First ride with the new Renault Clio: The best-selling model is significantly better

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The little Clio is Renault’s big flying vehicle. More than 16 million units have been offered to customers since it was introduced in 1990, making the Clio the best-selling French car of modern times. It is unclear whether there will be another successor to the current fifth generation: electrification at France’s largest automaker is also moving unstoppably – one day the Clio may be replaced by the all-electric Renault 5, which will be launched next year.

Before that happens, the Renault Clio 5.1 will be available at dealers in September. With the makeover, the French literally went full throttle to get the little car roadworthy for at least four more years. As long as the Clio remains the best selling vehicle at Renault.

stronger and mature

At first glance, we see how meticulously the automaker handled the overhaul. The front now shines in Renault’s new brand face with stylish LED light graphics; The previously claw-like daytime running lights have been replaced by more elegant inserts that take the shape of Renault’s new rhombus. The stylists also helped the back – the Clio now looks much stronger and more mature than its predecessor.

For the test drive we have the Clio with the new top-end Esprit Alpine, which replaces the previous RS Line. The Clio makes a good first impression and scores on sustainability by using plenty of textiles and plastics instead of genuine leather. Digital instruments are now as standard as a central, tablet-like touchscreen measuring either seven or 9.3 inches, depending on version. The Clio is still not a miracle of space: while the trunk size is good at 340 to 1069 liters, it gets narrow for taller passengers in the backseat.

Clio is partially powered by electricity

Unlike Renault’s SUV innovations Austral and Espace, the infotainment system, including navigation, is not yet based on the more modern Google architecture. Too bad, because the OS was not entirely convincing in the test drive, both in terms of clarity and use of the navigation system. The situation is different when it comes to the driving behavior of the small car, which remains unchanged at 4.05 meters: It starts in Brussels stop-and-go traffic, where the Clio is all-electric and is whisper-quiet. hybrid drive. The 94 hp (69 kW) four-cylinder petrol engine only kicks in when more power is needed. Together with the electric motors on the front axle and an automated transmission, it delivers a maximum power of 145 hp (107 kW) and 205 Nm. to the front wheels.

Renault’s self-developed multi-mode transmission, in which the combustion engine is only mechanically operated at high speeds, now looks much more sophisticated than its predecessor. The power flows and the shifting between gears are often imperceptible and gentle – this befits the very relaxed character of the new Clio. But if it wants to, the little car can also move smoothly, convincing on winding country roads with nice direct steering and good lateral support in the front seats that may be too narrow for some.

High weight, low consumption

The fact that the Hybrid Clio is not a GTI fighter like the long discontinued RS model is already evident, with its sprint time reaching from 9.3 seconds to 100 km/h (top speed 174 km/h). Especially at higher highway speeds, the Clio is already pfus, which should be due to the relatively high curb weight of at least 1250 kilograms for a small car – here the small one has to pay tribute to a large number of electrical components, including 1.2. kWh battery on the back.

On the other hand, they also provide extremely low consumption in everyday life: According to the on-board computer, we achieved less than 5.0 l/100 km on the test lap – by pressing the accelerator pedal lightly, the standard consumption is 4.2 l/100 km as specified by Renault. 100 km per 100 km seems realistic.

Affordable prices

Despite the extensive overhaul, prices remain at the level of its predecessor: starting at 18,900 francs with a 90 hp three-cylinder petrol engine and a manual six-speed gearbox on the lowest Evolution equipment, which is less popular in Switzerland. The hybrid top model we use in the Asil Esprit Alpine line starts at 28,100 francs. A fair deal for arguably the best Clio of all time.

Source: Blick