The Styling
The new Renault Clio certainly catches the eye with its updated styling. The grille has been revamped, accompanied by a sleek new logo. The LED headlights are now slimmer, giving the car a modern and sophisticated look. The alloy wheel designs have also been refreshed, adding a touch of elegance to the overall appearance. These subtle but effective changes contribute to the Clio’s overall charm and appeal.
The Interior
Step inside the Clio and you’ll find a familiar layout, but with noticeable improvements in the materials used. The dashboard and doors now feature higher-quality materials, creating a more refined and plush atmosphere. The overall feel is one of sophistication and comfort, making it a pleasant place to spend time in. The attention to detail in the interior design is evident, showcasing Renault’s commitment to providing a premium experience even in a small car.
The Renault Clio Espri Alpine
In this review, we are exploring the Renault Clio Espri Alpine, a range-topping trim level that adds a sporty touch to the Clio lineup. This trim level is inspired by Renault’s sporty sub-brand, Alpine. However, it’s important to note that the Espri Alpine variant is not a high-performance hot hatch. Instead, it offers a combination of sporty design elements and a generous amount of equipment. It’s all about adding a touch of flair and style to the already impressive Clio package.
A Practical Choice
Despite the recent price hikes in the small car segment, the Renault Clio showcases why small cars can still be a practical choice. The Clio provides a perfect balance between size, efficiency, and functionality. It is a nimble and agile car that easily navigates through city streets and tight parking spaces. The hybrid powertrain option further enhances its appeal, offering excellent fuel economy and reduced emissions. The Clio proves that you don’t have to sacrifice practicality for style and performance.
Renault Clio: A Stylish Upgrade
The new Renault Clio has arrived, replacing its predecessor, the Rline, as the brand’s top-of-the-line small car model. With its sleek design, the Clio offers a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets.
A Range of Choices
The Renault Clio is available in three different versions: the mid-spec Techno, the entry-level Evolution, and the high-end Espr Alpine model. While the Espr Alpine is undoubtedly the most expensive, it is not necessary to opt for the priciest version to enjoy a stylish interior. Both the Techno and Evolution models offer a modern and attractive interior design.
Attention to Detail
The interior of the Renault Clio impresses with its attention to detail. The metal effect dials are not only visually appealing but also enhance usability. Unlike many small cars, the climate controls are not hidden within a fiddly touch screen, making them easy to access. Additionally, the materials used in the construction of the interior feel of good quality, providing an overall sense of refinement.
A Comfortable Ride
While the Renault Clio offers a comfortable driving experience, it does have one minor flaw. The armrest could benefit from additional padding, as resting one’s elbow on it for an extended period of time may become uncomfortable. However, this is a small issue in an otherwise enjoyable ride.
Competition and Comparison
Although many small cars are disappearing from the market, the Renault Clio still faces tough competition from other models such as the Skoda Fabia, VW Polo, Dacia Sandero, and Honda Jazz. However, the Clio sets itself apart with its modern and stylish interior design. The infotainment system of the Clio is also impressive in comparison to its competitors.
Overall, the new Renault Clio offers a compelling package for those in search of a hybrid small car. With its attractive design, attention to detail, and modern features, the Clio is a strong contender in the segment.
The Infotainment System
The new Renault Clio boasts an impressive infotainment system with a large screen. In the lower trim levels, the screen size is 9.3 inches, while seven-inch screens are available in other versions. Regardless of the screen size, the graphics are visually appealing, and the system is highly responsive to user inputs. Moreover, the layout is straightforward and user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to navigate.
One of the significant features of the infotainment system is the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone. This feature is highly convenient and adds value to the overall driving experience. However, it is worth mentioning that the lack of physical controls for the infotainment system is a disappointment. Users have limited options to interact with the system, as physical buttons are almost non-existent.
