Renault Clio Diesel 1.5 dCi (A) Review
07 Dec 2015|17,710 views
Many car owners like nothing better than to stand out in a crowd and carmakers are more than happy to lend a hand. Take Renault for example.
The Clio has been a hugely important car for the French carmaker since the first generation hit the streets in 1990, cementing the brand's status as a prominent maker of stylish and fun small cars.
The fourth generation Clio has been a big hit in Europe since it made its debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and the French carmaker hopes the supermini's contemporary design and European attributes will see it continue the success of the Clio brand, which has seen more than 12 million sales since it was launched.
Exterior
The Renault Clio has always been considered as one of the more stylish superminis, and this version is no exception. You only need a mere glance to be drawn towards it before you start to demand more information about the car.
We're now well into the fourth generation of the car's lifespan, and while its hidden rear door handles give it the impression of a sportier coupe, this is the first Clio ever to be a five-door only.
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The front end is markedly more aggressive with the sharp lines of the air intake and the head lights combined with the sleek grille. It's a look that debuted on the Megane family hatch and it gives the baby hatch a far more purposeful appearance, even in its non-sporting forms.
At 4,063mm x 1,732mm x 1,448mm, it's 36mm longer, 12mm slimmer and 49mm lower than the previous model and the change in dimensions is utilised in making the new car appear lower, leaner and more streamlined.
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Interior
There's certainly a modern feel to the Clio's cabin and while it may not be quite on par with its rivals like the Peugeot 208 or the Volkswagen Polo in terms of quality, the rounded forms, large touchscreen display and various colour options give the French supermini added personality.
The user-friendly interior has all functions within easy reach of the driver. Additionally, the R-Link 7.0-inch touchscreen system dominates the centre stack. It brings a host of features, including R-Sound Effect to make the car sound like anything from a dirt bike to a spaceship, piped through the car's audio system.
With an increased length and longer wheelbase than before, interior space has been maximised for the new Clio. But while the front is airy, rear legroom can be tight with tall occupants up front. That said, there is plenty of headroom for everyone so there shouldn’t be too many quibbles.
The boot has 300 litres of space and is one of the biggest in its class. We managed to squeeze two large suitcases into the deep cargo area, with some space for the hand-carry luggage on top, which is quite a feat for a car of its size.
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The Drive
While the Clio is a fun car to drive around town, the 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel feels very much at home on the motorway too, as it's smooth and pulls strongly.
Its maximum power output may be a fairly modest 89bhp, but it gives the Clio as much straightline performance as an everyday supermini needs, allowing the car to reach 100km/h in 12.9 seconds, although it feels much faster in reality.
It's a gem of an engine, tractable from idle and with a big swell of torque that makes general driving more effortless and allows for greater driver enjoyment by providing better squirt out of corners.
More importantly, the engine is very fuel efficient and while the official fuel consumption is rated at 27km/L, we only achieved some 19km/L during our stint of spirited driving, which is considered rather impressive.
For drivers looking to save more fuel wherever possible, there is the Eco mode that, when activated, helps by reducing engine torque slightly and modifying the mapping of the throttle.
The Clio sits on the same platform as the outgoing car, but its kerb weight has been reduced by 100kg, which has had a positive effect on performance.
Quick steering and good damping ensure a sprightly feel and although some of its rivals would rank higher in terms of handling, the Clio is nonetheless a deft performer.
This terrific body control doesn't come at the expense of ride comfort, with the Clio's suspension offering enough suppleness and bump-cushioning ability that journeys don’t become arduous for its occupants.
Conclusion
Renault seemed to skip a generation entirely with the new Clio. This one has a much serious look to it than the last one did. It's lighter, it has class-leading luggage space, it's more economical, refined, and fun to drive.
And for those who want their supermini to have distinctive looks to stand out, this French one will fit the bill.
Many car owners like nothing better than to stand out in a crowd and carmakers are more than happy to lend a hand. Take Renault for example.
The Clio has been a hugely important car for the French carmaker since the first generation hit the streets in 1990, cementing the brand's status as a prominent maker of stylish and fun small cars.
The fourth generation Clio has been a big hit in Europe since it made its debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and the French carmaker hopes the supermini's contemporary design and European attributes will see it continue the success of the Clio brand, which has seen more than 12 million sales since it was launched.
Exterior
The Renault Clio has always been considered as one of the more stylish superminis, and this version is no exception. You only need a mere glance to be drawn towards it before you start to demand more information about the car.
