Classy Renault Clio’s great price, sharp style & efficient engines mean it’s the small car to beat… I might even buy one

[[{“value”:”

IT’S 5am. It’s dark. It’s wet. The B-roads around my way are flooded.

Miserable conditions but I’m having some proper fun in this car.

For those less bothered about geeky bits, Clio looks sharper than a Fiesta inside and out, especially in the esprit Alpine trimsimon thompson

The Clio totally delivers on price, style, efficiency and fun, and that’s all we want from a superminisimon thompson

simon thompsonKeen drivers can feel exactly what’s going on underneath them[/caption]

Honestly, I might even buy one.

First off, the basics. Driving position. You sit nice and low in a Renault Clio. Better than a Ford Fiesta.

Second, chassis. Keen drivers can feel exactly what’s going on underneath them.

Almost Fiesta levels. Trust me, that’s a compliment.

The steering is nicely weighted and precise.

The suspension is a bit softer than on the Fiesta but that’s no bad thing on our ever-disintegrating roads.

Next up, engine. You can have a self-charging 1.6-litre petrol hybrid, but the standard 1-litre engine is all you need.

It’s 90hp but it’s game enough when you get moving — and I really like the notchy six-speed manual gearbox and the real-world 47mpg. Some three-cylinder engines sound coarse. But this doesn’t.

For those less bothered about the geeky bits, Clio looks sharper than a Fiesta inside and out, especially in the esprit Alpine trim with the French Tricolore dotted about the place.

Nicer design. Soft-touch materials. Right mix of buttons and screens. Feels classy and sophisticated. It’s a nice place to be.

That upright touchscreen has a Google brain and talks to your phone.

 There’s a button to turn off the annoying lane-keep assist tech, which constantly tugs at the steering wheel to keep you inside the white lines. Even though you are trying to give space to a cyclist.

I dislike ambient lighting as a rule, but the simple strip surrounding the gearbox and phone tray works nicely here.

Grumbles? I have two. The rear camera is blurry when it’s raining. It needs positioning higher. As does the boot button to stop your pinkies getting mucky.

Otherwise, the Clio totally delivers on price, style, efficiency and fun, and that’s all we want from a supermini.

 It succeeds the defunct Fiesta as the new small car to beat.

Now Renault needs to do a better job of telling everyone what a little gem it is.

simon thompsonAlpine branding on the alloy wheels is a neat touch[/caption]

simon thompsonIf you can afford another £14 a month, go for the esprit Alpine trim[/caption]

Right now, dealers have the 1-litre petrol Clio Evolution from £17,995 or £156 a month, with zero per cent finance and £5,399 deposit or trade-in. If you can afford another £14 a month, go for the esprit Alpine trim.

The 1.6-litre petrol hybrid starts at £21,495, or £165 a month with £6,449 up front. That’s 145hp and 65mpg with a six-speed auto.

Whichever you choose, you made the right decision.

“}]]