Renault Clio Play 1.2 75 5Dr

Ten Second Review

It's called 'New Clio' but this Renault supermini is actually a smarter slightly more sophisticated version of the existing MK4 model. Highlights include smart new full-LED headlights, a higher-quality interior and extra infotainment options. Plus, as before, there's one of the widest powertrain line-ups in the segment.

Background

In some respects, the fourth generation Clio was one of the cars that saved Renault. It arrived in 2013 at a time when the brand's gamble on all-electric car development was failing. Billions of euros had been poured into new battery-powered models that customers simply weren't buying. Dealers needed a characterful, class-competitive product that would sell in decent numbers. This was it. The styling offered a curvy sense of esprit that buyers really liked, hence Renault's reluctance to change it too much for this revised version, though this updated model does gain a smarter LED-lit front end that brings its look into line with the brand's latest Megane family hatch. That's the most obvious in a whole stream of detail revisions that aim to keep this car amongst the top three players in the supermini segment.

Driving Experience

The dynamic recipe on offer here hasn't much changed. This MK4 model proved that you didn't necessarily have to stretch to a Renaultsport Clio to get a version of this car that might be good to drive. As ever, it isn't quite as taut as a rival Fiesta, but that's OK: if you're like us, you instinctively expect French cars to roll a little more - almost want them to for the payoff of silken low speed ride. Which is delivered here in a way that no rival can better. Just one of the many reasons you'd like to drive this Clio around town. The others? Well-weighted steering that facilitates a tight 10.6m turning circle. And torquey engines you don't have to row around with the gear lever. There isn't much change here, though it is now possible to order the most powerful petrol and diesel units - respectively the TCe 120 and the dCi 110 variants - with manual transmission as well as an automatic. Most Clio buyers though, will continue to choose either the volume dCi 90 diesel or the 0.9-litre three cylinder TCe petrol unit. There's also a base 1.2-litre 75bhp petrol powerplant. At the top of the range, the Renaultsport Clio 200 hot hatch continues but, as before, must be ordered with an automatic EDC ('Efficient Dual Clutch') automatic transmission that some don't want.

Design and Build

'Simple, sensuous and warm' were the three design keywords used to create the original version of this MK4 model and that concept has been carried forward into its updated replacement. This facelifted version gets a smarter nose, with an eye-catching full-LED lighting signature, including C-shaped daytime running lights in the case of certain versions. At the front, the grille which houses the Renault diamond has been redesigned, as has the lower part of the grille which is wider to add a more modern feel to the front end. At the rear, the skirt has been redesigned too. Inside, 'New Clio' benefits from the use of finishing materials previously reserved for Renault's higher-end models. All the upholsteries used certainly feel more up-market and special attention has been paid to the tactile and visual quality of the plastics' grain-effect finish. Otherwise, things are much as before. Since there's still no three-door model, it's just as well that the five-door does a good impression of one, coupe-like styling emphasised by hidden rear door handles. So visually and practically, you get the best of both worlds. Out back, there's a decent sized 300-litre boot while at the wheel, we've yet another dash that's been sculpted in the shape of an aircraft wing on which is mounted an overtly confident chrome-surrounded instrument cluster dominated by the kind of digital speedo that not everyone will like. Equally eye-catching is the consumer electronic-fest that dominates the gloss black-trimmed centre console of all but base models in the form of a tablet-like display that is the 7-inch R-Link colour touchscreen.

Market and Model

Prices haven't changed much, sitting in the usual £11,000 to £18,000 bracket typical for Fiesta-sized superminis. Whichever mainstream five-door Clio you choose, there are kit items included that will cost you more on many rivals. Virtually all Clios get alloy wheels, air conditioning and front foglights. And absolutely all of them get daytime running lights, cruise control with a speed limiter, a trip computer, a height-adjustable driver's seat, power front windows and mirrors, Bluetooth 'phone compatibility, a decent quality USB-compatible CD stereo with punchy Renault 'Bass Reflex' speakers and fingertip control, plus Hill Start Assist to stop you from drifting backwards on uphill junctions. To provide customers with a range of options, the 'New Clio' comes with three different connected multimedia systems, namely Media Nav Evolution, Renault R-Link Evolution and the new, smart R&GO system which is available on entry trim levels. This is also the first B-segment Renault to be available with a BOSE audio system. In addition to its reverse parking sensor, and depending on the version, this Clio offers a front parking sensor and a reverse parking camera. Available for higher-end versions, Handsfree Parking allows the driver to fully delegate the completion of parking manoeuvres. Four new body colours have been added and there's a more extensive personalisation programme.

