Renault Clio Review: Authentique, Expression and Dynamique
2013 RENAULT CLIO REVIEW
What’s hot: Great style and features, an uncommonly good drive at a very good price.
What’s not: No auto for three-cylinder models; rear drum brakes.
X-FACTOR: The sense of refinement at the wheel and surprising space will win lots of hearts - both older and younger.
Models:
Clio Authentique TCe 90 - manual - $16,790
Clio Expression TCe 90 - manual - $17,790
Clio Expression TCe 120 - EDC auto - $19,790
Clio Dynamique TCe 120 - EDC auto - $23,290
Engine/transmission:
TCe 90 - 66kW/135Nm 898cc 3cyl petrol / 5spd manual
TCe 120 - 88kW/190Nm 1.2 4cyl petrol / 5spd manual or 6spd EDC auto
Fuel consumption:
listed: TCe 90 4.5 l/100km | tested: 7.9 l/100km
listed: TCe 120 5.2 l/100km | tested: 7.6 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Renault Australia can offer a whole lot of reasons why it would like you to consider its all-new Clio.
“The perfect light car for the Australian market.” That’s what Renault Australia boss Justin Hocevar said at launch.
So why would you consider it?
Well, there are some practical cost-saving reasons: like, it comes with a five-year warranty, capped price servicing (just $299 for its annual service over the first three years), and five-years roadside assistance.
And its parts are priced among the cheapest in the sector – beaten only by the Fiesta among popular light cars.
It’s also got sat-nav as standard in all but the entry model, and the range is priced from a very friendly $16,790.
But there is a lot more to this car than those practical considerations.
For style and dynamics, Renault’s new Clio is whole new ballgame. This is one really appealing little car.
The entry level Authentique TCe 90 has just three cylinders beavering away under the bonnet. But you would never know it. It drives and handles far better than it’s reasonable to expect a small light car to drive and handle.
The Clio, both three- and four-cylinder models, offers a level of on-road refinement that is unusual in this sector.
At the price, none other can match it for on-road comfort and ‘quiet serenity’.
If Renault can get enough people into enough showrooms to give this smart little car a run, we think it is going to remake the Renault brand in this market.
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