New Renault Clio – is it really that better?

Renault Clio of the current generation enjoys unflagging interest in Europe, where since 2012 it has been consistently in the top three models of the B segment. However, time has come for the necessary changes to be made to ensure that the car does not deviate from the latest trends in this extremely competitive class. What is Clio number five like?

Indeed, carrying out modifications in the best-selling model on offer is a difficult and at the same time risky task. In this case, you can not make a revolution and start everything from scratch. On the other hand, the new car should not be too similar to its predecessor. Renault managed to get out of it pretty neatly.

New Renault Clio – a small Megane and the end of estate.

The new Clio resembles the fourth generation of the model, and at the same time it can be recognized as its successor, not the post-lifting version. The front of the car is very similar to the compact Megane (Full LED headlamps as standard). There are also characteristic features for the previous Clio, the rear door handle hidden in the C-pillars or the horizontal arrangement of the rear lamps. The five-door hatchback looks fresh and attractive, especially in the higher versions of the model.

For those who are waiting for the estate variant, unfortunately I have bad news. The new generation will no longer be available with this body. This is an understandable decision, because the small wagon is a market niche (only Skoda Fabia Combi remains in this field). Instead of a more practical Clio Grandtour, Renault offers the Captur Crossover.

Clio fifth edition has a lot to boast when it comes to its interior. The dashboard has been redesigned and makes a much better impression than its predecessor. Soft, pleasant-to-touch finishing materials has been used to finish the dashboard. Do not forget about the colorful elements, which are an interesting diversion. Additionally, there is a space to conveniently store your smartphone and the possibility of wireless charging.

In front of the driver’s eyes there is a digital set of indicators, the view of which can be adapted to your liking. The central point of the cockpit, however, is the vertically positioned touch screen – the largest one that has appeared so far in all Renault models (in the highest version it is 9.2 inches).

Unfortunately, the service of the Renault “tablet” is still not perfect. The EasyLink information and entertainment system is slow and likes to cut when switching between successive screens. In addition, the image from the cameras showing the view around the car is of average quality.

The fifth edition of Clio was created on a completely new platform (CMF-B), which made it possible to find more space in the cabin despite slightly smaller outside dimensions. Two people with a height slightly over 180 cm can travel freely on the back. Renault also praises the world’s largest luggage compartment with a capacity of 391 l. That’s true, but it is calculated without a spare wheel.

The construction of the vehicle is safer than before – this was confirmed by the latest Euro NCAP tests, in which Clio received five stars again. In addition, the car is packed with electronics that enabled the introduction of advanced guidance support systems, including the assistant for road and motorway driving (combines the features of adaptive cruise control and lane assistant).

Diesel engines are less and less frequently selected in city cars (in Clio they have recently made only 4% of total sales, but Renault does not give up, this is a plus for those who just need such a drive source because they turn really high mileage (eg sales representatives). For them, 1.5 Blue dCi units with 85 and 115 HP were prepared.

Of course, a much more important part of the offer will be new three-cylinder, 1-liter petrol engine that replaced slightly smaller unit of 0.9. They will be: naturally aspirated SCe (65 or 75 hp) and turbocharged TCe 100 hp. The second option should enjoy the greatest interest of everyone (so far TCe 90 played this role). It will also be available with a CVT gearbox, as well as in a variant with an LPG system (TCe 100 has a multi-point injection).

The new Clio is highly awaited by public and in my opinion it will be one of the most frequently bought cars in 2020.