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Renault Clio road tests and consumer car reviews

Renault Clio

4 stars - average customer rating
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Whether on the open road or driving in the city the Renault Clio offers performance on any terrain. The Renault Clio can also boast a maximum Euro NCAP rating of 5 stars for its exceptional safety features. Choices of engines are available, all combining optimum power with low fuel consumption. Sporty yet refined, Clio Renault offers an uncompromising drive.

Renault Clio consumer reviews by year of make:     1999  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010 

Road tests

Renault Clio

Expression ECO 1.5 dCi - The Renault Clio has been a stable presence in the UK since it was first launched in 1990. Benefitting from a refresh in 2011, and launching an Eco version, the Clio joins the green crowd, with emissions of a tiny 94g/km CO2, making the model tax and fuel efficient. Renault’s keen pricing mean that’ [...]

Road Test Reports Says 3.5 star rating Full Report
An image of the Renault Clio Expression ECO 1.5 dCi

Renault Clio

Eco2 1.5 dCi 86 3-dr Extreme AC - Over the past twenty years Renault has sold over 10 million Clios worldwide. In the UK there are currently 33 versions available in seven trim levels from the 200hp Renaultsport Cup and Gordini versions to this sub 100g/km 1.5 dCi. 1990s ad idols Nicole and Papa weren’t too bothered about CO2 emissi [...]

Road Test Reports Says 3 star rating Full Report
An image of the Renault Clio Eco2 1.5 dCi 86 3-dr Extreme AC

Renault Clio

Renaultsport 200 Cup - Renault has always tried to have a little bit of fun with its Clio, first adding a hot hatch model to its line-up in 1992 when it added the Clio Williams. Following in the tradition of the three Williams iterations, the monstrous V6 from 2001 and previous Renaultsport Clios such as the 172 and 197, [...]

Road Test Reports Says 5 star rating Full Report
An image of the Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup
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Responses

  • A response has been made to Graeme Kerr (10/10/2011 10:25:29)
  • A response has been made to Simon Halliday (07/10/2011 08:23:50)

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Answers

  • Martin Gibbons's question has been answered: "'On the driverside door check it should be below the door latch striker on a sticker inside an oval ring eg nv 676 which is met black. Hope this helps..." (30/01/2012 09:03:15)
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Renault Clio consumer car reviews

Charles McGill, Oxfordshire

Renault Clio dci 80 2004

1 star review

Please be aware of Renaults! If you don’t mind spending all your hard cash on clutches and new gearboxes buy one. Renault are running their company like a casino. I have been into cars for a long time and owned a clio dci 80, which had lots of small problems. I am not being bitter, I just know what I have seen over a long period. 

Submitted: 07/12/2011 10:17:51 | ID: 8681

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Tracey Thatcher, London

Renault Clio imusic 2010

3 star review

I have had my imusic for a year now. I had terrible service where I bought it as the dealer was useless and didn’t give me any info etc., but that’s another story. The car is good, however and has everything I would want on it including an ac/cd player etc. But on having its first service I got charged £40 for having leaves cleared out of the front grill!?? Also my front brake pads were 60% worn. The website is very good, looks good, but you get a load of flim flam. I was told not to park under trees and perhaps I drove a lot of stop start jouneys? The brake pad thing is ongoing, but I can’t say I am happy as I should be with my first new car. Me thinks I will stick to Ford next time as I had very good service there.

Submitted: 11/09/2011 09:24:56 | ID: 8296

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Ed Davis, Yorkshire

Renault Clio DCI Dynamique 2004

5 star review

Swore I’d never buy a Renault, but got mine on ebay. I’ve had lots of big and small cars over the years, mostly all very good but this has surpassed them all. Now done 35,000 miles (I do a lot per year) and never missed a beat. The only job, which I did myself was a rear wheel bearing. Over 60mpg, now £20 year tax and cheap fully comp insurance. I am not complaining. Great comfort for a small car and bags of power for a diesel (good torque and 90 plus top speed). Perfect starting even on the coldest of winter mornings and loads of electrical niceties ... all of which... just work spot on. I really can’t believe I fell almost by accident on this amazing small car.

