The review carWe had to travel to the Continent to get our hands on one, but we reviewed one of the new Clio IIIs - more precisely, the Renault Clio 1.4 Dynamique S 3d. It came with the standard 1390cc, 16-valve multi-point fuel-injected engine which pumps out just shy of 100 horsepower. The review model came with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. Driving the Renault ClioThe main difference between the new and old Clio is space. The driver's seat has plenty of it - something we aren't at all that used to from the Clio range. A most welcome change, however, as it transforms the Clio from an expensive toy for hot-rodders and people who need small cars, to a car that is actually comfortable to drive. If you are tall, however, beware that the rake-adjustment of the steering wheel (a more or less required change) is only available in a £250 package that also includes keyless starting and entry - what's going on there, Renault?Driving the new Renault Clio is an excellent experience. On the motorway, the Clio feels like a far larger car: Not quite as refined as the Laguna, of course, but it doesn't feel very different from the Megane hatchback. Somehow, the Renault engineers have done something clever, however: While keeping the motorway performance at its best for comfortable long-distance cruising, it still has the typical traits of a small car.Obviously, the Clio is bigger and heavier than its predecessors, but it does keep most of its fun-factor intact: When driven carefully, the car takes great care of you. If you want to play, however, an entirely different side of the car wakes to life. Fast into corners, sure-footed out of them, quick braking, decent acceleration. It isn't quite at the go-kart status of the older Clios, but the Clio III is one of the very few cars that seems to adapt to your driving style. As such, granny can comfortably use this car to do its shopping, business-drivers can arrive at business meetings reasonably rested, and teenagers can do all the driving of the type they aren't supposed to, but do anyway, because they are too inexperienced to know better.Bucket-loads of praise, but does that mean that the Clio III is the best car ever? Well, no - it certainly has its quirks. For one, the clutch on our test model was less than comfortable: Slightly on the heavy side, and with a very high bite point. The gear-box felt a bit on the clunky side, and the engine isn't as rev-happy as we would have liked. Some other publications have suggested that Renault chose the gear ratios based on economy rather than performance, which we're inclined to agree with. A good thing, if you are into the whole saving-money thing. We sure are.Wind and road noise is better than on the previous model, and most of its competitors, making the Clio a very quiet ride indeed. Until you turn on the excellent CD-player that comes standard on all models, that is - it isn't the best out there, but as far as factory-fitted solutions go, you could do a lot worse. Safety in the new Clio is excellent: ABS brakes with brakeforce distribution, ISOFIX child-seat fixtures, and 6 air-bags as standard (some have 8). Unsurprisingly, the Renault gets the maximum possible number of EuroNCAP stars: 5. We're disappointed that electronic stability control isn't standard, however. Security is protected through a Thatcham-approved immobiliser and high-quality anti-drill locks. Design and usabilityCompared to the last Renault Clio, the new model is... Big. A lot bigger, in fact. In the old Clio, you wouldn't expect adults to fit in the back seat, but in the new model, this is perfectly possible - if not supremely comfortable. Incredibly, however, the boot is also of decent size, which seems to shift the Clio from the mini-car it once was to a fully capable very-small-family-car. In its 5-door guise, it would certainly be perfectly usable as such.The re-designed interior is very good, too, but has received a few touches of modesty and an air of halcyon tranquility. Gone are the days that the Clio sets the pace, but it could mean that it opens up new markets. Who is it for?The Clio has always been a very good first car, but as with all other superminis, it just keeps growing, and the Twingo (which currently isn't being imported into the UK. Are you listening, Renault?) now seems to be a better choice as a small car. With its newest incarnation, the Clio is big enough to be a family car, it is safe enough to be a daily driver, and it is fun enough for everything else. So, should you buy a Clio III?At the moment, the Clio batters all the competition hands-down, but be aware that you may be paying a premium for the fact that it's a brand new model. It is far better than the old Clio, however, so our best advice would be to shop around a little - good deals should start showing up in the beginning of 2006. Which model would we choose?There are a lot of exciting engines. The 1.2 is powerful enough, and returns a very good petrol consumption figure (48 mpg). The Diesel is about a grand more expensive and clocks in at 71mpg, but feels a bit underpowered. The 1.4 litre is barrels of laughs, but its power isn't strictly necessary. Go for a 1.2 with a nice trim level, and you can't go wrong.
