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The new sixth-generation Renault Clio has been revealed at the Munich motor show, bringing the most significant design update for the supermini in more than a decade.

The new model draws heavily on last year’s Emblème concept by adopting a similarly aggressive-looking design. The influence is especially notable at the front, where an angular nose and new grille are flanked by daytime-running lights that are shaped like bisected diamonds.

The new Clio is larger than the car it replaces. It measures 4.12m long (up 67mm), 1.77m wide (up 39mm) and 1.45m tall (up 11mm), splitting the difference between the outgoing Clio and bigger, C-segment hatches such as the Volkswagen Golf.

Insiders suggest the increases are due to the need to fit larger and more complex engines for future emissions regulations and improved impact protection.

But the overarching intention, said Paula Fabregat-Andreu, Renault’s design director for the A- and B-segments, was to produce the “sexiest Clio” to date by taking advantage of new technologies and production techniques.

For example, Renault has been able to provide the new Clio with details such as pronounced indentations around the front and rear lights and flanks moulded to form an almond shape.

Elsewhere, the leading edge of the boot has been raised to create a spoiler. Together with the lip affixed to the roof, it forms a twin-deck arrangement.

Inside, the new Clio gets the same 10.1in infotainment and instrument display screens as the Renault 4 and 5. In mid-rung Techno and range-topping Esprit Alpine trims, these will run the brand’s OpenR Link software, with integrated services such as Google Maps and the Google Play app store. The steering wheel, meanwhile, is taken from the larger Renault Rafale SUV.

Boot space is a match for the outgoing car’s, at up to 391 litres, which keeps it ahead of the 381-litre Golf from the class above.

Under its new skin sits the same CMF-B platform used by today’s Clio. However, Renault says it will be more enjoyable to drive. In that pursuit, it remains relatively light: the pure-petrol model weighs 1155kg. The new car also has a quicker steering rack – 2.6 turns lock to lock compared with the previous 3.3 – and a wider track.

Two powertrains will be offered in the UK, each a development of those offered in today’s Clio.

The entry-level 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and now produces 113bhp and 140lb ft, up from 88bhp and 118lb ft.

That enables it to complete the 0-62mph sprint in 10.1sec, an improvement of 2.1sec. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are nominally better than before.

The hybrid retains its two electric motors and four-speed automatic gearbox, but its four-cylinder petrol engine has been upsized from 1.6 to 1.8 litres and the battery from 1.2 to 1.4kWh.

These changes have netted an increased power output of 158bhp – cutting the 0-62mph time by 1sec to 8.3sec – and allow the car to run on its electric motors alone for 80% of the time at town speeds, claims Renault. It yields a top-end economy of 72mpg and emissions of 89g/km.

Although the new Clio is being displayed at this year’s Munich motor show, it will not arrive in UK showrooms until 2027.

Autocar understands this is in part due to the uncertainty created by the government’s then stringent zero-emissions vehicle mandate last year.

It is believed that the legislation’s relaxation earlier this year, as well as the success of the electric R5, has given the brand the necessary head room to bring the Clio to the UK. However, the delay in making the decision set back development of the right-hand-drive version.

“We’ve taken the time to assess how demand is evolving,” Renault UK managing director Adam Wood told Autocar. “Of course, we’ve got a change in legislative landscape that we’ve paid close attention to, [but] we always had a strong desire to bring what is a brand icon: you think Renault, you think Clio, and vice versa.”

The incoming 'baby' Mercedes-Benz G-Class will sit on a bespoke 'ladder-frame' platform, use “nearly all unique” parts and sport a design that “is even more modern than the current car”, bosses have said.

Arriving within the next two years, the new SUV will be the entry model into a growing G-Class range as Mercedes attempts to expand 'G' into a brand in its own right – like JLR has done with Range Rover.

That will include the return of the G-Class Cabriolet, which was announced this week.

Speaking at the Munich motor show, Mercedes chairman Ola Källenius said test mules would “be appearing on roads very soon”, showing a new preview image of the incoming model's rear end.

The so-called Mini G will sit on a unique architecture, confirmed tech boss Markus Schäfer, in order to be “as authentic as possible”.

He said: “The G is a very special, authentic car, and the Mini G has to be authentic. So I cannot take just a platform, I cannot take an existing platform, I have to create my own. It's a completely new development.”

The platform is described by Schäfer as a “miniature ladder-frame chassis”, which he explained was “not ladder-frame to [the current G-Class’s] extent but when it comes to suspension, when it comes to wheel size”.

Schäfer revealed that the Mini G will use “a lot” of unique components, “far more than I ever wish to tell you”, which includes most of the car’s body.