Submitted: 12/04/2011 15:32:43 | ID: 7545

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Judith Forsythe, Mid-Lothian (Edinburghshire)

Renault Clio 1.5 dCi 86 I-Music 2010

1 star review

Worst car I’ve ever had, interior panels have come undone, electrics keep failing, the engine took ages to get going during the winter as it kept conking out when it started. My last Megane was a terrible car, so is this by the looks of it. Don’t buy Renault!

Submitted: 23/02/2011 09:15:08 | ID: 7163

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Jeff Goodge, Norfolk

Renault Clio 2008

1 star review

On the evening of the 2nd November 2010 I received a distressing call from my wife telling me that as she went to pull off from St Andrews car park in Norwich the front right hand wheel collapsed. She was very distressed especially when the RAC turned up and informed her she was very lucky this had not happened on an open road, at speed as the car would probably of rolled. She had 4 children in the car and was very upset. I travelled through from Bradenham so she could take the children home and when I got their I was shocked to see the car collapsed on the front wheel. The RAC man informed me that he had never seen this happen before and that it was unbelievable on a car this new. He had to strap the wheel to the car so we could load it onto a flatbed truck to get it home. I eventually arrived home at 1.00am with a bill for £100 for the transport back to my house. The next day I immediately contacted East Bilney Renault Garage and they arranged for the car to be collected. When we arrived at the garage the chief mechanic was shocked by what he saw and I was told that they would immediately contact Renault and that I should speak to their complaints department. They immediately gave me a courtesy car for my wife and have been very supportive and helpful. I contacted Renault and was told that they were going to send an engineer out to check the vehicle and would inform me of the outcome. I have recently received the report and cannot believe what their conclusions are. To claim that the damage to the rubber cover on the ball joint resulted in the joint coming apart due to lack of lubrication is frankly outrageous. This is not even an MOT failure. If every car with slight damage to the ball joint gaitor would result in the the wheel eventually collapsing surely this would be seen as a major problem. I have discussed this with a number of reputable mechanics and they have all expressed shock at how the wheel collapsed. Comments range from "I have never seen this on a car this new" to" it should not happen".

Responses to this review

The exact same thing happened to me on my new 2007 Clio 1.4 Dynamique. It went to main dealers and they could not do it quickly enough, think they did not want any fuss and they appeared as though they’d seen this before. Other than that, apart from being thirsty, it was a great drive. The radio also had to be replaced - Sue from Cheshire

Submitted: 16/01/2011 13:59:57 | ID: 6878

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Ian Winterflood, Sussex

Renault Clio 200 sport 2010

1 star review

We brought the car with a host of extras in March 2010 Sat Nav, Cup pack, spoiler, cornering lights, bluetooth etc, however have sold this week due to the diabolical service from Renault in not fixing a fault from after 4 weeks of ownership, being told to fill the car only with super unleaded, being told to leave the car to warm up before driving, refusing to replace car and telling us that there is no fault with the car, the car will not change gear between 1,2,3 without trying to stall. The last straw was this is a track car not a road going car so what do we expect? The car has been in and out of the garage since April to its last visit in late Dec 2010. Renault is a poor product with poor build quality, poor customer service and the inability to resolve a problem.  We have lost money but learnt an important lesson, never ever buy a Renault product. If you want to buy this car use only for track days and not commuting or for days out it will disappoint and be expensive to own.

Submitted: 16/01/2011 12:51:08 | ID: 6869

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William Capewell, England

Renault Clio 1.2 16v 2007

5 star review

Best car I have driven and I have had all sorts in my 62 years.

