- Price£9025-£15,715
- We like...Roomy, smooth, quiet at speed
- We don't...1.2 engine hasn't enough power
The current Clio has grown so that it’s now the biggest supermini. Buyers will get themselves a solid and well equipped car, although basic versions look disappointing once you’ve seen the soft-feel trim and seats in costlier models. The entry model’s 1.2 petrol engine isn’t fully up to the challenge of hauling such a big car, giving another reason why you should look to a mid-spec Clio.
Styling sticks closely to the previous car’s: it’s pleasant, but not particularly distinctive. The cabin is well finished and spacious, and the driver enjoys a fuller range of seat and steering wheel position adjustments than you’d find in many. Rear seat space is respectable and the boot is spacious for a supermini’s. Passenger safety has long been a Renault strength and, true to form, the Clio rates a five-star maximum for occupant safety.
On the road the Clio feels very sensible, with a chassis that combines a comfortable ride with good cruising refinement, although bigger wheeled versions can feel clumpy on rough urban tarmac. Basic versions handle respectably enough, but for dynamic thrills youll have to turn to the storming RenaultSport 197.
The 1.4 litre petrol engine is a far more lively prospect than the base 1.2, although it sounds thrashy under hard acceleration. If the budget will stretch, then the punchy 1.6 litre is one to have. Three 1.5 litre diesel engines offer exceptional economy and keep the CO2 figures low at 117g/km for the 86bhp version.
Renault Clio datafile
- Engines1.2, 1.2 TCE, 1.6, 2.0, 1.5 dCi,
- Power
- 0-60 mph15.-6.9sec
- Economy64.2-33.2mpg
- CO2g/km117-199
- Insurance groups3-15
- Euro NCAP
- Airbags6
- Seats5
Motors.co.uk value verdict 
I have a renault clio expresion 1.5 80dci at present which I use Daily which i am empresed with its performance some diferent to my early days of motoring in a Ford sit up and beg
I drive a black Renault Clio & I love it! It is the first car i have ever bought as up until recently I was a student and then lived in London where I did not need a vehicle, however when I moved to sunny Milton Keynes just over a year ago I needed a car
I have Clio, its now a little battered & bruised, but I loetat car it g me through y test & taken me on good few journy’s.
its a good runner nice first car cheap to tax and insure however as i have found out it has its little ‘quirks’ common fault is a leaky sunroof which i have now solved and various othe ranalt quirks but over all decent first car.
Hello – have just bought a January 2004 clio expression – would appear to have a bit of a problem with leaky sunroof – water seems to sit on the top and then drip through to the inside of the car. Q – how did you fix your leak and was yours the same place? Mine comes in just where the sun visor is on the passenger side.
Really would appreciate your comments
Nice small car, very versatile to drive and park as well as economical on petrol. Extremely good car for traveling back and forth to work with.What I dislike is that it is very cramped in the back and not comfortable for seating adults (of any size). It is a car designed for two adults with small children perhaps, but definitely not for more than two adults.
I love everything about it, a woman MUST have designed it! enough boot space for that all important shopping, can fit 3 of my granchildren in comfortably, cost effective running, looks great in expresso black – even with child seats in!love the billabong model and if you fancy one do it!!!!! papa was right xxxx
I like the uncluttered dash, the easy way it reverses into parking spaces and the comfort of the seats.I don’t like the blind spot on the edges of the windscreen.I bought it because it is a neat little car.I would say ‘go for it’ to a would be driver.
Love this car. It is not too big, but has plenty of legroom and a good size boot. Bought it because member of my family has one and I liked the look of it. It is very easy to drive and park, and I would a test drive if looking for a new car.
nice small car cheap tax and insurance good fuel economy dear parts and hard to get old ov second hand parts
Economical, comfortable, reasonably priced.Bought it new from local dealer, good after sales support.Consider one of these if contemplating a small hatchback. Really good value.
My car makes me smile!! It’s stylish yet understated!! SUitable for all my needs, to travel to work, to go shopping and can be very nippy when I want it to be!! Definitely recommended for the modern woman! even quite reasinable on insurance too!!!
I have a light showing SERV – also down at right hand bottom corner it also shows ABS light on – How do i resolve this
I think you should take to local renault dealer! There may be a problem with your ABS (Anti Lock Braking System). I am not 100% sure but this is how I would interpret it!
Hi Martha,
‘Serv’ simply means that the car needs attention. It probably needs an oil change and an annual inspection. The ‘ABS’ light tells you that your car’s anti-lock braking system isn’t working. I’d have a garage check this out soon.
if your service (spanner) light is on it may only need reset, however if the abs light is also on you have a problem. either take it to a dealer and get shafted or have a little look yourself, check the cv gaitor clip hasnt broken and covered the abs ring on the driveshaft and make sure the ring isnt broken or burst on both nsf&osf. same kinda setup on the back but differs thru the range as some have rear dics and some have drums, either way worth trying yourself first.
i have v reg clio 1.6 it was good for the 1st few months but now its not drivable it can drive for the a few minutes then suddenly turns off and teh sign of battery and oil comes on. i had bought a new battery and changed the oil but it still has the same problem can any body guess what the problem would be.