He said: “Over time, just looking at the car’s capabilities and what's needed, I came more and more to the conclusion that everything has to be unique, the whole upper body and everything. 

"You know, I can't even take a door handle from [the current] portfolio, because the G-Class has such unique door handles.

"So we spent a lot of time tuning this car, and over time we started to develop so many unique components to make sure it’s very, very good-looking car and very capable.”

The current G-Class is offered with both combustion and electric power, but Autocar understands the Mini G will be sold exclusively as an EV.

Asked about powertrains, especially an electric one, Schäfer was coy, stating: “Stay tuned. I don't want to go in to this detail.” 

In styling terms, the Mini G will be a “tweaked” G-Class, said Mercedes design boss Gorden Wagener, and that will make it “even more modern” than the electric G580 EQ that was launched last year.

Speaking about the design, Wagener said: “You cannot change the G much: it’s iconic. I like the new [current G-Class]: that's a modern G.

"On the little one, we will give a slightly different tweak: a bit more sharpness, a bit younger [light] graphics but still circle. So it's really details.

“But otherwise we stick to the G, and it's a modern G – even a touch more modern than the big one.”

Asked if he wanted to go slightly more radical with the design, Wagener said the fundamentals had to stay the same: “You have to hold yourself back and understand what the icon is about. We strive for iconic design, and there is not such an iconic piece like the G, right?"

Europe's biggest motor show since the Covid-19 pandemic has opened its doors, with Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Polestar all set to reveal crucial new models.

Star cars already revealed at the Munich motor show include the new BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, electric family SUVs that each kick-start new eras for their marques.

The show also marks the arrival of a wave of small EVs, with the Volkswagen Group launching an entire family of new models. 

Read on for our guide to the hottest new cars being shown in Munich:

Audi Concept C

This striking concept making its debut at the Munich show draws on the seminal Mk1 TT – but it isn't purely for show, because it will go on sale in two years' time.

"The car that you see here is a preview of a production car - almost literally," said Audi design boss Massimo Frascella.

It is expected to use similar underpinnings to the upcoming Porsche Boxster and Cayman EVs, which are based on a specially adapted version of the Porsche-Audi-developed PPE platform.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner added that it will be postioned somewhere between the TT and the R8, and categorically ruled out naming it after the TT.

Everything you need to know about the Concept C: Audi TT reborn as radical electric sports car for 2027

BMW iX3

The first car to come from BMW's Neue Klasse revolution brings a dramatic step in design and engineering – promising a range of 500 miles.

That will make it Britain's longest-range EV when sales start later this year, outdoing even the sleek Mercedes-Benz CLA.

It's also signficantly cheaper than the outgoing iX3, with prices kicking off at £58,755 – a reduction of around £6500. 

Read our BMW iX3 prototype review

Cupra Tindaya

Cupra will take the wraps off a new concept car that will showcase its next design era. 

An official preview image shows a radical new cabin similar to that of the DarkRebel concept, which was unveiled in 2023, and includes a yoke-like steering wheel, a chunky central spine and racing seats.

Everything you need to know: Cupra to showcase future of interior design with radical concept

Cupra Raval

The Cupra Raval arrives next year as a sportier sibling to the VW ID Polo and Skoda Eqiq, with angrier styling and a bespoke chassis set-up.

Cupra has confirmed that a 'VZ' hot hatch version is also on the way, bringing 223bhp, an electronic limited-slip differential and the ability to completely disable its stability control system.

Everything you need to know: New Cupra Raval hot hatch will feature 223bhp VZ variant

Changan Deepal S05

Chinese brand Changan is on the cusp of launching in the UK with the Deepal S07 electric SUV, a Tesla Model Y rival – and it is set to follow that with the Deepal S05, positioned as a competitor to the Skoda Enyaq.

In China, it is available with a choice of battery-electric and range-extender powertrains. The former has a 235bhp rear-mounted motor and a 56kWh battery pack, yielding a range of 320 miles on China's CLTC test cycle. The range-extender has a smaller, 27kWh battery that gives an electric range of 124 miles on the WLTP cycle, which is supplemented by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that acts as a generator.

The S05 will make its European debut at the Munich show.

Hyundai Ioniq 3

Hyundai has previewed the design of the electric hatchback concept that it will reveal at Munich. 

Named Concept Three – all but confirming the production version will be called Ioniq 3 – it is a rakish family hatch that appears to draw on the larger Ioniq 6 saloon.

As well as previewing an eventual Cupra Born rival, the Concept Three will also serve as a showcase for Hyundai's new 'Art of Steel' design language.