Submitted: 05/12/2010 13:17:37 | ID: 6617

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Syd Taylor, Staffordshire

Renault Clio Gordini 200 2010

5 star review

For the motorist who has the wherewithal to cock a snook at mundanity, why not, I say, entertain the thought of the new Clio Gordini 200 from Renault with two hundred Gallic horses all tucked up under the bonnet ready to deliver sophisticated thrills for the motorist who likes to leave the crowd behind. Founded by Amedee Gordini - known as Le Sorcier (The Sorcerer) - the brand has long been held in high esteem by aficionados and in keeping with this illustrious tradition which included competition in Formula One from 1950 -1956, Renault have put together an irresistible package of high-tech potency and refinement. The new Clio Gordini 200 is no streetwise fire-breathing monster. It comes attired in the sharpest, slickly tailored suit with the plush interior benefiting from ’Oh so comfy and supportive’ blue and grey leather seats and all the fixtures and fittings like sat nav, air con and other things for the sybarite. But do not be deceived. It’s based on the Renault sport Clio 200 and the Gordini treatment adds looks and luxury and no extra performance. (As if it needs it). This is not so much a wolf in sheep’s clothing as a stealth spaceship tearing through Montgolfier’s balloon. The experience of driving this apogee of dynamism would leave you breathless were it not for that salon-like level of comfort and exquisite elegance which find the lucky driver merely whispering ’C’est si bon!’ Defiantly non-dull, it is a leap away from the mundane, from boring cars as appliances. It’s an indulgence, but lots of fun. It’s the sort of car that demands an international highways committee to redesign and construct roads - the better to indulge the kinetic cornucopia of delights that is this fabulous machine. Existentialism is alive and well once more in this four wheeled incarnation of the essence of speed. French motor engineering has a long and illustrious pedigree - and it’s to the manufacturers credit that they insist on sharing the delights of this irresistible beauty in the face of twenty first century Puritanism with just five hundred fortunate friends of ’La Liberte’ on this side of the Channel. Each Clio Gordini 200 will carry an engraved plate showing the build number.(On test was number one). With 200bhp from the two-litre, normally aspirated engine, it’s a member of the exclusive 100bhp per litre club. Via a six speed manual transmission, performance figures of 0-62mph in just 6.9seconds and top speed of over 140mph are outstanding - so an overall fuel consumption of nearly 35mpg is very acceptable. Out on the open road, overtaking is effortless and, quite frankly, my pal in his big fat Porsche just couldn’t keep up. However it doesn’t have that instant low down wallop that you get with a turbo or supercharger so you need to use the beautifully slick gearbox and delight in the exhaust note that’s music to any enthusiasts ears as the revs rise.. It’s a wonderfully balanced car that is a joy to drive, letting you confidently exploit the performance. It’s surely the benchmark hot-hatch because power and chassis competence are perfectly matched. Fluid high speed A to B travel in one of these is exhilarating and safe and you have the reassurance of outstanding braking capability thanks to the finest ’stoppers’ in Christendom: four piston Brembos! (I can tell you now that I owe much to Brembos, having tested them to the extreme in supersonic travel on bikes.). There are quicker cars, of course, but the Gordini’s smooth capability puts it ahead of the field - and where some hot hatches will tie you in nots if you are too exuberant, the Gordini just massages your ego. In your correspondents humble opinion, not since Bleriot’s visit have our friends across the Channel opened our eyes to engineering excellence of such a high degree. And best of all, you don’t have to ’cherche’ a millionaire in order to acquire one at £19,650. As far as economy goes at nearly 35mpg combined, here’s a car where you can have your croissant and eat it. Reading the specification is like perusing a catalogue at The Louvre. The mystery is not in the Mona Lisa smile, but in the wonderful design package. As I climbed out and shut the door for the last time I was so overcome with affection for this car that I simply had to kiss it on both cheeks and for the next week I insisted on black coffee and baguettes for breakfast. After recent experiences with ’Our Gordon’ this Gordini has all the excitement of the Great Escape. It’s the only car I know that Houdini himself would fight to get into and not out of. Please Mr. Santa - May I have one in my stocking? Ooh la la!

Responses to this review

Buy a Micra for the winter! - Alf Hucker from Durham

Submitted: 24/11/2010 21:38:46 | ID: 6558

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Matthew, Buckinghamshire

Renault Clio 1.6 16Valve 1999

5 star review

I bought my clio 1.6 16v second hand with 95K on the clock. The guy I bought it from gave me a document about what he had done to it, lowered suspension and sports air filter etc, and he said he had never had any problems with it. I wondered if he was telling the truth, but I have now done a further 60K in the 2 years I have had it and apart from some servicing and a few new tyres brake pads etc, it has been great. It always starts immediately hot or cold and the handling and performance are impressive. I am touching wood as I write but I really don’t want to get rid of it and hope nothing expensive happens. I used to be an "anti french car" person but I just love my clio, it seems to well balanced. The main dealers charge too much for labour though which is a shame.

Submitted: 10/11/2010 21:29:25 | ID: 6477

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Raymondo, Leicestershire

Renault Clio 14/16valve expression 2004

4 star review

Last car was a 16 00 megane lots of trouble, new exaust, 3 front springs, full new brakes fitted also new starter. Now I have a 54 clio 14/16valve a bit small to put my fishing gear in but had it nearly 3 yrs and no problems, its done 32,000.

