In-depth Reviews

Renault Clio RS hatchback owner reviews

Name: Renault Clio RS hatchback
Brand: Renault

"The Renaultsport Clio RS has toned down and grown up, so will appeal to more buyers but fans of previous models may be disappointed."

by Carbuyer team

12 Oct 2016

Carbuyer Rating

2.9 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.7 out of 5

Buy used for less at Buyacar

100%of people would recommend this car to a friend.

Owner Rating

1reviews
2reviews

Common Problems

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Lux in Liquid yellow. Standard suspension.

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

Great little car. Much better than some of the reviews would have you believe. Not as hardcore as previous generations though. Renault appear to be trying to target the car at a slightly more mature audience. Rides, handles and performs really well. Pretty much up there with with other hot hatches of similar power / size. Not as hard core as the new Fiesta ST. But one thing it has that the Fiesta doesn't, is a decent level of suspension compliance. MPG is around 30 local runs, with 36/38 on a good run. These are average over several tanks of fuel and not spot figures via the trip meter. But who cares, no one buys a car like this for it's economy. As others have commented, you need to give the EDC auto box a bit of time to get used to it. The box is pretty laid back in normal mode, moving quietly through the gears and just does the job. Switch into either sport, or Race mode and knock it into manual and the car comes alive. Sharpens the gear change speeds, improves pedal response and even blips the revs on a down shift. No need to move your hands from the steering wheel, or lift on the accelerator when changing gear = fast progress. More than fast / sharp enough for public road use. Negatives: - Could do with a bit more torque. Think Renault have been conservative to protect the gearbox. - Flappy paddles would be better on the steering wheel and with slightly more responsive switches. - While the boot is a good size. This is at the detriment of rear legroom. Should maybe have made the rear seat capable of sliding back/forward. Best of both worlds then. - MPG not as good as some competitors (IE. Fiesta ST). Anyone claiming 40+ must have a sail erected and be going down hill! All told I like the car and it's a good effort by Renault in my opinion to try and re-position it in the scheme of things. While it might loose some die-hard RS fans, I think it will gain others that previously would have not looked at an RS Clio. If interested... I would strongly advise a decent extended test drive to make sure that the EDC box suits your style of driving.

Reliability

5 out of 5

Other than the alloy wheel bolts rusting and I got these replaced with a contribution from Renault Custer Services, it's been faultless so far (8 months old and 11k on the clock).

Performance

5 out of 5

Fast and well handling car. A bit of torque steer if putting your foot down (especially in the wet). But that's front wheel drive for you. More than containable though. Strong brakes.

Running Cost

4 out of 5

MPG not the greatest. But it is a powerful and fast car, so what would you expect. Service costs appear as reasonable as most cars are these days (ha).

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

200 EDC

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Fantastic little run about, performs well and excellently specced. It's quick off the line and 'that gearbox' means there's no drop in power accelerating through gears. Noticeably quicker than my driving buddies Fiesta ST! Handles really well (three wheels around corners anyone?) and I do like the EDC gearbox, it grows on you. If you can spend a couple of weeks playing with it you won't be going back - my wife drives a manual Cooper S and I'll take the Clio any day! highly recommended; don't write the Clio off because of the gearbox or that its not the previous model, this is a competent car with a good spec.. with a little bit of maturity for everyday / long distance runs

Reliability

5 out of 5

It's only three months old, but feels strong.

Performance

4 out of 5

quick, in a straight line and around corners; good pull across the gears

Running Cost

4 out of 5

I would like a bit better mileage, but then I didn't buy the car to save trees.