Car Detail

The Renault Clio is a supermini that places the emphasis on comfort, space, refinement and safety. Visually, it exhibits the kind of flair that will appeal to those who appreciate stylish, contemporary design.

The Clio's road manners combine the maturity of a larger hatchback on longer journeys with an easy, nimble manoeuvrability that makes it suited to urban environments. A wide range of strong engines offer everything from fuel-sipping economists to high-performance hot hatches.

The airy, practical cabin contains five seats and features with a mix of smart technology and reassuring comfort. Safety provision is first class too.

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The Renault Clio is available with three and five doors. There are also six different trim levels so there should be a model to suit all needs and budgets. The entry-level specification is the Extreme (3dr), which mixes essentials such as power steering, electric windows and ABS with a CD/radio sound system with controls on the steering wheel. The 5 door range starts from the Expression which also features automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, air recirculation and 60:40 split folding rear seats.

The luxury Initiale trim includes leather upholstery, alloy wheels, climate control, parking sensors, cruise control with speed limiter and a six-speaker sound system. RenaultSport models are also well equipped but with a more sporting character.

EuroNCAP has awarded the Renault Clio a maximum five-star rating for its crash test performance so it’s an extremely safe supermini. As standard, every Renault Clio is equipped with two-stage automatic adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger,as well as two side airbags. Some also feature curtain airbags.

There are five three-point seatbelts and integrated pretensioners and load limiters for added safety. ISOFIX child seat mounting points include fittings on the front passenger seat.

Electronic safety aids extend to ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) for stable stopping and the ability to steer during hard braking. The Renault Clio also benefits from Brake Assist, which helps to provide maximum braking power in an emergency stop. Some models have ESP stability control, too.

There are many low-emissions models in the Renault Clio line-up, including the 1.5 dCi 86 diesel, which emits 117g/km of CO2.

The extensive Renault Clio range includes eight different engines. Both diesels are 1.5-litre units but tuned to develop 86bhp and 106bhp. The highest powered 1.5 dCi diesel offers 118mph performance and 61.4mpg fuel economy. The 86bhp 1.5 dCi is the most fuel-efficient engine in the line-up with a combined average of 64.2mpg but it is also capable of 108mph.

The most economical petrol engine is the 100bhp turbocharged 1.2-litre TCE, which offers an average of 48.7mpg and 114mph performance. There’s also a normally-aspirated 75bhp 1.2 16v model that has similar fuel economy (47.9mpg) and 104mph pace.

A 111bhp 1.6-litre engine employs variable valve timing to maximise engine response and efficiency across a wide range of revs. It’s available with a choice of five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic, which is the only auto in the Renault Clio line-up. As an auto it has 37.7mpg economy and 116mph performance.

The 2.0-litre petrol engines also use variable valve timing but have six-speed manual gearboxes. The 138bhp version can reach 127mph yet its fuel economy is rated at 38.7mpg.

The 197bhp 2.0-litre engine is reserved for the high-performance RenaultSport models. Its sprinting pace allows it to reach 60mph from standstill in just 6.9 seconds on its way to a maximum speed of 134mph. Given such performance, its average economy of 33.6mpg is commendable.

The 1.2 16V Extreme 3dr is the entry-level Renault Clio at £11,040. The dCi 86 3dr diesel Extreme model is £12,690. Three-door Renault Clio’s are £600 cheaper than equivalent five-door models.

The five door range starts from the 1.2 16v Expression at £11,640.

At the top of the line-up are the £17,710 RenaultSport 200 3dr and Initiale dCi 106 5dr for £18,150. Mid-range Dynamique Tom Tom models include the £12,900 1.2 16v 3dr and dCi 86 3dr from £14,550.

Prices are based on manufacturer's recommended retail price.