04/02/2024 Compact, well equipped and with efficient power to burn – what’s not to love about a stylish French supermini? Read on…
The Renault Clio dates back to 1990 and has been revised recently to deliver a car that is unrecognisable from the original with an equally unrecognisable price. The front wheel drive Clio sits in the under-threat small hatchback class. Fewer car makers are interested in making small cars these days and those that do are ensuring they are profitable. The smalll hatchback class is dying due to the the rise of compact SUVs and crossovers – e.g. Ford has killed off the Fiesta for the Puma crossover. Our test car looks very sharp and features all the design tricks that Renault can muster to justify its price. It is a good looking car!
The interior of our ‘Esprit Alpine’ grade (Evolution and Techno are the other grades) E-Tech 145 model has the aire of a premium car and is a million miles away from Clio’s humble origins. The Clio has stretched over the years and the cabin up front is a nice place to be. Nice displays and switchgear look good although some interface interactions can be frustrating. Behind the wheel the car shrinks around you. In the rear it is cosy at best. The boot is reasonable with room for a big shop and a high lip that can be a help at times when trying to contain a packed boot.
Our E Tech Hybrid Clio features a 1.6 litre petrol engine with an additional electric motor powered by a 1.2kWh battery. It has green credentials with aCO2 figure of 97g/100km (annual motor tax €170) and weighs in at €34,870. Clio pricing starts from €24,845 (TCe 90). The Hybrid is quite powerfull with an output of 145hp and 205nm and this allows drivers to use it in many was as it has Jekyl and Hyde ability. 0-100km/h takes 9.9 seconds but feels quicker in reality. The Esprit Alpine has lots and lots of extras as standard and you will feel well catered for behind the wheel.
On the open road the Clio Hybrid is automatic and easy to use. It has enough power to handle brisk motorway driving and if you drive with a light right foot it can be very economilcal – the fuel tank can deliver up to 880kms from a fill. we averged about 5 litres per 100km with 4.2l/100km claimed. The relatively high price of our test car would rule it out for most drivers as you can get beter value per square foot in rival cars, but as a compact car that is well equiped and easy to use the Clio E Tech Hybrid is a serious option. 60,000 Clios have been sold in ireland so there is a loyal customer base to target. Michael Sheridan
