ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE NEW RENAULT CLIO

The Renault Clio has been around for some thirty five years; this little French number immediately became the choice of many and also finding fame on the racetrack and it has remained the best seller for Renault throughout its five previous generations.

When the first model was launched it represented a conscious step up in quality and a complete revolution in its segment, reflected in the adoption of an actual name, rather than a number. The Clio has remained a popular choice in terms of design, comfort, cabin space, quality, safety, driving pleasure, and multimedia features, while also reducing emissions. All of this did not go unnoticed as it took the title of European Car of the Year, in 1991 and 2006. When I reflect, there has been numerous iconic versions over the years, such as the Williams, and the incredible Clio V6 with its rear mid-engine. To date, nearly 17 million have been sold across 120 countries, making it the best-selling French car of all time. Even today, Clio continues to top the charts, emerging as the best-selling car in Europe in the first half of this year.

Now comes the sixth generation model with a completely new distinctive style that reflects the brand’s modern approach to design and tech. Considerable work carried out in the very early stages to remodel the proportions, with a longer bonnet, the wheelbase increased to 2.59m (extended 8mm) and a highly dynamic roof line similar to that of an ultra-compact coupe, rewriting the rules of the segment. It is accentuated by a shark fin antenna and finished with an integrated spoiler. The new model is larger than the previous generation, rising from 4.05m to 4.12m (an additional 67mm) in length, with extended overhangs, and from 1.73m to 1.77m (an additional 39mm) in width. The height is 1.45m (an additional 11mm).All of this gives new Clio a very elegant and purposeful look. All the dials have been cranked up on this extremely technical, high-precision, new-generation hatchback sporting an especially sculpted, sensual silhouette and a strong look.

The new model has been boosted in every way, including its engine range and asserts itself more than ever as the most efficient model in the Renault hybrid line-up. With a new full hybrid E-Tech 160bhp engine, which is both more powerful and as efficient with a record-low 89g/km of CO2. The good news it delivers fuel savings of up to 40% compared to a conventional petrol engine and can use the electric motor up to 80% of the time in city driving. Moving to the interior there is special focus given to quality, the use of recycled materials, a double V-shaped screen with OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in, as well as a variety of technological features and up to 29 cutting-edge advanced driver-assistance systems. It may be compact with its dimensions, yet it can accommodate five people comfortably and now offers new storage solutions, with a central console integrating a closed compartment with a soft articulated lid (depending on the trim). The cabin includes two USB-C sockets at the front, an induction charger (depending on the trim) and a 12V socket in the back to easily plug in a USB adaptor or a cool box. The new Clio delivers on being a practical mode of transport, the boot offers capacity of up to 391 litres (depending on the powertrain) and a highly accessible sill height, 40mm lower than the previous generation. The button to open the boot is integrated directly into the tailgate.

The big question with stiff competition in the market is, can this sixth generation model continue the Clio winning streak?

Ian Lynas