Submitted: 16/10/2010 21:30:04 | ID: 6329

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Tamara B, London

Renault Clio 1.6 1999

3 star review

I first bought a 1.4 1998 clio. I got it for £480 so I was expecting it to need a little money and time spent on it but I have now purchased a 1999 1.6 Clio and I have noticed a similar problem in both Clios and it is that they pull to the left slightly. With my 1998 Clio I took it to have the tracking done and it was fine at first but then I noticed the pull again after a few days. I had to get the front near side shock absorber replaced and took this to be the cause of the pulling, but now with the 1999 car which only has 35,000 miles which is amazing for an eleven yr old car, it is pulling to left as my older one did. Has anyone else noticed this tendancy in the Clio?????. Also I thought that my 1.4 was extremely economical but the 1.6 seems to consume a lot more petrol, which is awful for me because I am a mum and a student so money is tight at the best of times.

Submitted: 11/07/2010 21:39:57 | ID: 5629

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Simon Halliday, County Antrim

Renault Clio 1.5 dCi 85 Dynamique 2007

1 star review

It’s as simple as this! If you have ANY sort of sense you would avoid all Renaults (especially Meganes) like the plague, they are all SCRAP! Worst cars I’ve ever owned and I’ve owned Protons, Peugeots and Citroens. The other two French car manufactuers are good but Renault are pure dung.

Responses to this review

Hi, I guess anyone can have bad experiences but all I can say is that I had a Renault Clio 1.6 16v for 9 years without any problems apart from usual wear and tear. I loved it. After 95k I bought a Toyota which had problems so I traded in for another Toyota which had so many problems I cannot list them here. The clio seems to get far better comments than most cars on this website and driving enthusiasts love them. I cannot speak for the Megane or Laguna but I think your comment about clios is very inaccurate - Peter from Bedfordshire

Simon, you just named that tune in one. In a nutshell, Renault is a rubbish car we had an experience with two and never again. For all the fools who are under the illusion that Renault is a good car because their family or in-laws work for Renault need to get their silly heads examined - Justin Harrison from Wales

I have to agree with you Simon, this Clio is the worst car I have ever had, it has cost me a fortune despite being only 4 years old with a low mileage. I have just been quoted £336 + vat for a light pack, probably mostly labour? The problem: the lights were coming on & off on their own and the wipers stopping whenever, I was driving in the rain & overtaking what they just stopped, very scary! They are known for electrical faults apparently, I won’t be looking at any more Renaults - Elsie Bishop from Scotland

Submitted: 25/05/2010 18:50:50 | ID: 5293

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Lindsey Parker, Lincolnshire

Renault Clio Freeway, white 2009

5 star review

I bought this car Feb, 2009. I absolutely love it! Drives like a dream and looks fantastic!!

Submitted: 04/05/2010 20:41:34 | ID: 5154

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Percy Palmer, Lancashire

Renault Clio Rip Curl 1.2 2010

5 star review

I bought my Clio recently, from a used car dealer with a good reputation; the car has only 1,500 miles in its history. It is an exceptional car, I have only one fault to mention, there is a squeal from the front off-side brake when I apply light pressure to the brake pedal and I have been back to the dealer twice and have been told that they have fitted new brake pads and the noise will eventually go. Can you support this or do you have a more logical reason for the noise? I’m hoping that you can help in this problem.

Responses to this review

I had new breaks fitted to a Fiesta and the noise lasted for about 8 months - Anita Evanson from England

Submitted: 15/04/2010 14:59:39 | ID: 5023

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Annette Wiltshire, England

Renault Clio 2003

4 star review

I checked out many cars before buying this one, working down a list of "must haves". This looked a great car to meet most of my needs. Small, compact and nippy. Economic to run. Simple to park. Easy on the eye. Very reliable. An all round excellent car. Only trouble is I can’t walk and my wheelchair doesn’t fit in the boot. It’s a hell of a struggle to get it in the back seat. Like I said, meets MOST of my needs, did I mention I’m forgetful? Perhaps a great sound system would make me feel better!

Submitted: 11/03/2010 10:16:08 | ID: 4804

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Graeme Kerr, Stirlingshire

Renault Clio dynamique 2005

2 star review

An okay car for a runabout, although cheaply built. Horrible seating position, steering wheel is far too big (like an old transit stearing wheel) and handles like a boat. Just plain horrible to drive.

