It would be easy to believe that the small car was in its death throes, its demise brought on by environmental legislation that makes these mini marvels unprofitable despite their inherent efficiency of movement and less greedy use of raw materials.
This impression is only heightened by the decision to axe the Ford Fiesta, production of which ceases in only a month or so after more than 40 years of service.
However, if this really is the case, then nobody has told Renault. For starters, there are the retro-themed Renault 4 and Renault 5 EV concepts that have been wowing show crowds and are soon to be turned into a showroom reality. Moreover, bosses have also revealed that there’s an all-new Clio on the drawing board, its design as good as signed off. But before we get to that there’s still the current car to consider, which has just received a mid-life refresh.
Given the cost of meeting impending EV legislation and the wafer-slim profit margins in superminis, it’s no surprise to find that this is more mild makeover than full-on refresh. In fact, mechanically the Clio is pretty much identical, the changes being merely cosmetic and aimed at boosting showroom appeal - although a top five placing in Europe’s 2023 sales charts suggests the French machine is hardly lacking in popularity, even if it does play second fiddle to its value-for-money cousin, the Dacia Sandero.
As a result, the most obvious changes are cosmetic, with a more aggressive design for the front and rear bumpers, slimmer LED headlights and an eye-catching daytime-running light signature. Added together, they give the Clio a more purposeful stance, especially in the new range-topping Esprit Alpine trim tested here. A replacement for the old RS Line, this packs plenty of Alpine logos inside and out, patriotic tricolore inserts and some 17in alloys that feature natty hub caps that mimic centre-lock wheel nuts.
Inside, there’s the same neatly designed dashboard and generous use of high-grade materials, which combine to create a surprisingly classy feel. Renault also makes a great play of the cabin’s sustainability, with at least 60% recycled materials used throughout and a strict ‘no leather’ policy. There’s also more standard kit across the board, including a digital instrument cluster for all versions and slick portrait touchscreen infotainment screen (7.0in as standard, 9.3in on the Esprit Alpine). And while the rear seats remain a little cramped, the boot is one of the biggest in the class, measuring up to 391 litres.
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Owned a Clio 0.9tce for a couple of years. Put into context it was one of the best cars I've owned. Some materials were rather 'cheap' feeling and it suffered from the odd trim rattle, but considering the real-world price I paid for it (£10450 inc 2yr free service ) that was easily forgiven. The car did exactly what it said on the tin.
Really surprised to read this update feels 'classy'. If that's the case then based on my previous experience, I wouldn't hesitate purchasing another if I was ever in the market for a city car again.
Avg 67mpg and under £25k for top line trim given todays market? Nothing wrong with that. If anything like the Captur, Renault may offer additional incentives to attract buyers.
As someone who can now only consider used cars (due to the ridiculous new prices) the complexity of this powertrain would really put me off buying one.
Just how slow can you make a small light car with big'ish turbo charged 1.6 and battery assistance comlexity. Already missing the fiesta.
And where did I say it should have hot hatch performance, I didn't. You're also comparing an old diesel to a petrol, clueless.
It's got a 1.6 turbo hybrid with 143 ps, it's also small'ish yet takes takes a 9.3 to hit 60, bigger A3 and Golf with smaller engines without Hybrid are a second quicker.
You doubt but don't know, plus that's in the future. Top gear said it wouldn't recommend it over the petrol equivalent.
You doubt but don't know, plus that's in the future. Top gear said it wouldn't recommend it over the petrol equivalent.
It's not got a turbo, its a non turbo 1.6. I have one of these and it's a great allrounder and most of the time it drives in EV mode. It feels quicker than it is!
Article must have been changed, but still 143ps including battery assistance, which is meant for slow speed get aways, yet still takes 9.3 to get to 60.
To complicated and will depreciate as fast as just about every Renault
You're missing the point: It's a torquey cruiser that gives excellent economy, not a 0-60 car.
It's not torquey though, same as 208 1.2 despite having battery assistance. Also, Top gear said it wouldn't recommend it over the petrol equivalent.
You're comparing a 4 cylinder naturally aspirated hybrid drivetrain with a 3 cylinder turbo - very different beasts. The 1.2 Puretech is a good engine but the Renault will be smoother and more economical whilst having comparable performance and no low rev lag.
That's my point, the battery assistance should give it a massive shove but at the end of the day all that renault tech, that go wrong in 8 years, and adds 1.5k to the price gets you nothing other than a 15 percent fuel saving, 150 quid a year maybe. Oh and the hybrid won't be smooth.