Cost of Ownership

Renault has made a firm commitment to driving down the cost of motoring and the Clio continues to demonstrate some impressive economy and emissions figures. In fact, for more than half the range, there'll be no annual road tax to pay thanks to the way that sub-100g/km CO2 emissions figures grant exemption. Take the dCi 90 variant many will want. It manages 85.6mpg on the combined cycle and 85g/km of CO2. Go for the 1.2 TCe 90 variant and those figures fall to 61.4mpg and 104g/km, though that's still pretty good for a three cylinder petrol model. Even the automatic Renaultsport Clio 200 hot hatch doesn't do too badly, returning 47.9mpg and 133g/km.

By Jonathan Crouch

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Key Standard Features*

• Solid - Glacier white
• Solid paint
• Style cloth - dark carbon with grey inserts
• Tyre inflation kit

Specification

Body Glass
Electric front windows
Rear wiper
Variable front intermittent wipers
Tinted windows
Brakes
ABS+EBD+Brake assist
Hill start assist
ESP + Traction control + Understeer control
Electronic stability control
Communication
Smartphone cradle
Driver Aids
Cruise control + speed limiter
Variable PAS
Driver Convenience
Push button starter
Driver Information
Trip computer
Premium navigation system
Driving Mirrors
Heated door mirrors
Electric adjustable door mirrors
Black door mirrors
Embellishment Trims
Chrome air vent surrounds
Instrument dials in chrome surround
Dark carbon dashboard
Dark carbon soft touch dashboard
Grain black centre console
Grain black dashboard insert
Grain black air vent surround
Entertainment
DAB Digital radio
Fingertip controls for audio system
Aux-in socket
2x20W radio with bluetooth hands free and USB
Exterior Body Features
Body colour door handles
Body coloured bumpers
Body coloured rear spoiler
Chrome surround for front fog lights
Matt black finish B pillar
Black door protector
Exterior Lights
Front fog lamps
Black headlamp surrounds
LED daytime running lights
Heating/Cooling/Ventilation
Manual air conditioning
Pollen filter
Air recirculation control
Interior Features
Height/reach adjust steering wheel
Multi function steering wheel
Glovebox
12V Accessory socket
Chrome interior door handles
2 cupholders
Passenger dashboard tray
Design cloth upholstery
Chrome gear knob insert
Matt black door handle surrounds
Style cloth upholstery
Gear shift indicator
Front door storage bin
Front cupholders
Steering wheel with chrome inserts
Safety
Tyre pressure warning
Seatbelt warning
Front side airbags(head+thorax)
Driver/Front Passenger airbags
Driver/front passenger side airbags
3 point rear seatbelts x3
Height adjustable driver's seatbelt
Driver and passenger front and side airbag deactivation
Seats
Height adjustable front headrests
Driver's seat height adjustment
System for Restraint and Protection SRP-front seats
Isofix system on outer rear seats
3 rear height adjustable headrests
60/40 split rear seats
Folding front passenger seat
Security
Remote central locking
Locking fuel filler cap
Deadlocking system
Anti-drill door locks
RAID (Renault Anti-Intruder Device)
Thatcham Cat 2 engine immobiliser
Renault card
Child lock control of rear doors and windows
Wheels - Alloy
16" Pulsize alloy wheels
16" Chrome alloy wheels
Wheels - Spare
Tyre puncture repair kit

Performance

Performance
0 to 60 mph (secs)
0 to 62 mph (secs)	14.5
Engine Power - BHP	75
Engine Power - KW	55
Engine Power - PS
Engine Power - RPM	5500
Engine Torque - LBS.FT	79
Engine Torque - NM	107
Engine Torque - RPM	4250
Top Speed	104