The Renault Clio Looks More Expensive Than It Is
All three reviews make some version of the same observation: the cabin punches well above the car's price point, even where the driving experience itself doesn't quite match that ambition.
Europe's Best-Seller, Still Punching Above Its Price
Very few small cars manage to feel genuinely upmarket inside without the price tag to match. Reviewers keep singling this one out as an example of getting that balance right, even while flagging real trade-offs elsewhere.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Supermini hatchback |
|---|---|
| Engines | 1.0L TCe petrol (90bhp), E-Tech hybrid (145bhp) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 4-speed clutchless automatic (hybrid) |
| 0–60mph | 11.5 sec (TCe 90) / 9.3 sec (hybrid) |
| Boot space | 391 litres (301 litres, hybrid) |
| Price range (new) | From around £17,995 |
Full Review Summary
What Car?
What Car? rated it ahead of the Vauxhall Corsa on both price and driving enjoyment, while flagging tight rear space for taller passengers and a firmer low-speed ride than several rivals. They found the hybrid's four-speed clutchless automatic gearbox has unusually large gaps between gears, estimating at least a one-second delay during shifts — a genuine quirk worth test driving before committing to that powertrain specifically.
Carwow
Carwow praised cabin material quality as feeling comparable to the pricier Volkswagen Polo, with soft-touch plastics across most surfaces bar slightly scratchier door cards. They found the infotainment software a little slow to respond regardless of screen size, though wireless smartphone mirroring largely sidesteps that issue in practice. Both engines earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating, with the hybrid also bringing a lower company car tax band as a genuine practical advantage.
Honest John
Honest John's review was more critical of ride comfort specifically, finding it noticeably less absorbing over bumps than the previous generation despite genuine improvements to steering accuracy and cornering grip. They recommended avoiding the base 1.0-litre engine given how underpowered it feels even in a car this size, and rated the bigger 391-litre boot as a genuine practical strength relative to rivals.
Strengths
- Upmarket-feeling cabin materials for the price
- Generous boot space relative to rivals
- Sharper steering and cornering grip than the previous generation
- Competitive pricing and running costs
Weak points
- Firmer, less absorbing ride than before
- Hybrid gearbox has unusually long gaps between shifts
- Base engine feels underpowered
- Tight rear space for taller passengers
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want a small car that feels genuinely upmarket inside without paying premium-brand prices, and who don't need a plush ride above all else. Skip the base 1.0-litre engine if you regularly carry passengers or luggage, and test the hybrid's gearbox behaviour specifically before committing to it.