Responses to this review

There must be something seriously wrong with your car, Graeme. I have a 2005 (2006 reg) 1.2 16V and it’s a GREAT car. Well built, good performance, good economy and very comfortable. Handles like a well sorted sports car. Mind you, it has 196/50X15 tyres on Wolfrace alloys so that helps. The build quality is very good (built in France not RSA) and the driving position is good. However I concede the steering wheel is a tad large. In summary: the Clio is great in town and country. I would not hesitate to drive it to Cape Town - 1,000 miles from here - Syd Harling from South Africa

Submitted: 16/02/2010 13:50:40 | ID: 4625

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Christina Weir, Cheshire

Renault Clio 2001

5 star review

Bought my Clio grande in 2002 when it had been used as a courtesy car for 6 months from new. It had 5,000 miles on the clock. Now 8 years later, it has 46,000 mileage and I’m thinking of trading it in for another Clio. It’s only let me down once, and that was only because it needed a new battery. Apart from an odd new tyre and windscreen wiper, it’s cost me nothing in repairs. Great little car, very reliable and economical. I just hope my next one will serve me as well!

Submitted: 14/01/2010 21:06:52 | ID: 4298

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Dean, County Tyrone

Renault Clio 1.5 dCi 65 Dynamique A/C 2002

1 star review

I bought this car in February 2008 with 70000 miles on it, since then it has needed a new clutch, gearbox, engine mount, exhaust, bonnet (the bonnet catch failed, flew up and put my wind screen through!), windscreen and finally a new starter motor. It’s not exactly reliable, is it?!!! Moving on to build quality; it rattles and squeaks like nothing you have ever heard. Poor quality materials in cabin, bodywork and shockingly bad reliability. Buy anything but a Clio.

Responses to this review

You bought a 70,000 mile car that could have been thrashed by a lunatic and complain that it squeaks and rattles? It’s unfair to judge a car that is out of manufacturer’s warranty with such a high mileage - Scott Fuller from Renfrewshire

Me again... Just to bring you up to date on my Clio from above. A few days ago, driving home, the airbags blew out - today the back axle went on me. Also the battery keeps discharging itself, leaving it unable to start.Time to get rid of this piece of c**p - Dean from County Tyrone

Hi Pete, One of my Aunts has a new Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Zetec+ and it’s given her so much trouble as well and its only 6 months old, she also has a SMax and likewise its giving nothing but trouble. My mum has a wee Peugeot 207 like mine (Insurance declared the clio too dangerous to be on the road so it was scrapped) and the Peugeot is a fantastic little car. She has drove hers from 2006 without any trouble at all. I was looking at the 207s and they don’t get a good review but I think personally people are biased against Peugeot. I made a mistake of buying the Clio rather than a 206, my mate bought the 206 I was going to buy (instead I bought the Clio), it’s 2001 and had more miles on it and it’s a great going car, no problems at all. I was warned by many mechanics about Clios but I needed a car and I stupidly bought the Clio, nothing but pure sh**e so they are - Dean from Northern Ireland

Dean here again, just a reply to Scott. This car was owned by a local lady who drove it 15 miles back and fowards to work everyday and she even told me before I stupidly bought it that it had gave her trouble from day 1 when she purchased it brand new. It’s gone now anyway, insurance sent it to the scrap yard (where all Renaults belong) and I now have a lovely Peugeot 207 Sport. Bottom line is that you have to be mad to buy a Renualt, in time you will find out if you buy one yourself. P.S. If this car was thrashed by a lunatic it would have broken years ago because Renault are sh**e!! - Dean from County Tyrone

I had a Clio from new, a 1999 1.6 16v model and loved it to bits. It never broke down in 95k miles and only had to replace wear and tear parts like brakes. It had a few new batteries but I expected that. Yes it started to rattle a bit but that was after I had the suspension lowered and therefore it was a harder ride. Since then I have had 2 brand new Toyotas which were a disaster from start to finish and I ended up rejecting the second one, a Yaris. I would have a Clio any day but I now have a new Ford Fiesta which is so much better than the Toyotas but it has got problems the clio never had, which is worrying me and I have only done 400 miles - Peter from Bedfordshire

