What is it?
This is the new Clio Sport Tourer, the latest addition to the Clio range.
Considering this is car is classed as an estate, the Sport Tourer is very compact indeed. It’s just 4.2m long (and sitting on the same 2.5m wheelbase as the Clio hatch) but the extra metalwork means the boot space jumps from 288 litres (in the Clio hatchback) to 439 litres, a handy 50 percent more.
The Tourer is built in Turkey and is related to the Clio saloon (the longer rear overhang of the four door was handy when creating a mini-estate) which isn’t sold in the UK.
What's it like?
The days when French superminis were created for willowy French women with size three feet are, fortunately, at an end – even full-sized Brits have no difficulty getting comfortable. The cabin is nicely finished and designed, too, with quality surface treatments.
That more upmarket treatment is reflected in the easy-going chassis tuning. Rather than the edgy, sparkiness you might traditionally associate with small cars, the Tourer encourages gentle, relaxed progress.
While it’s is not a car that encourages the driver to get a move on, it is remarkable handy in the confines of car parks and city streets.
The 86bhp 1.5-litre diesel is very quiet, but with only 600 miles under the wheels, performance felt no more than adequate. It was happy, though, to hum along with the flow of traffic. In-town consumption might even reach 50mpg.
Dynamique spec includes climate control, auto lights and wipers, cruise control, 15-inch alloys and six airbags.
Should I buy one?
This is a neat car that will appeal to those who want a quality interior ambiance and ultra-low running costs. But it’s something of a halfway house solution if you want a really handy load carrier.
Bigger rivals like the excellent Hyundai i30 1.6 diesel estate are priced too close to this range-topping Clio wagon for comfort. We think the Clio estate’s simple charms will make more sense lower down the range.
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Actually rather good
For some, like me, who want something that is very flexible yet cheap to run, it is the perfect car.
Why? Well my previous car was a Mazda 323F 2.0. A fine car, but not without its foibles. It had plenty of space, enough for my studio lights (I do photography), and had plenty of grunt when needed.
Downsides? Well it was thirsty, the rid around town was harsh and Mr taxman wanted £280 per year just to have it on the road! For a 11 year old small hatchback, that was a bit much!
So, replacing it. I ended up with a pre-owned (I don't like the words second-hand) Clio Sport tourer TCe tomtom.
Good choice? Well yes! It is cheaper to run. more modern and actually very supple and quiet when in town. On the open road, again quiet and agile.
Space wise, it is just as good. The lighting fits perfectly and it's footprint is a bit smaller.
To be honest. I cannot see why super-mini estates are avoided, as in fact they are a very flexible package the will fill most drivers needs.
I am a happy Clio ST owner.
Re: Renault Clio Sport Tourer 1.5 dCi
Interestingly, the boot capacity of 439l is greater than those of the Saab 9-3 and Volvo V50, and close to an Alfa 159 or old shape Audi A4. All the while being narrower and shorter, making it easier to park!