The Renault Clio

Introduction

Renault’s Clio was introduced in 1991, and soon became a good seller - thanks to a very attractive French girl called Nicole as much as the car’s abilities!

The Clio is of a similar size to the Mark Three Fiesta and Peugeot 205, but has a certain French charm about it. It’s quite good to drive, the engines are economical, and they are plentiful. However, major repairs are reputed to be expensive.

Engines

The Clio’s engine range is a strong point, since all bar one are fine donks.

Renault sold a few 1·1 litre petrol engines, the donk inherited from the Renault 5 - but only a few. The engine is generally not listed in used car guides, but it certainly was sold. I have not tried the 1·1 Clio.

They did, however, sell a 1·2 litre donk, with 60 PS and advertised as the “DIET” engine. Despite its modest capacity and output, the 1·2 of the Clio is much, much better than Vauxhall’s (later) effort in the Corsa. This engine is smooth, quiet and economical. However, of the mainstream petrol engines, I do not consider it to be the best Clio engine.

That badge goes to the 1·4 “Energy” engine, which delivered 80 PS and was altogether much more punchy effort than the 1·2, and for a small fuel consumption penalty. Renault use taller gearing than the 1·2, making it a quiet and refined motorway cruiser. In RT specification, a Clio 1·4 is a well equipped little car that sold very well.

Renault also produced three 1·8 petrol engines, the 90 PS one, the 110 PS one and the 16 valve 137 PS donk, as used in the Clio 16V. The 1·8 RT used the 90 PS engine, and it’s very torquey. Even if the 1·8 is not all that quick, it was not badged as such - but could show a clean pair of heels to most “cooking model” superminis. It also looked almost identical to the 1·4 RT.

The RTI model used a 110 PS version of the 1·8 litre engine, and has a good turn of speed. Handling and ride are also strong points, but the RTI is shown up by the Clio 16V. The 16V feels much quicker, handles and stops better, and even looks the part.

The Clio Williams packed a 16V, 2·0 engine into the car, producing 150 PS and making it one of the hottest hatches of its day.

Finally, Renault also used their 1·9 litre diesel in the Clio. With 65 PS and lots of torque, this small diesel car is one of the quickest “atmo” diesels of the generation, if not the quickest.

Handling & Ride

The Clio scores well here, being blessed with a pleasing, supple ride, yet reassuringly composed handling in the twisty stuff. Sure, the lesser models do roll a lot, but in 1·4 RT format, the Clio is quite entertaining. The RTI has a stiffer set up, but is still smooth on the motorway. By all accounts, the 16V improves on the RTI’s handling - but at the cost of a firmer ride. The 16V I tried did feel firm, but it has been lowered (probably to the expense of the ride).

Interior

Unfortunately, the superb ride of most models is all but nullified by a rather strange driving position, which makes the car a bit uncomfortable to drive over a long distance. This is one of the Clio’s genuine weaknesses. It’s a real pity, because there is good interior space and a decent sized boot. These days, the interior design does look rather angular and dated, and the Clio never did have the best build quality, but most seem to have survived reasonably well.

Exterior

From some angles, the classic shape Clio is looking a little bit dated, but I think it is still a reasonably attractive car - much better than the ugly new model!

Verdict

The Clio’s awkward cramped driving position has never seemed to bother most people, perhaps because they are of a strange shape? What does bother people is the service and repair costs, which are reputed to be much dearer than a similar aged Ford. Okay, so the Clio is a better drive . . . Overall, I like the Clio, but I would never buy one because of the driving position.

As for my favourite model, the diesel rates very well because it’s swift and frugal. The RTI also scores well because it is subtle, insurance friendly, but has the same power output as the same generation XR2i.