Fortunately, the designers have made the permanently visible shortcuts along the bottom of the screen, making it easier to access different menus. The display itself is excellent, responding swiftly to user inputs. This feature is consistent with other Renault models, providing a familiar and efficient interface. Additionally, the extra stalk on the steering column is a handy tool for controlling media functions, such as volume adjustment or changing audio tracks.
Driving Experience
The Renault Clio offers a remarkable driving experience with a well-designed driving position. The visibility is excellent, providing a clear view of the road ahead. Through the steering wheel, the driver display is easily visible and accessible. Lower trim levels come with a 7-inch TFT screen, while the higher-end versions feature a 10-inch fully digital display. This display provides essential information in a visually appealing manner.
For those opting for the range-topping Apline model, the Clio offers luxurious and supportive seats. These seats feature extra side bolstering, ensuring optimum comfort and support during spirited driving. Even in the lower trim levels, the Clio’s interior remains comfortable and visually appealing.
The new Renault Clio is a commendable small hybrid car, offering a well-designed and responsive infotainment system. Although the lack of physical controls may be seen as a drawback, the system compensates with intuitive shortcuts and a visually pleasing display. The driving experience is enhanced by the clear visibility, easy access to the driver display, and comfortable seating options. Overall, the Clio proves itself as a worthy contender in the small hybrid car segment.
The Back of the Clio
When it comes to the back of the Renault Clio, there are a few things that need to be mentioned. Firstly, it’s important to note that this area is not particularly impressive. Those who are 6 feet tall or taller will find it difficult to sit up straight in the rear seats. Additionally, if you’re seated behind someone who is quite tall, there isn’t much knee or legroom to speak of. However, despite these drawbacks, there is still enough room to comfortably place your feet underneath, even with the seat in its lowest position.
One major downside to the back of the Clio is the raised middle seat. It sits even higher than the outer two seats, making it uncomfortable for the person who has to sit in the middle when three passengers are seated in the back. This lack of headroom sets the Clio at a disadvantage compared to its rivals in this aspect. Although the Clio has many strengths, its rear seating arrangement falls short.
The Impressive Boot Space
While the rear seats of the Clio may not be the best, the boot space is a different story. In fact, it is quite impressive. The Clio offers a total of 391 liters of storage, which not only surpasses its small car rivals but also exceeds the boot space of the Volkswagen Golf, a car from the class above. However, it is important to note that this capacity is for the non-hybrid versions of the Clio.
If you opt for a hybrid Clio, like the one we have here, the boot space does decrease. With a hybrid Clio, the storage capacity drops from 391 liters down to 301 liters, which is still larger than a Toyota Yaris but smaller than a Honda Jazz.
The Lineup
Renault has made a notable decision with the latest Renault Clio. Originally, they had planned to only offer a hybrid option in the UK market. However, they eventually decided to provide consumers with the choice between a hybrid and a regular petrol version. This means that the entry point of the lineup is the tce 90, equipped with a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder petrol engine. Alongside this, we have the Cleo ech, a 1.6-liter hybrid setup. Both versions have been carried over from the previous Cleo.
Performance and Power
The tce 90 offers 90 brake horsepower and a nought to 62 mph time of 12.2 seconds. While this might be suitable for driving around town, it lacks the oomph that one might desire for longer journeys. If you were to compare it to the equivalent Skoda Fabia with a 1 liter TSI 95 engine, you would quickly realize that the Fabia is far quicker and delivers a stronger mid-range punch compared to the Cleo. However, the Cleo does come with a pleasant manual gearbox, and its performance is sufficient for most everyday driving scenarios.
The Hybrid Advantage
Now, when it comes to the hybrid option, it has a similar petrol engine as the tce 90 but benefits from additional electrical assistance. It’s important to note that this hybrid setup does not enable you to drive solely on electric power for long distances, nor does it require you to plug it in for charging. However, the hybrid variant does offer several advantages. It is more powerful, delivering a smoother and quieter driving experience. Additionally, its fuel efficiency is superior compared to the TC 90.
