less than a Mini Cooper, the Clio V6 is surprisingly quick. The mid-mounted engine delivers plenty of torque, and the rear-wheel-drive layout provides a thrilling driving experience. However, it’s not without its challenges.
The car’s handling is… unique. Since the engine sits right behind the driver, the rear of the car is much heavier than the front. This creates an imbalance that makes the car feel light in the front, especially at higher speeds. Some drivers have described the Clio V6 as being “a handful,” and it’s easy to see why. The light front end means you don’t get the precise steering feedback you’d expect from a traditional hot hatch.
That said, the Clio V6’s handling quirks are part of its charm. It’s a car that demands respect from its driver. If you push it too hard, it might bite back. But for those who master it, the Clio V6 offers a driving experience unlike any other.

A Future Classic

With only around 3,000 units produced, the Renault Clio V6 is a rare car, even in Europe. As it approaches the 25-year mark, many enthusiasts in the U.S. are eagerly awaiting the chance to import this hot hatch under the country’s “25-year rule.” Once it becomes legal to bring into the U.S., expect values to rise, as it’s one of the most unique cars to come out of the early 2000s.
The Clio V6 may not be practical, and it certainly has its quirks, but it’s also an icon. It’s a car that took the hot hatch formula and turned it on its head, creating something that’s both thrilling and unpredictable.

Conclusion: A Hatchback Like No Other

The Renault Clio V6 is not just another hot hatch—it’s a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive monster that’s as quirky as it is thrilling. It takes the practicality of a hatchback and tosses it out the window in favor of raw performance and a unique driving experience. While it may not be the most practical or easy-to-handle car, it’s definitely one of the most memorable.
I recently met someone who had a similar experience driving this incredible car, and their story inspired me. If you want to learn more about the Renault Clio V6, I encourage you to check out their video at this YouTube link.