RENAULT CLIO
1.0 TCe 90 Techno
WHILE THE REINVENTION of the Renault 5 (R5) is an exciting step in the French brand’s future direction, it doesn’t spell the end of the more traditional Clio any time soon. The fact that the retroinspired R5 is electric and a step up in price from the slightly larger, petrol-engined Clio means there’s plenty of room in Renault’s line-up for both of these small hatchbacks to co-exist happily, catering for slightly different audiences. And that’s terrific news, because the Clio is too good – and too popular – to be put out to pasture just yet.
The Clio is available as a hybrid that promises economy of up to 67.3mpg, but it’s the regular 1.0-litre petrol that we favour; it’s a fair bit cheaper to buy and still delivers excellent real-world efficiency, helping to keep running costs low. True, it isn’t quite as quick as some rivals, but it’s more than nippy enough dashing around town, and the Clio doesn’t feel out of its depth at motorway speeds.
What’s more, the Clio is better to drive than most of its rivals, including the Skoda Fabia and Suzuki Swift; despite having fairly firm suspension, it strikes a fine balance between agility and ride comfort.