I have just part exchanged my Clio, it had 75,000 miles on it and makes some strange noises. I had exactly the same problem with the catch on my bonnet which also flew open when I was driving, and the clutch went not so long ago too. The central locking is tempremental and the radio has stopped working. It is 8 years old though (I bought it second hand) and I used it an awful lot, particularly on the motorway so I guess it needed some repairs due to wear and tear. Apart from the last couple of months, my Clio was fabulous. Reliable, comfortable, roomy, cheap and easy to run. I think it’s perfect for a run around car, I probably pushed it a little and have now gone for something more substantial to cope with the amount that I travel. It was my first car and after spending time and money getting it repaired, I know that I could have looked after it better which perhaps would have prevented the bonnet mishap. Would recommend for a learner/new driver or for someone who uses a car for school run/shopping/work. Lou Smith from Staffordshire

Submitted: 26/12/2009 16:42:54 | ID: 4135

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Syd Taylor, Staffordshire

Renault Clio 1.5 D GT dCi 106 3Dr. Manual 2009

5 star review

Manual C’est superb, n’est pas? This Gallic supermini oozes chic, charm, and Parisienne punch. Elle va? Elle va va voom! Wrapped up in a smart and appealing designer bodyshell, the Renault Clio Sport diesel has piquancy in plenty and practicality in abundance, with all the flair one could wish from a French stylist and all the metric nous of clever French engineers. The lucky owner of this brand new automobile can enjoy the best that motoring can offer - secure in the knowledge that the affair will be a long lasting one: you can depend on it. More and more, the British motorist, in mourning for the lost national motor industry, is turning - not without envy - to our French friends across the Channel to plug the deficit. The French motor industry produces sound, stylish and, indeed, desirable motorcars embodying a cosmopolitan feel with a Republican disdain for snobbery. These are cars for the people: sensible people. People at liberty to choose for themselves. Sandwiched between the flashy, status obsessed, top end of the market and the - ’Mon Dieu! If only I had money to buy better than this’ - grimly utilitarian bottom end, the French motor industry displays a range of appealing automobiles for every taste, purpose and pocket. The present GT model is a prime example of that. Easily distinguished by its racy lines and 16" alloy wheels, side skirts, tinted windows and twin tailpipe exhaust, it’s targeted at the sportily inclined who like a little dash, a little flash, a little fun - but want to feel that they’re getting value for money, reliability and economy at the same time. The new Clio GT diesel zips into the frame with the breezy insouciance of an Impressionist seascape. On the inside, sporting details include drilled aluminium pedals, sports front seats and a leather trimmed GT steering wheel. It’s as bracing as ozone to take a turn behind the wheel - even on a soggy Saturday in Shrewsbury. To own this little beauty is an affair of the heart. Maigret would puff a pipe or two in contemplation of its alluring lines and nod appreciatively at the competent precision of its road manners and positive sense of direction. (Sat nav is integrated in this Tom Tom Edition). You don’t need to be a great detective to discover its abundance of attributes. The 106bhp diesel is one of the best around. Smooth, and with tractor like torque (240Nm at just 2000 rpm) the car ’feels’ quicker than it actually is. Top speed though is enough for anyone at near 120mph. Six well spaced gears encourage enjoyment and, as a consequence, I could not get anywhere near the claimed combined economy figure of 61.4mpg. 48mpg is what was recorded on the trip computer - but I say ’buy the 86bhp ’Ordinaire’ if you want to pussyfoot about’: this car is about FUN. And talking of ’fun’ I covered the secret A to B section of my Shropshire test route in just three minutes less than I had achieved in a test Maserati. All down to the torquey motor and inspirational handling born of ’programmed deflection torsion beams and the use of elasto-kinematic materials hard-wired to the moon etc..’ To you and me that means it handles and rides beautifully. Whilst pressing on at a cracking pace you are in a lovely, comfortable and quiet cabin listening to the quality sound system. If you’ve any sense at all, forget your baguettes and bag one of these. For modern driving it’s even better than a Bugatti. As my pal Le Chat Noir purred to me - "This Clio’s for miaow". If one was allowed these days, I’d be tempted to raise a glass of Beaujolais to this jolly Gallic jem. A car like this makes one feel a real Eurostar here...

