Driven: New Renault Clio

Let's get one thing clear. Diesel is the Devil's semen. But we're all about cars with spunk, which is why we got behind the wheel of the all-new Renault Clio 1.5-litre oil-burner

Alex Kersten

18 May 2015

Under the hood

So what's this turbocharged bad boy packing then? Erm, not a great deal, if we're honest. How does 89bhp grab you? Certainly not by the balls, but limp-wristed performance does have its benefits, namely massive fuel economy; around 85mpg which ain't bad. OK, it's bloody impressive, let's be fair.

When the new Clio hits UK shelves soon, you also get the choice of a 1.0-litre three-pot-powered motor, which sounds like it'll be as much fun as a frog in a blender, but we'll reserve judgment until we give it a good spanking soon.

Behind the wheel

Now things begin to get interesting. In a bid to get ‘the yoof’ buying into the new Clio, customers have a choice of seven (yes, seven) interior décor packs, for ultimate personalisation. On top of that, there are plenty of shiny bits inside, too, and a few colours to choose from for the door cards and steering wheel inserts. Overall, the dash is an attractive thing to look at.

Because we are the Facebook generation, Renault’s turned the Clio into a bit of a moving iPad. From the get-go, you get Bluetooth and USB port, and, model dependent, you’ll also get to fiddle with an 18cm touchscreen (with nav), as well as Renault R-Link, which reads out your text messages. It'll also give you driving tips if you ask it nicely, but do that, and you're no longer welcome in the CT elite.

On first arse-to-seat acquaintance, you’ll be happy with the Clio’s comfort. The cloth chairs are supportive, yet soft, which sounds simple to get right, but is something car makers often get very wrong.

The pedal weights and quality of the switches is also good, but while the Clio’s dashboard looks the part, the plastics are tacky. That said, the glossy touches inside more than make up for it.

Because performance isn’t something the diesel’s trying to flaunt (it'll only do 112mph), we’ll concentrate on the way the car handles. After throwing it around for three hours on some of the twistiest tarmac on God’s green earth, the Clio was bloody excellent.

Because it’s softly sprung for comfort, the Renault clings on brilliantly through hairpin bends and offers surprisingly good feel through the steering wheel. Only when you drive like a proper loon does the front end let go, but it’s easy enough to catch.

The new Clio makes a good fist of motorway cruising, too. At 70mph the cabin is hushed enough for you to 'blaze your tunes', and the suspension and seats absorb road acne really well.

Add to this decent brakes and a nice five-speed 'box and Renault's onto a winner. Good visibility will also help the ladies with parking; oh, chill out, you know it's true.