Renault is one of the best manufacturers at making small cars, it has a high pedigree in this sector of the market. The last generation of the Renault Clio was a popular car but it could not pip the Vauxhall Corsa or Ford Fiesta in the UK when it came to sales. The previous generation Clio had Va Va Voom but this version has real presence instead of marketing gobbledygook – this Clio may not have the marketing jargon but this car is better and has real substance. Renault has gone all out and completely reinvented its Clio supermini and...well just look at it. The most familiar feature on the fourth generation Clio is probably the large diamond logo on its nose. Renault has started to incorporate this new badge across its new car range with its Megane and Twingo models. . Other features of the new Clio include wrap around headlights and hidden rear door handles.
As well as getting more equipment as you clamber up the trim levels, there are also various amounts of body decals, paint jobs and alloy wheels available – allowing you to personalise your Clio. The new Clio only comes in a five-door variant – which unless you particularly love the awkwardness of a three door, shouldn’t be a problem. Rear passenger space is pretty decent – let’s just say you know you’re sat in a supermini. Boot space has increased compared to the previous model, although only by 12 litres, which means it now stands at 300-litres in total. This slight increase in storage space however means the new Clio has a bigger boot than the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. The Clio’s rear seats also fold down to reveal 1,146 litres of storage space. The Clio’s entry level engine is a 1.2-litre petrol producing 75bhp. In terms of other petrols there is also a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit producing 89bhp – which is the very first three-cylinder petrol engine ever produced by the manufacturer.
As with most superminis however, efficiency is where it is at, and the Clio certainly delivers. The Clio gains a new 1.5-litre diesel unit which produces 90bhp, emits just 93g/km and returns around 83mpg. But it doesn’t stop there, as this diesel variant impresses even further when specified with an Eco pack. The Eco pack means the Clio 1.5-litre diesel unit emits just 83g/km and returns up to around 88mpg. These low emissions bring the obvious advantages of zero road tax and congestion charge exemption if you live in London. This is our pick for fuel efficiency and low road tax bills.
If you are after a down and out punchy petrol engine, then you may want to look elsewhere. However, on its way very shortly is the Renault Clio RS – this will be the choice for hot hatch enthusiasts - it produces 200bhp. Compared to the previous Clio model, the front-end grip and driving dynamics on this fourth generation model has improved dramatically. The new version is also 100kg lighter than the previous model.
The new Clio offers a comfortable ride when on motorways or single lane carriageways. The Clio is a big improvement on the previous model but it’s still pipped by the Ford Fiesta and the VW Polo. At £10,595 the new Renault Clio is £600 more expensive than the Ford Fiesta, so you are going to have to take a close look at the fine print when it comes to the likes of emissions, warranty and reliability. The Clio is great value for money as low emissions and generously packed equipment levels mean the basic criteria of ‘what makes a great supermini’ are inarguably ticked. The new Renault Clio is by far, one of the coolest looking superminis on the market. This is matched with a well equipped interior and a range of customisable options. We give its Appeal 4 out of five stars.
The Renault Clio is one of, if not the most practical superminis on sale. It’s a great all-rounder when it comes to practicality – and now that all models are five-door variants, every model in the range offers impressive storage credentials. We give its practicality 4.5 stars out of five. If you are after a supermini that is going to thrill you with speed, then you should wait for the Renaultsport version. However, if low emissions and high mpg is what you are after, then the Clio is right on the money, with emissions as low as 83g/km and mpg figures reaching into the late 80’s. We give its Performance 4 out of five stars.
The ride and handling of the new Clio lags behind the Ford Fiesta but dynamically it is much better than what has gone before. We give its ride and handling 4 out of five stars. Cheap running costs, plenty of kit and a reasonable price. The Renault Clio is a great all-rounder when it comes to ownership – plus Renault is willing to throw in a 4 year warranty. We give its Ownership 4 out of five stars. The new Renault Clio offers striking looks, good range of fuel efficient engines and an affordable price tag. Easily measuring up to the heavyweights in the sector that include the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. The Clio is the new kid on the block and comes with attitude. We give it an overall rating of 4 out of five stars.
New Renault Clio 2013 Car Auto Review
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