Submitted: 12/12/2009 21:13:40 | ID: 4089

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Alex Grosart, Lancashire

Renault Clio Sport 2001

3 star review

The car is ok but it does have its faults like the rear leg room is none existant. God knows why it’s in insurance group 10 because it does not feel like a sport with a speed of 100mph tops. Things to look for when buying: Check all eletrics! Checks all around drive shafts for grease, On the test drive listen for any knocks from c.v.

Responses to this review

You didn’t say what model Clio i.e. engine size you have, must be a 1.2 if the top speed is only 100mph? I had a 1999 Clio 16v 1.6 for 9 years and loved it to bits, so well balanced for size V performance V economy and I totally regret getting rid of it, have had 2 brand new Toyotas since and am so disappointed with everything about them. Stick to the Clio they are good cars to drive and are worth repairing when necessary - Pete from Bedfordshire

I completely disagree with Pete from bedfordshire about they are good cars!! My reveiw is 2 above this and I can’t stress enough, never buy a Renault because it WILL break your heart. Many of my friends got 02-03 clios or 02-03 Peugeot 206’s when they passed their test and every single one of them have had trouble with their clio’s, not the 206s. You hear many bad reports about 206’s and a mechanic told me himself as long as you take care of them they will go for ever (the 206’s), he also told me to get my head checked out because I bought a Renault. These were his exact words "If it wasn’t for Renault being such a pile of rubbish, I would have been out of business years ago". I think that says it all - Dean from County Tyrone

Dean, not everything is black and white. All I can say is that after having had 2 Renaults, the first one being a Renault 19 for 7 years which did have some problems with but only after 80K and they were wear and tear issues, and my Clio which I had for 9 years...and thrashed most of its life and misguidedly sold at 95K, they are a lot better than both brand new Toyotas which made my life a misery, believe me! But try telling a Toyota fan that they are crap and you will probably be put in your place. Every one I know has good and bad things to say about their cars and yes Renault’s have had and still do have their issues BUT the Clio I had was spot on, especially for the price, I paid new £10000 in 1999. Also the fuel economy for a 1.6 was far better than the Fiesta 1.6 I have now (and like) yet the Clio was much more fun and faster. I have also spoken to mechanics, my cousin is one and on balance they are good cars to own with the odd rogue but you can get that with any make - Pete from Bedfordshire

Submitted: 07/12/2009 14:43:20 | ID: 4026

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Graham Cohen, Devon

Renault Clio 106 6speed Dynamique S Diesel 2006

5 star review

A fabulous car in every respect. On long trips it averages nearly 68 mpg and it pulls like a train!!!!!

Submitted: 24/11/2009 19:58:03 | ID: 3949

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Malanie Pine, Sussex

Renault Clio 1.6 2007

5 star review

I love my Clio to bits. I used to have the older 2001 model which I also loved then in a weak brainwashed moment I bought a Toyota Yaris 1.3 which was dreadful to drive and had a lot of faults. So far the Clio has not had to go into the garage except for 1 service at 18K miles. I would recommend the Clio as an all round package and it seems to be very reliable, certainly does everything better than the Yaris did, what a seriously dreadful car that was.

Submitted: 05/08/2009 08:55:45 | ID: 3365

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Robert Taylor, Aberdeenshire

Renault Clio 1.2 TCE S

5 star review

Renault cars play an important role in our household; reliability being the key factor in both our diesel and petrol vehicles. I can confidently recommend.

Responses to this review

If you had any sense you would have bought anything else than a Clio, especially the pre 05+ models - Graham from Cumberland

Re Graham from Cumberland - the TCE engines only became available in 2007, therefore it would have been one of the mark 3 clios which the writer was commenting about - Me Mo from Scotland

Submitted: 08/05/2009 14:59:26 | ID: 2915

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Nigel Rayner, England

Renault Clio Dymanique 2006

5 star review

I have been very impressed with the new Clio. We had the car for two years from new and not a single trip to the dealer except for a smashed wing mirror after a bus decided to overtake a little to close. I am 6" tall and the car feels really roomy up front, more so than the previous model. Would recommend the Dymanique trim over the cheaper models as it looks and feels a really good quality interior. The 1.4 is giving us an average of 36mpg which is ok, but considering power is limited I hoped it would be a little more frugal. The new 1.2 Turbo looks a great choice so would opt for that if buying again. With two child seats in the back, the middle seat is very tight, but the boot is deceptively big and even with a pram etc stuffed in, always had enough room for a normal shop. I really can’t find anything to fault on the car - it’s just lovely to drive with good road holding and a nice quality cabin. Just in the process of upgrading to a Scenic for extra space for the kids but everyday I still have the Clio I feel sad that it’s going - I really will miss this lovely car.

