Renault Clio Review

Performance3/5

The new Renault Clio is available with a number of performance options across the range of petrol and diesel engines on offer. The entry level petrol engine is a 0.9 litre, 3-cylinder block which comes in either 90 or 120 bhp and with or without an ECO option which sacrifices a small amount of the Renault Clio’s performance for improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. The turbocharged 90 bhp non ECO version is a whizzy little number that can do 0 – 62mph in 11.8 seconds and hit top speeds of 115mph. While the little engine feels composed in town, a steep incline can leave it struggling. There is one diesel option available, a 1.5 dCi 90 bhp model available with or without the ECO option and it is a refined little engine.

Handling4/5

The Renault Clio is a very good all-rounder when it comes to handling; sharp in town and composed on long journeys with a suspension that deals with all but the harshest of potholes with ease. All good news then? Well, yes and no, because while the Renault Clio is good in all departments it is not the class leader in any of them. However, there are few of the Renault Clio’s competitors which do everything as well as the Clio so that should be enough to keep it in the game.

Exterior4/5

The Renault Clio has been marketed as a more family friendly version of its predecessors, and the styling has some feel of that, the new nose slides into big headlights and badge, and the rear looks more substantial too. That said, the fun has not been sucked out of the Renault Clio and the angular side panelling gives a hint to the car’s youthful past.

Interior3.5/5

Sometimes when reviewing a car you just want to bash your head against the windscreen with frustration and this is one of those cases, not because the interior of the Renault Clio is poor, far from it, in fact it is very very good and that’s the trouble, Renault have just made some silly little mistakes that stop this interior being exceptional. An excellent central touch screen is undermined by some cheap plastic splashed about and a good sized boot (300 litres) is stopped from being the best in class because when you fold the seats down for bigger loads there is a big step making loading harder. Head room is great and rear leg room is decent, you just wish Renault had given it one more look over before they gave the interior its final approval.

Equipment4/5

The Renault Clio equipment levels are very good indeed, Bluetooth, USB, cruise control keyless entry and ignition, electric front windows and mirrors, and a good sound system all come as standard. Go for the Dynamique to get the excellent touch screen console as well as 16” alloys and automatic wipers and lights. The top of the range Dynamique S has 17” alloys and parking sensors but you might be better off saving your money and going for one of the exterior or interior packs than you can get as an optional extra which add some cool little styling touches.

Safety5/5

The good thing about Renault’s safety policy is that they don’t charge you extra for safety features and as such six airbags, Isofix child seat fastenings, anti-whiplash headrests as well as Electronic Stability Control all come as standard. This generosity in the safety department is probably one of the reasons that the new Renault Clio received a 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Buying & Owning4/5

The Renault Clio had a patchy record when it comes to reliability but things have improved over the last 5 years and this new model looks to be another step in the right direction. The new Clio is also cheaper to run than the outgoing model with the diesel ECO versions managing to achieve a very impressive 88.3mpg. It’s a pretty green car too; 83g/km of CO2 emissions from the diesel ECO model will make your inner eco-warrior very happy indeed.

Reviewed by cars2buy