Renault Clio - Sharp, Dynamic Looks Promise Much (Part 4)

Data log

Renault Clio 0.9 TCE Dynamique Medianav

·         On-the-road price: $21,995

·         Price as tested: $23,565

·         Value after 3yrs/36k miles: $8,250

·         Contract hire pcm: $318

·         Cost per mile: 36p

·         Insurance/typical quote: 9E/$580

Equipment checklist

·         Cruise control: Standard

·         Push-button start/stop: Standard

·         Bluetooth and USB connectivity: Standard

·         7in MediaNav multimedia system: Standard

·         Hands-free entry keycard: Standard

·         Manual air conditioning: Standard

·         16in alloy wheels: Standard

·         Electrically adjustable door mirrors: Standard

·         Front fog lights: Standard

·         Leather steering wheel: Standard

·         Black soft-touch dashboard: Standard

·         Eco mode function: Standard

·         Automatic climate control: $615

·         15in spare wheel: $75

·         European mapping: $165

·         Extra tinted rear windows and tailgate: $375

·         Convenience Pack (including center armrest and rear parking sensors): $540

·         Flame red metallic paint: $805

Interior Renault Clio 4

Transmissions

·         5-spd manual

Economy

Test:

·         Average: 37.8mpg

·         Touring: 46.6mpg

·         Track: 21.3mpg

Claimed:

·         Urban: 51.4mpg

·         Extra-urban: 72.4mpg

·         Combined: 62.8mpg

·         Tank size: 45 liters

·         Test range: 374 miles

Technical layout

Although the Clio’s platform has swollen in almost every direction and simultaneously lost modest amounts of weight, its construction follows super mini convention. The steel Monocoque is suspended on MacPherson strut/torsion bar foundations, with its transverse triple driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

Technical layout

Verdict: 4/5

A multi-talented contender that can stand comparison with the best

Renault has taken a decisive step forwards with the new Clio. This pretty five-door is a statement of intent from a company keen to inject much-needed style, personality, usability and dynamism into its showrooms. And it’s a resounding piece of work.

It’s close, but the Clio’s virtues are not quite all-conquering. Remarkable refinement and dynamic sophistication, mixed with great practicality and convincing style, sounds like a tough combination to beat. For our tastes, though, the Ford Fiesta’s performance, poise and all-round quality of execution still distinguish it. But there’s a bigger gap between the Clio and the rest of the chasing pack than between the Ford and the Renault. Many will consider this an appealing, fresh alternative to the Fiesta, good enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with it. For many more, it should simply seem the most desirable and complete new hatchback they’ve come across lately.

Testers’ notes

Matt prior

Why have leather on the steering wheel and gearlever if you’re not going to bother with the handbrake? It’s hardly a criticism, but you do wonder who makes decisions like that.

Renault Cleo leather steering wheel

Matt Saunders

I’m not usually taken with stylized instruments. They often prioritize form over function. Somehow, the Clio’s don’t. I can get on fine with a digital speedo, and appreciate the good-sized indicators and fuel gauge.

Spec advice

If high-spec automatic super minis are your cup of tea, it should be worth waiting for the 1.2 TCe 120 engines which comes exclusively with Renault’s new Efficient Dual Clutch transmission and range-topping GT Line trim later this year.

Job for the facelift

·         Reduce the default CO_­2 emissions; no new engine beneath 900cc should help to produce less than 100g/km.

·         Keep an eye on the build quality.