Submitted: 21/11/2008 15:53:09 | ID: 2179

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Vicky Jones, Wrexham

Renault Clio 2003

4 star review

Absolutely brilliant little car. I had the Clio Dynamique 1.2 16v for two years, unfortunately after flipping it 4 times it is understandably but unfortunately a write off. I walked out the car with one bruise on my body, the paramedics could not believe i did not have any serious injuries. I am definitely looking for another Clio. The car is sturdy, safe, trustworthy, quiet to drive and had 37,000 faultless miles, had every extra that you could think of apart from a soft top of course! Comfortable sports seats, adjustable radio/CD player on steering wheel, automatic locking system when you drive off, so your safe, which is important with being a young girl. I cannot fault this vehicle as it saved my life and I dread to think what would have happened if I had been in a Peugeot or MG soft-top! Without a doubt I would recommend this car to anyone; especially first time buyers.

Submitted: 22/08/2008 08:57:12 | ID: 1807

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Scott Peters, England

Renault Clio Clio 1.4 16v 2005

5 star review

This car is amazing , I have just bought a 2005 Clio 1.4 16v and I am most impressed with its overall performance. The number one priority these days is economy, this is reaching a comfortably achievable 43.0 mpg and lower 34.0 mpg on shorter journeys. This car has a lot of sporty feel to it when you want it to perform open up the throttle and it soon accelerates smoothly and effortlessly when you need it to . It’s sumptuous hugging seats are superb holding you in when cornering hard or just running around giving you a comfortable ride and great feel on the road through the steering which is powered steering, but not overly powered giving a sure feel to the road with excellent grip via its wide tyres and sure-footed handling sports suspension , this is truly a mid range performer with economy to match, power delivery is of the highest in it’s class and will hold its own against other competitors in this range of the small sports hatch car market so overall its a perfect combination and the fun factor is excellent. I would certainly recommend this car !

Submitted: 19/05/2008 09:15:56 | ID: 1475

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Susan Hill, Lincolnshire

Renault Clio 1.2 Extreme 2007

4 star review

This is a good choice when looking for your first car. The fuel economy is good (45+ MPG) and very cheap to insure. It looks great too and handles really nicely and is comfortable for both the driver and the passengers. This is very good value for money.

Submitted: 28/04/2008 11:12:36 | ID: 1364

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Andy McGrail, Lancashire

Renault Clio 172 2001

4 star review

Good car, just a pity about some of the components that they used to make it with. I.e. the exhaust and electric window motors seem to fail after a few years. Other than that a good little car.

Submitted: 28/01/2008 16:29:13 | ID: 980

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Kaz Ali, London

Renault Clio

5 star review

I’ve been driving a Clio for nearly 3 months it’s been excellent. It’s a 1.2 extreme, there’s lots of space and the insurance is cheap. This is the car for people who are single or just passed their test!!

Submitted: 19/10/2007 08:51:32 | ID: 309

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John Sadler, Buckinghamshire

Renault Clio 1.4 dyamanique.

5 star review

My 3rd totally reliable clio. Very comfortable and lovely to drive. Lots of room and economical too. 1.4 engine very responsive . Only complaint, suspension a bit on the firm side.

Submitted: 14/09/2007 09:01:22 | ID: 196

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Hannah Scott, Derbyshire

Renault Clio 1.2 Extreme

5 star review

Wish there was 6 stars to offer! Great car , bigger than the old Clio and loads more va va voom....

Submitted: 05/09/2007 16:35:35 | ID: 172

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Helen, Norfolk

Renault Clio

4 star review

Brilliant car, plenty of room inside, versatile, big enough for the family small enough to be economic and for city life. Lovely to drive.

Submitted: 28/08/2007 11:32:57 | ID: 116

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Sarah Byrne, Cumbria

Renault Clio Renault Clio Dynamique1.4 16v

5 star review

I’ve been driving my Clio now for 5 months and it has given me 3500 faultless miles so far. Economical to run and insure, with enough storage space to suit all needs I’d thoroughly recommend this car to anyone.

Submitted: 08/08/2007 09:43:00 | ID: 42

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