We're now well into the fourth generation of the car's lifespan, and while its hidden rear door handles give it the impression of a sportier coupe, this is the first Clio ever to be a five-door only.
The front end is markedly more aggressive with the sharp lines of the air intake and the head lights combined with the sleek grille. It's a look that debuted on the Megane family hatch and it gives the baby hatch a far more purposeful appearance, even in its non-sporting forms.
At 4,063mm x 1,732mm x 1,448mm, it's 36mm longer, 12mm slimmer and 49mm lower than the previous model and the change in dimensions is utilised in making the new car appear lower, leaner and more streamlined.
Interior
There's certainly a modern feel to the Clio's cabin and while it may not be quite on par with its rivals like the Peugeot 208 or the Volkswagen Polo in terms of quality, the rounded forms, large touchscreen display and various colour options give the French supermini added personality.
The user-friendly interior has all functions within easy reach of the driver. Additionally, the R-Link 7.0-inch touchscreen system dominates the centre stack. It brings a host of features, including R-Sound Effect to make the car sound like anything from a dirt bike to a spaceship, piped through the car's audio system.
There's certainly a modern feel to the Clio's cabin and while it may not be quite on par with its rivals like the Peugeot 208 or the Volkswagen Polo in terms of quality, the rounded forms, large touchscreen display and various colour options give the French supermini added personality.
The user-friendly interior has all functions within easy reach of the driver. Additionally, the R-Link 7.0-inch touchscreen system dominates the centre stack. It brings a host of features, including R-Sound Effect to make the car sound like anything from a dirt bike to a spaceship, piped through the car's audio system.
With an increased length and longer wheelbase than before, interior space has been maximised for the new Clio. But while the front is airy, rear legroom can be tight with tall occupants up front. That said, there is plenty of headroom for everyone so there shouldn’t be too many quibbles.
The boot has 300 litres of space and is one of the biggest in its class. We managed to squeeze two large suitcases into the deep cargo area, with some space for the hand-carry luggage on top, which is quite a feat for a car of its size.
The Drive
While the Clio is a fun car to drive around town, the 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel feels very much at home on the motorway too, as it's smooth and pulls strongly.
Its maximum power output may be a fairly modest 89bhp, but it gives the Clio as much straightline performance as an everyday supermini needs, allowing the car to reach 100km/h in 12.9 seconds, although it feels much faster in reality.
It's a gem of an engine, tractable from idle and with a big swell of torque that makes general driving more effortless and allows for greater driver enjoyment by providing better squirt out of corners.
More importantly, the engine is very fuel efficient and while the official fuel consumption is rated at 27km/L, we only achieved some 19km/L during our stint of spirited driving, which is considered rather impressive.
For drivers looking to save more fuel wherever possible, there is the Eco mode that, when activated, helps by reducing engine torque slightly and modifying the mapping of the throttle.
While the Clio is a fun car to drive around town, the 1.5-litre dCi turbodiesel feels very much at home on the motorway too, as it's smooth and pulls strongly.
Its maximum power output may be a fairly modest 89bhp, but it gives the Clio as much straightline performance as an everyday supermini needs, allowing the car to reach 100km/h in 12.9 seconds, although it feels much faster in reality.
It's a gem of an engine, tractable from idle and with a big swell of torque that makes general driving more effortless and allows for greater driver enjoyment by providing better squirt out of corners.
More importantly, the engine is very fuel efficient and while the official fuel consumption is rated at 27km/L, we only achieved some 19km/L during our stint of spirited driving, which is considered rather impressive.
For drivers looking to save more fuel wherever possible, there is the Eco mode that, when activated, helps by reducing engine torque slightly and modifying the mapping of the throttle.
The Clio sits on the same platform as the outgoing car, but its kerb weight has been reduced by 100kg, which has had a positive effect on performance.
Quick steering and good damping ensure a sprightly feel and although some of its rivals would rank higher in terms of handling, the Clio is nonetheless a deft performer.
This terrific body control doesn't come at the expense of ride comfort, with the Clio's suspension offering enough suppleness and bump-cushioning ability that journeys don’t become arduous for its occupants.
Conclusion
Renault seemed to skip a generation entirely with the new Clio. This one has a much serious look to it than the last one did. It's lighter, it has class-leading luggage space, it's more economical, refined, and fun to drive.
And for those who want their supermini to have distinctive looks to stand out, this French one will fit the bill.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Renault Clio Diesel 1.5T dCi LWB (A)
CAT A|Diesel|28.6km/L
Horsepower
67kW (90 bhp)
Torque
200 Nm
Acceleration
12.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Renault Clio Diesel
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