Everything we know: Hyundai to preview Ioniq 3 with radical electric hot hatch concept

Leapmotor B05

Chinese brand Leapmotor has expanded its line-up to include a Volkswagen ID 3 rival.

Named the B05, it has a single 215bhp motor mounted up front, as well as a 67.1kWh battery pack. The pair yield a range of up to 260 miles.

Prices are expected to start from around £27,000.

Everything we know: Leapmotor B05 revealed as sub-£30k VW ID 3 rival

Mercedes-Benz G-Class cabriolet

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the return of the open-top G-Class. 

A preview image shows a silhouette similar to the current tin-top model, but with a shortened roofline. 

It will be the first convertible G-Class since 2017's Maybach G650 Landaulet.

Everything we know: Mercedes G-Class cabriolet confirmed for worldwide comeback

Mercedes-Benz GLC

The new GLC kicks off what Mercedes-Benz calls its "biggest product offensive" in its history.

Designed to closely resemble the current combustion-engined GLC, it evolves the brand's design language with a new 'iconic grille' comprising 942 LED lights; inside, it gets a huge touchscreen spanning the width of the dashboard.

Underneath, it sits on the new MB.EA electric car platform, bringing 800V electricals and a range of 435 miles.

Everything you need to know: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ is iX3 rival with 435-mile range

Mini John Cooper Works x Deus ex Machina

Mini has signalled renewed interest in high-performance cars with this pair of concepts, which will make their debut at Munich.

Based on the petrol and electric John Cooper Works hatchbacks, they are stripped-out racers produced with fashion brand Deus ex Machina.

While neither will make production, they are the first cranked-up Mini JCW models since the GP went out of production with the last-generation hatch in 2023.

Everything you need to know: Mini celebrates racing heritage with Cooper JCW concepts

Polestar 5

Polestar will reveal the production-ready version of its Porsche Taycan rival at Munich. The newcomer is promised to offer nearly 900bhp in its most potent form.

The super-saloon is described as a “company-defining project” and will be the first model built to use Polestar’s new 800V electrical architecture.

Largely developed in Britain, it's said to have “supercar levels” of stiffness and be the lightest model in its class.

Everything you need to know about the Polestar 5: 'Extreme-fast charging' Polestar 5 GT to star at Munich motor show

Renault Clio

A radically different Renault Clio will be shown for the first time. The sixth-generation hatchback is set to ditch pure-petrol engines and go hybrid-only – in part to meet stringent new EU fleet emissions targets.

The supermini will also introduce several new design cues, such as a more prominent nose with a diamond-shaped grille pattern and twin-decked lip spoilers at the rear.

Everything you need to know about the new generation hatch: New Renault Clio set for Munich show debut ahead of 2026 launch

Skoda Epiq

Skoda's new baby SUV promises to bring electrification to the masses, positioned – and, crucially, priced – to match the petrol-powered Kamiq.

A near-production concept is being shown on the Munich show floor, and it is expected to make it to showrooms almost enitrely unchanged.

Everything you need to know: New Skoda Epiq gears up to take on Renault 4 next year at £25k

Skoda Vision O concept

Skoda's new Vision O concept car will preview the next-generation Octavia Estate. CEO Klaus Zellmer told Autocar that it will be a “further step” for the brand in its design but will still “clearly be recognisable as a Skoda”.

It's likely to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s upcoming SSP platform, designed for its next-generation EVs.

Everything you need to know about the next Skoda Octavia: Electric Skoda estate concept to channel spirit of Mk1 Octavia

Vauxhall Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo

This wild concept car packs 789bhp and weighs just 1170kg – but, under that dramatic skin, it also serves as a first look at the next-generation Corsa.

Indeed, it is based on the same STLA Small platform that is set to underpin that car, which is due to be revealed next year.

It will make its public debut at the Munich show.

Everything you need to know: Vauxhall reveals wild next-gen Corsa concept with 789bhp

Volkswagen ID Polo

VW has confirmed that the production version of the ID 2all concept shown at the previous Munich show will take on the Polo name.

It is displaying the finished car, due in showrooms next year priced from around £22,000, in Munich – albeit in a harlequin-inspired camouflage wrap.

The ID Polo will be offered with a choice of 38kWh and 56kWh batteries, with the latter said to yield a range of around 280 miles, and the ability to charge at speeds of up to 125kW.

Everything you need to know: Volkswagen confirms ID Polo name for new £22k EV

Volkswagen ID Polo GTI

Alongside the ID Polo, Volkswagen has provided details of the GTI hot hatch version that is due in 2027.

