Renault Clio

Renault Clio – Overview

The fifth generation of Renault’s Clio has been hailed as the best one yet, replacing the previous one in 2019. The supermini is a well known name among small, reasonably priced hatchbacks, and over 15 million of the little cars have been sold globally since is was first introduced in 1990.

The previous generation was not as well loved as its competitors, like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo, though it was the best selling B-segment car in Europe. Nevertheless, this new model has upped its game in every department. It sits on the new CMF-B (Common Module Family – B) platform, which improves space and safety, and also offers some weight savings.

There are three engine options, two petrol and one hybrid, and three trim levels available, namely Play, Iconic, and R.S. Line. The supermini is not available in Malaysia yes, and don’t expect all variants to make it here.

Renault Clio – Exterior

The exterior styling is evolutionary, thus the overall shape is familiar. Even though there’s more interior room, the hatchback is actually 12 mm shorter overall, and a pinch wider and lower than its predecessor.Every car in the range receives the new LED headlights. 

The bonnet character lines are sharper, with the familiar large Renault logo proudly displayed on the front grille, which features some hozizontal lines to widen the car visually. The rear door handles are again hidden in the C-pillars.

Overall, there is a sense that Renault polished what they had from the previous car and created a grown-up Clio. Play is the basic variant, with 16-inch Amicitia flex wheels, and black lower skirts on the side. 

Moving up a spot, Iconic features 16-inch wheels too but in Philia Diamond design, and also has foldable side mirrors. Finally, the R.S. Line variant receives 17-inch Diamond alloys, R.S. Line front and rear bumpers that features a beehive lower grille, and a shark fin antenna.

Renault Clio – Interior

While the exterior only received subtle touches, the interior of the new Clio has been overhauled and may just be the best in its class. The French carmaker calls this space ‘Smart Cockpit’. The dashboard is minimal and much more refined than the jumble of buttons in the outgoing car. 

Though hard plastics can be found here, they have been kept away as much as possible from touchpoints. The lower variants receives a faux leather trimmed steering wheel, but R.S. Line gets the real stuff. Overall interior room is also much improved, although rear headroom is still impaired.

There’s a sense that a lot of thought has been given to this interior, especially for the driver. All major controls are within easy reach. Rotary dials are used, thankfully, for climate control, and a collection of handy piano buttons are perched below. Further lower is the floating platform for the gear lever, and this may just be the best one we’ve ever seen. The steering column has also been slimmed down for more knee-room.

Renault Clio – Features

Even the base model comes rich with features. Play receives a 7-inch touchscreen that has full compatibility for all smartphones, and in the safety department it has Hill Start Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Active Emergency Braking (with cyclist and pedestrian detection), Emergency Brake Assist, Cruise Control, ABS with EBD, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning, ESC and ETS, and 6 airbags.

The middle child, Iconic, receives all the above, with the addition of rear parking sensors, a centre console with an armrest, hands free keycard and a push start/stop system, and also automatic lights and rain sensing wipers. The same infotainment system here also comes with navigation, unlike Play.

Finally, R.S. Line has all the goodies its siblings have, and additionally receives a 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, selectable ambient lighting and drive modes, a reverse camera, and also automatic climate controls. If the hybrid powertrain is chosen, a special 7-inch driver’s display accompanies it. It shows battery levels, energy flow, and there is also an optional 10-inch display that has better animations as well as the ability to display navigation. The extensive list of equipment, especially on a base model like Play, is great to see.

Renault Clio – Powertrain

Here are all the powertrain options available. Play and Iconic can be matched to every engine option, but R.S. Line only comes with TCe 90, and E-TECH Hybrid. 

• SCe 65 | 1.0-litre inline-3 | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive
• TCe 90 | 1.0-litre inline-3 turbo | 5-speed manual or CVT | Front-wheel drive
• E-TECH Hybrid | 1.6-litre inline-4 + 2 electric motor | 4-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT)

Renault Clio – Driving Performance

Benchmark figures for the engines are as such:

• SCe 65 | 66.6 PS at 6,250 rpm | 95 Nm at 3,600 rpm
• TCe 90 with manual transmission | 91 PS at 5,000 rpm | 160 Nm at3,750 rpm
• TCe 90 with CVT | 91 PS at 5,000 rpm | 140 Nm at 3,750 rpm
• E-TECH Hybrid | 91 PS at 5,600 rpm | 144 Nm at 3,200 rpm (petrol engine ; 205 Nm (electric engine)

Generally, the Clio is a more mature car and drives as such. It turns in confidently with a modern and direct steering feel, while the brakes are strong and progressive. Push too hard, and understeer gradually sets in.

Renault Clio – Ride Comfort

The supermini comes across more as squishy than dynamic. It will handle the worse that public roads can throw at it. However, only two tall adults are going to fit at the back, even though it has three seats there.

Renault Clio – Fuel Economy

• SCe 65 | 5.3 l/100km or 18.9 km/l | 120 g/km
• TCe 90 (manual) | 5.3 l/100km or 18.9 km/l | 121 g/km
• TCe 90 (CVT) | 5.8 l/100km or 17.2 km/l | 132 g/km
• E-TECH Hybrid | 4.5 l/100km or 22.2 km/l | 100 g/km

Renault Clio – Conclusion

The latest fifth-gen Renault Clio may not be the most dynamic, the most powerful, or even the most good-looking supermini. It is, however, the most grown up and, we think, the one with the best interior in this segment right now. The hybrid powertrain is also very interesting, featuring fresh ideas like having one motor for propulsion and one as a high-voltage starter generator, finally neatly tying everything together with the Dedicated Hybrid Transmission system. Even without hybrid technology, the Clio feels properly suited to the world we live in now, but yet not overtly technologically click baity.