- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.2T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
88kW, 190Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 5.2L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2013)
2013 Renault Clio Expression 120 EDC new car review
Unlike the fashion and Champagne industries, French brands haven't been seen much on Australian roads for some time. Modest market shares have slipped over recent years as competition has heated up and more brands and models have invaded the market.
But the French are fighting back, led by Renault, which has almost doubled its sales over the past five years, making it currently the best-selling French car maker in Australia. While Renault's market share still doesn't quite match where it was a decade ago, its sales are certainly heading in the right direction, unlike rivals Citroen and Peugeot.
And Renault has more reason to get excited with the arrival of the new Clio. While it may be the brand's most affordable model, it has never been a serious player from a sales perspective as it only sold the RenaultSport hot hatch version of the last-generation model. But the Turkish-built Clio brings a full range with sharper value, fresh styling and higher hopes of playing a more serious role within Renault's local line-up.
What do you get?
The cheapest Clio is $16,790, plus on-road and dealer costs. For that you get cruise control, Bluetooth, trip computer and 15-inch steel wheels. But the safety package is underdone; while it gets front and side curtain airbags up front (enough to give it a five-star ANCAP rating), it misses out on potentially life-saving side airbags in the rear. It's also a manual-only model, bringing a 0.9-litre, three-cylinder engine.
Pay $1000 more for the Expression and you pick up a more meaningful level of kit, including satellite-navigation, 16-inch alloy wheels, four-speaker sound system (the base car gets only two speakers), leather steering wheel, extra colour coding and some different trim items. There's an automatic version (as tested here) that also brings a bigger, more powerful 1.2-litre engine for $19,790.
The top-of-the-line Dynamique (an auto-only proposition at $23,290) brings things such as reversing sensors, climate control aircon, keyless entry and start, auto headings and a driver's arm rest and tinted windows. The RenaultSport model is due to arrive in Australia before the end of the year, powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with a dual-clutch automatic for the first time.
What's inside?
There's a quality presentation to the interior, from the upmarket dash and instruments to the classy seat material with stitching and meshing. Blingy chrome (it occasionally catches the sunlight) and some interesting textures for dash and door plastics continue the theme.
Unfortunately the seats themselves haven't had as much attention when it comes to lateral support, particularly for the upper body. Taller passengers may have issues with the head rests digging into their shoulder blades.
There's also the occasional annoyance; the central touchscreen, for example, doesn't dim with the main instrument cluster, so it's a double movement - and extra menus - to adjust for different conditions. And the steering wheel buttons - surrounded by slippery plastic - aren't illuminated.
There's also the occasional oddness that hasn't made the cut with the conversion to right-hand-drive; the strip of convex mirror is on the driver's side, whereas it makes more sense for the passenger side. And there's a vanity mirror for only the driver.
The glovebox may be deep, but it's not wide enough for bigger objects. Other than that there are some cupholders and binnacles in the centre console and a small exposed shelf above the glovebox.
Further back there's no seatback pockets and no interior light. Leg room is also tight and the higher rear seats mean taller adults may be cramped for head space.
Under the bonnet
The smaller 66kW, three-cylinder engine in the manual is surprisingly endearing, with great flexibility at 3000rpm-4000rpm, allowing it to amble up hills and in and out of traffic effortlessly. The stop-start system works well enough, too, helping cement the manual as the fuel miser, using a claimed 4.5L/100km.
The 1.2-litre four-cylinder manages a respectable 88kW of power, which ensures the lightweight five-door frame shifts smartly enough. Floor the throttle and it picks up fairly well, easily keeping pace with the cut and thrust of city motoring.
But the six-speed auto lets it down, with big jumps between third, fourth and fifth that can leave the engine temporarily struggling.
Fuel use is also impressive, claimed at 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres, but as with most European cars it calls for the more expensive premium unleaded brew. We also found it used more than 7L/100 kilometres around town.
On the road
Despite its diminutive dimensions the Clio feels more grown up on the road. There's still a tight turning circle and light steering that makes city streets a breeze, while the compact dimensions ensure it will slink into most parking spots.
But the Clio also has a maturity on the road that few city cars get close to. It sits confidently in corners, even at higher speeds. And while there's a nose-heaviness to its demeanour, it's also well balanced enough to induce a smile through a tight set of bends. Grip from the 16-inch Continental tyres is good without being sensational but, again, it's towards the upper end of cars in this class.
The ride is a mixed bag; while a cats-eye or small bump can sometimes thump through the tyres (particularly if they're loaded, through a corner for instance), it's less fazed by large imperfections and speed humps, dealing with them quickly before efficiently settling the body for the next challenge.
Verdict
Competent, fun and funky, the Clio has the credentials to at least elicit a passing glance from those in the city car market. But the lack of rear airbags is a concern, with the tempting value diluted somewhat once you opt for the less than perfect auto transmission.