It will be boosted to 233bhp and sports more aggressive design cues, including flared wheel arches, boot-mounted spoilers and larger alloy wheels. 

As previously reported by Autocar, the company is also working on a Clubsport variant targeting a peak output of 282bhp.

Everything you need to know: Volkswagen ID Polo GTI: 233bhp hot hatch to arrive in 2027

Volkswagen ID Cross

Alongside the ID Polo, the taller and chunky ID Cross has been shown in near-production form for the first time. It will go on sale next year, just after the ID Polo. 

Effectively an electric alternative to the T-Cross, it will start at around £25,000, meaning it's set to be one of the cheapest electric SUVs on the market.

Everything you need to know: Volkswagen ID Cross previews chunky Puma Gen-E Rival

Volkswagen T-Roc

The new second-generation T-Roc will be displayed in public for the first time at Munich, bringing a bold new look and a hybrid drivetrain that will be rolled out across VW's line-up.

It is set to be the final combustion car that VW will launch. All subsequent models are set to be battery-powered, if market conditions allow.

Deliveries will start in November and a hot R version is due next year with a high-performance hybrid powertrain.

Everything you need to know: New 2026 Volkswagen T-Roc brings bold look and hybrid power

Volvo ES90

Volvo's most aerodynamic car yet – and its first electric car that isn't an SUV – is making its debut at Munich. 

Related to the EX90 SUV, the ES90 is a five-door liftback with ranges north of 400 miles regardless of whether it is fitted with the entry-level 88kWh battery or larger 102kWh pack.

Charging speeds are capped at 350kW, allowing examples with the bigger battery to refill from 10-80% in 20 minutes.

Alongside showing the ES90, Volvo is expected to provide a closer look at the upcoming EX60 SUV.

Everything you need to know about the ES90: New Volvo ES90 revealed as BMW i5 rival with 434 miles of range

The story of the Volkswagen Group’s push into the affordable EV segment can be told through its big reveals at the Munich motor show.

In 2021, the first time Germany’s biennial motor show was held in Bavaria, VW signalled its intent to enter the affordable EV segment with the boldly styled ID Life concept. It sat on the new MEB Entry platform, a front-driven electric architecture that would allow for vehicles costing around €25,000 (£22,000) from Volkswagen and sibling brands Cupra and Skoda.

The reaction wasn’t exactly positive: the car was a stylistic departure from both the ID models that had gone before it and VW’s long-running combustion-engined classics. The distinctly underwhelming reception contributed to a major Volkswagen management shake-up, which involved Thomas Schäfer being brought in as CEO and Andreas Mindt joining as design chief.

Straight away the pair started leaning into Volkswagen’s heritage. Schäfer has talked repeatedly about making Volkswagen a ‘love brand’ again, while Mindt will enthuse all day about the ‘secret sauce’ that all his designs must have.

But there were changes behind the scenes, too. The VW Group reorganised, with the new Core division – Volkswagen, Cupra, Skoda and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles – working in a far more collaborative fashion on the new ID Entry project.

Schafer’s decision to embrace VW’s heritage led to the ID 2all concept, Mindt’s hastily designed vision of how future small Volkswagen EVs can be true to the heritage of the brand. The ID 2 all actually sat on the reworked platform of the ID Life, but it garnered a wholly more postive reception. It looked and felt like a Volkswagen, which, after the likes of the anonymous ID 3, was a huge step in the right direction.

That was ramped up at Munich two years ago, when Volkswagen showed the ID GTI concept, a car that took the 2all and ramped up the heritage aspects even further. The warm reception proved that Volkswagen is best when it plays to its strengths.

At Munich this year, that four-year quest to launch the £22,000 EV neared fruition with the unveiling (albeit hidden under camouflage) of near-production versions of the now-renamed ID Polo and ID Polo GTI, along with the closely related Cupra Raval and Skoda Epiq. And there was a concept version of the ID Cross that will follow those machines into production next year.

Again, delve into the specifics of the platform, powertrains and battery technology that will underpin those models and much remains from that 2021 ID Life concept.

The difference is that Volkswagen has realised its best chance of success in the new electric era, of fending off the vast ranks of aggressive Chinese rivals, comes from taking new technology and infusing it with the warmth and familiarity of proven Volkswagen design and model names.

It’s not an entirely new approach – Renault has found success with the 5 and 4 through a similar mix of new EV tech and retro design – but, for a brand with Volkswagen’s rich heritage, it’s a smart one. And while the path from the ID Life to the ID Polo hasn’t exactly been smooth, it’s a journey that should provide some important lessons for the future.