We were invited to drive the new Renault Clio at the local introduction in Cape Town. General improvements in all areas are usually expected but we were especially taken with two, engine and interior
What is it?
The Clio has been around for 30 years now. It’s always been a contender in its market segment, and each generation has helped bring something new to the table. It’s Renault’s most successful model ever and is up against some tough competition. Now in its fifth generation, the Clio is a little more grown-up than ever before.
A quick glance along its profile will having you mistaking it for the fourth generation, but closer inspection of front and rear ends will reveal headlamps that resemble those on the latest Megane and elongated taillights. As provided to the journalists assembled at the local launch in Cape Town, the 1.0 Turbo Intense models all included the Option Pack (R15 000 extra) and metallic paint finish (R2 500). This model also had the optional Viva Stella diamond cut 17-inch wheels fitted to it.
What’s it like to drive?
Renault South Africa has seen fit to only introduce one engine to the local Clio line-up, La Regie’s 1-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol. This motor makes 74 kW and 160 Nm at 5 000 rpm and 2 750 rpm, which doesn’t sound all that impressive, but bear in mind that the French firm chose this powerplant to represent its brand for a reason.
Immediately apparent to me on the local launch route is that revving the motor all the way into its 6 500 rpm is a pointless exercise. Instead, you have to try to keep the tachometer’s needle between 2 500 and 5 000 rpm, because that’s where the engine feels most flexible and responsive. There’s a throaty three-pot thrum when you’re at play, though you can’t help but feel that another ratio would have helped the Clio cruise a little more.
We suspect that the five-speed manual’s final drive is rather short, which is great for acceleration, but theoretically should adversely affect fuel consumption. Interestingly, we were averaging around 7 litres/100 km on the local launch, which included plenty of spirited driving. So, we’d like to see what the fuel consumption of the Clio could be like when we’re really trying.
What else do you get?
This Intens spec model is definitely the one to get. Its priced just under its main rival, Volkswagen’s Polo, but has more standard features. As part of the Option pack on this model though, you also get that swanky 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system (the biggest in this class of vehicle), and a reverse camera with front park distance control.
On the safety front, you get ABS with EBD, emergency brake assist, stability control, auto-on parking brake, 6 airbags, ISOFIX mount points, and seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters. Park that on top of the Clio’s reinforced passenger cell and you end up with a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
The Clio is also more refined than its predecessors, riding quieter and more comfortably than ever before. Inside, there’s a lot less noise and vibration as well, which makes the Clio feel like a hatchback from a class above its own.
While the warranty and anti-corrosion warranty are comparable to the rest of the industry (6 years/150 000 km and 6 years respectively), we must point out that you only get a 2 years/30 000 km service plan with your Clio. Assuming you’re going to own your Clio for a couple of years, you’ll have to fork out for another few services out of your own pocket.
Quick Stats: Renault Clio 1.0 Turbo Intens
Price: R349 900
Spec: 1.0l 3-cyl turbopetrol, 74 kW, 160 Nm, 5-speed manual, 5.7l/100km fuel consumption, 132 g/km CO2