In conclusion, the new Renault Clio presents consumers with the choice of a hybrid or petrol version. While the tce 90 demonstrates adequacy for city driving, it may not satisfy those seeking a more exhilarating performance. However, the hybrid variant compensates for this with its additional electrical assistance, resulting in a more efficient and refined driving experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two versions will depend on individual preferences and driving needs.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The new Renault Clio hybrid boasts an extra chunk of power, resulting in an impressive 0 to 62 mph time of just 9.3 seconds. What’s more, the automatic gearbox offers a smooth and seamless driving experience. However, one major drawback of the hybrid model is its price tag, which is £3500 more than its equivalent, the tc90. This price discrepancy raises concerns about real-world fuel economy.
During our real-world testing, we managed to achieve impressive results in both versions of the Clio. The hybrid model delivered an impressive fuel efficiency of 57.6 miles per gallon, while the tc90 offered a respectable 46.3 miles per gallon. Regardless of which Clio model you choose, you can expect excellent fuel efficiency.
Driving Experience
If you’re searching for a small car that offers an enjoyable driving experience, the Renault Clio is a worthy contender. The steering is more direct and accurate compared to many of its rivals, providing a heightened sense of connection to the road. It also offers a smooth and comfortable ride, although it may feel slightly choppy at low speeds. While it might not handle off-road surfaces as well as some of its counterparts like the Fabia or Polo, it still maintains great control. At higher speeds, the Clio becomes even more composed, making it an excellent option for those seeking an enjoyable and refined driving experience.
Choosing the Best Version
When it comes to choosing the best version of the Clio and determining the ideal specifications, the decision ultimately depends on individual preferences. While the hybrid model offers smooth and efficient performance, we would still recommend opting for the tc90 due to its affordability. The tc90 remains a solid option and offers excellent value for money.
In conclusion, the new Renault Clio proves to be an excellent choice for those in search of a small hybrid car. With its impressive power and smooth automatic gearbox, it delivers an enjoyable driving experience. Both the hybrid and tc90 versions offer commendable fuel efficiency, ensuring that buyers will save on running costs. Ultimately, the decision between the two models comes down to budget considerations.
The Three Trim Levels
When it comes to choosing a trim level for the new Renault Clio, there are three options available. Even the entry-level Evolution model is well equipped with features such as automatic climate control, keyless entry, and LED headlights. However, the Techno trim level seems to be the standout choice. It comes with 17-inch alloys, automatic LED headlights, front parking sensors, and a reversing camera. While the top-of-the-line Spr Alpine offers the most kit, it also comes with the highest price tag.
Paint Options
For those looking to customize the appearance of their Clio, there are various paint options available. The base trim level offers glacier white as the standard color, but it is recommended to opt for one of the metallic options. By spending an additional $600, buyers can choose from three dark colors. And if you’re willing to spend an extra $100, there are three brighter colors to choose from as well. This limited selection keeps things simple and straightforward, without overwhelming buyers with too many customization choices.
Affordable Price
Compared to its rivals, the new Renault Clio stands out for its competitive price. While most small cars on the market have recently experienced significant price hikes, the Nu Cleo version of the Clio comes in at less than $20,000. This undercuts its competitors, particularly the Jazz. Although the Sandero may be even cheaper, the Clio offers a more well-rounded package overall. With its stylish interior, balanced ride and handling, and practical boot space, the Clio provides excellent value for money.
If you’re in the market for a new small car, the Renault Clio should be at the top of your list. Its combination of features, affordability, and overall quality make it a standout choice in the hybrid small car segment.
Conclusion
The new Renault Clio is a standout contender in the small car segment. Its updated styling, refined interior, and sporty trim options make it an enticing choice for those seeking a hybrid small car. The Clio strikes the perfect balance between practicality and style, showcasing why small cars can still make a lot of sense. If you’re in the market for a small car, the Renault Clio should definitely be on your radar.