Renault Clio GT-Line - A Lightly Fettled Version Of The Supermini

New super mini has hot flagship’s glitz

If you like the look of a new Renault sport Clio, but don't fancy the running costs, then Renault has the answer - this new Clio GT.

It has a new turbocharged 1.2-litre TCe petrol engine, with 118bhp, which is paired with the same EDC six-speed dual-clutch gearbox as in the 197bhp flagship.

Racy bodykit and sports suspension set Clio apart

It’s a great combination, with the new turbo proving to be a sprightly performer around town, where the EDC also shifts smoothly. The engine is flexible enough for the gearbox not to be constantly shifting up and down to find torque, too.

At higher speeds, things start to unravel slightly. While the engine remains impressively smooth, it lacks the punch of the RS’s 1.6-litre turbo, even if you press the RS button between the front seats to sharpen up the throttle. The gearshift is a little too slow when compared to a VW DSG, particularly on downshifts, and it’s a shame the paddles don’t move with the steering wheel.

Renault Clio GT-Line side

The GT-Line comes with sport suspension as standard, making it 40 per cent stiffer than a regular Clio. However, the standard car is quite softly sprung, so the newcomer still feels supple, taking the edge off potholes and bumps at low speed but keeping the amount of body roll down to a reasonable level. Don’t expect it to feel just like a Renaultsport, thought; it’s still some way off that level of handling.

Smart GT-Line interior comes with lots of kit

Sport seats, sat-nav and air-con are all standard, and there’s a stylish bodykit that’s set off nicely by the Malta Blue paint. Yet the GT-Line is quite pricey, costing $2,975 more than the more powerful Ford Fiesta Zetec S, and even $595 over the flagship Fiesta ST.

Good: Standard kit includes the R-Link system that has sat-nav, Bluetooth and an uprated stereo.

Not so good: EDC box would be more palatable if it changed gear as quickly and smoothly as a DSG.

Renault Clio GT-Line

Verdict

It’s not the quickest super mini in the world, but the GT-Line is sweet to drive and comes with lots of equipment. However, while the new engine helps to keep down running costs, and the gearbox takes the stress out of driving around town, the GT-Line is difficult to recommend because it’s so expensive compared to the class-leading Ford Fiesta.