Renault Clio
The Renault Clio is a safe, enjoyable and spacious supermini that competes with the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 207. It's available in three and five-door bodystyles, which feel roomy inside, as well as a compact Sport Tourer estate. The sporty Renaultsport version offers driving thrills, while running costs on all models are relatively inexpensive. Entry-level cars are a little basic, but opt for the mid-range 1.2-litre TCe turbocharged petrol engine in Dynamique trim for a fine combination of performance, equipment and economy.
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Pros:
- Large, comfortable cabin
- Enjoyable to drive
- Smooth petrol engines
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Cons:
- Hard dashboard on cheapest cars
- Bewildering choice of models
- Poor resale values
The Renault Clio makes light work of even the toughest journeys. While the three-door model is relatively compact, it feels vast inside. Access to rear seats is good, thanks to doors that open wide. The five-door version is perfect for young families, as its rear seats are spacious, and there's a generous boot. Engine and trim level choices are extensive, but we say you can’t go wrong with the 1.2-litre TCe turbocharged petrol engine for a fine combination of performance and economy. Entry-level models feel a little basic, although the range-topping Initiale models deliver luxury levels of equipment - at a price.
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Pros:
- Large, comfy cabin
- Light and easy to drive
- Practical boot
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Cons:
- Limited choice
- Lacklustre entry-level engines
- Poor resale values
One of only a handful of supermini-based estate cars, the Renault Clio Sport Tourer adds some practicality to the already versatile Clio hatchback. And despite this model's humble origins, the large boot is surprisingly spacious, with enough practicality to rival bigger cars from the family hatchback class. But this is a niche model for Renault, and as a result, there's less choice in the range. If you’re planning to shift heavier loads, we’d add the 1.5 dCi diesel to our engine recommendations, even though the 1.2-litre TCe petrol still works well.
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Pros:
- Attractive design
- Huge personalisation options
- Fuel efficiency
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Cons:
- No estate version for UK
- Numb steering
- Body roll in corners
The Clio is the car Renault hopes will go straight to the top of the supermini class, but it faces stiff competition from the Peugeot 208, Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa, to name but a few. It certainly looks the part, and features a dazzling array of new technology, plus a range of fuel efficient petrol and diesel engines.
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Pros:
- Excellent handling
- Cheap to buy
- Practical cabin
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Cons:
- Cup models are EVEN firmer
- Fidgety ride on uneven surfaces
- Strange driving position
The Renault Clio Renualtsport 200 is one of the finest handling front wheel drive cars money car buy and is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 200bhp. Other cars in this class include the Vauxhall Corsa VXR and MINI Cooper S. Fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox the Renaultsport Clio can go from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 141mph. Large alloy wheels and an aggressive bodykit make it instantly recognisable although the three-door hatchback body also offers a decent amount of practicality and a well designed cabin. Buyers opting for the cheaper Cup chassis get a more performance-biased spec, trading comfort for driver thrills but both models offer a very frim ride.
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Pros:
- Excellent chassis
- Stylish looks
- Sharp steering
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Cons:
- Disappointing paddle gearbox
- Not as fun to drive as before
- Pricey optional extras
Hot hatchbacks are back in fashion, and the Renaultsport Clio used to be the most fun to drive of the lot. This new model feels much more grown up and features more technology and lots of standard equipment, so should appeal to more people as a result. However, it's a shame that some of the fun has been lost in translation.
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