The Clio is Renault’s best-selling car by some margin, and it’s easy to see why with its affordable pricing and stylish looks.
Renault has kept those two factors with its latest model but is making its new supermini even more appealing thanks to a classier interior, and a chassis that allows for electrification. It’s now the most spacious car in its class – offering a remarkable 391-litre boot.
Renault has Clio made some vast improvements to the new model, so what else do you need to know?
What engines are available?
At launch, Renault is offering four engines on the Clio, with the range beginning with a naturally-aspirated three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine, (SCe 75) which is paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. It develops just 71bhp (largely because it’s not turbocharged), so this engine is really best just for city use or new drivers, with 0-60mph taking a lengthy 16.2 seconds to reach. As for efficiency, it will manage 52.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of 111g/km.
The 99bhp 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is the pick of the range (TCe 100) – delivering plenty of torque, while also coming with the option of a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic. It’s capable of 0-60mph in 11.6 seconds and returns a claimed 54.3mpg. The CO2 emissions are as low as 99g/km.
If you fancy something with a bit more punch, opt for the TCe 130, which utilises a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 128bhp. It’s paired as standard to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This can hit 0-60mph in a sprightly 8.8 seconds, while managing 49.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 118g/km.
If you’re looking for something even more efficient, opt for the diesel Blue dCi 85, which features a 1.5-litre engine producing 84bhp. Paired to a six-speed manual gearbox, it reaches 0-60mph in a slightly slow 14.5 seconds. Though it’s remarkably good on fuel – returning up to a claimed 67.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of 94g/km.
A mild-hybrid version will be introduced in the middle of 2020, too.
What trim levels are offered?
Four trim levels are offered, with highlights and prices as follows.
Play – from £14,295
Starting equipment is generous, and includes LED headlights, air-conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth and a host of safety kit including lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking and traffic sign recognition.
Iconic – from £15,295
This grade adds a seven-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and smartphone mirroring, as well as keyless start, a leather steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels and rear parking sensors.
S Edition – from £17,295
On top of Iconic, this features a larger 9.3-inch touchscreen with a digital dials, as well as electric rear windows, climate control and larger 17-inch alloy wheels.
R.S. Line – from £17,795
This range-topping model brings styling that’s inspired by hot Renault Sport models, along with different driving models and a rear-view parking camera with front parking sensors.
What about personalisation?
While the Clio doesn’t excel when it comes to personalisation, buyers will find that there is plenty of choice to make their supermini stand out from the crowd.
Colour packs are a great idea, with buyers able to choose from an orange, red and the ‘chrome and glossy black’ pack – each bringing colour changes to the grille, alloy wheels, chrome strip at the bottom of the doors and at the top of the rear diffuser. These colours also extend to the interior, too.
You can also choose illuminated side sills, boot protection and a cool shark antenna aerial on the roof.
As for colours, aside from the usual whites, greys and blacks, more interesting colours such as Celadon Blue, Valencia Orange and Flame Red available.
