RENAULT CLIO
One of the finest superminis arrives as a super-frugal hybrid in a sporty new spec
❝Apparently this complex gearbox feels more natural and engaging than a CVT❞
EV motor makes it properly nippy;
FIRST REPORT
WHY WE’RE RUNNING IT
To see if the Clio is the heir apparent to the Ford Fiesta’s ‘default buy’ throne
F
or
so many years,
the Ford Fiesta was the ‘default’ British car buy. Now that it’s dead and buried, which affordable small hatchback should take its place? Although the Vauxhall Corsa has since scaled the sales charts, it isn’t fun like the Fiesta was. Likewise Europe’s favourite car, the Peugeot 208. The Volkswagen Polo? Even the GTI version leaves me cold. Skoda Fabia? Dacia Sandero? Worthy but, like the Corsa, dull. Seat Ibiza? Hyundai i20? They’re strong contenders – as is the Renault Clio.
Despite having been around for decades, the Clio always seems to get a bit forgotten for some reason, despite being, in its 2019-born fifth generation, very talented. It can be great value for money too: Autocar’s editor got an astounding finance deal on his one (see right).