Renault Clio long-term test

The Car Renault Clio 1.0 TCe 90 Evolution Run by Jonty Renk, senior videographer

Why it’s here To prove that you don’t need to break the bank to have a fantastic small car

Needs to Offer a versatile and practical interior for camera gear storage while being small and nimble enough to drive in a busy city

Mileage 9614 List price £17,795 Target Price £16,462 Price as tested £18,695 Official economy 54.3mpg Test economy 53.5mpg Dealer value now £16,820 Private value now £14,951 Running costs (excluding depreciation) Fuel £1082.91, replacement tire £135, replacement windscreen £275

23 September 2024 – Size isn't everything

During my time with the Renault Clio I have been constantly reminded of one of my favourite childhood stories; David vs Goliath. You see, I live in south-west London where I find myself surrounded by narrow streets, width restrictors and, most notably, cumbersome SUV's.

On my street alone, my Clio stands out not just for being the brightest (thanks to my Valencia Orange paint), but also for being the smallest car as far as the eye can see.

And I can’t help looking at these big cars – a fair number with their dented panels, scratched paint and scuffed alloys – and thinking that, in a city like London, the smaller Clio wins the battle of easy living against these four-wheeled Goliaths.

Motoring through skinny log-jammed roads and squeezing into tight parking spots, I am grateful to be in a small car like the Clio.

Back in the 90s when the first-generation Clio arrived, the same street I live on today in London would have seemed appropriately sized for the much smaller cars that were parked on it. And while the Clio has become a little bigger with each generation since, it remains a small car – albeit one which, these days, is increasingly surrounded by SUV Goliaths.

The first-generation Clio from 1998 was powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, and if you want to see the march of technology in action, just consider this: my Clio has a smaller 1.0-litre engine, yet it produces more power than the first Clio's motor, with fewer emissions and better fuel economy. And that's before we consider how much more comfortable, and how much safer, my car is compared with its older sibling.

Indeed, thanks to that peppy petrol engine and snappy six-speed manual gearbox – and a kerb weight of just over one tonne – my little Clio feels properly punchy around town and quick enough to handle a spirited drive on a country road.

It’s on those country roads where the Clio truly shines. The car’s responsiveness is particularly impressive, with steering that's more direct and accurate than most small car rivals like the Skoda Fabia and Vauxhall Corsa, and way more fun than many of the bulbous SUVs that surround it on the road. There's minimal body lean when making sharp turns, and it grips tenaciously even when pushed hard. Keen drivers would be far more satisfied in a Clio than most small SUVs, I think.

What I also appreciate is that no matter how hard I drive, the Clio continues to sip fuel rather than guzzle it down. When deputy reviews editor Neil Winn borrowed the car for a weekend of heavy-footed motorway mileage, it still returned with an indicated average of more than 53mpg. I must say, the Clio's frugality is something I’ve come to value deeply.

I've also come to value the Clio's interior, because despite it’s low pricing, it isn’t made of flimsy materials. It might not be revolutionary in design, but everything feels solid and built to last. Even in the entry-level Evolution spec, there are plenty of soft-touch plastics, and the faux fabric trim inserts on the dashboard look and feel high-quality. It’s comparable to premium models like the Audi A1.

What about practicality, though? As I’ve mentioned in previous updates, the Clio won’t accommodate six people on a holiday or transport a sofa, but it’s more than capable for my everyday needs. It easily swallows all my filming equipment, and on a recent long shooting day, it ferried the road test team back and forth to a local hotel. Admittedly, some of the taller testers, like reviews editor Will Nightingale, found the rear a bit cramped, but if you have young children, the Clio could easily serve as your only car.

Then there’s the way the Clio looks. While it might not be as head-turning as the upcoming fully electric Renault 5, I think it’s a handsome vehicle. From the curvy front to the distinctive LED running lights, I think it’s got some real panache in its design. That's especially true with the paintwork of my car, which, at £700, was an expensive but thoroughly worthwhile pick from the options list. Put it this way – if it turned heads on my trip to Paris, it should do the same at your local supermarket.

Is there anything I didn’t like? Well, the Clio's 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system is a bit small, the resolution is slightly muddy, and it’s not particularly quick to respond. However, it does come as standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and the basic stereo sounds surprisingly good. And better yet, it has physical climate controls that are easy to use on the move – unlike many modern cars.

Despite that small foible, I've loved my time with the Clio, and would welcome another one in my company car future. It's a small car that thinks big, and I reckon one that in my part of London makes far more sense than the legion of SUVs that are so popular. 

It’s not just a fantastic small car; it’s a fantastic car full stop, and a worthy What Car? Award winner.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Read more about our long-term Renault Clio >>

Read about more long-term test cars >>

Buy a new car with What Car?

Like the sound of the Renault Clio?

If so, check out our New Car Deals pages to see how much you could save on a Renault Clio.

We’ve got the biggest selection of discounted new cars available in the UK.