Redefining the small car
Supermini evolved from a successor to a legend to a real class contender, and first two generations still impress
THE wraps were pulled from the original Renault Clio at the Paris Motor Show in autumn 1990, and it went on sale in France later that same year. But it wasn’t until the following spring that we got our hands on the car in the UK.
It was well worth the wait, as the Clio improved on the legendary Renault 5 it replaced in near enough every area. Way back in Auto Express Issue 121, we praised the Clio I for being “comfortable, refined and responsive”, heralding it as a car that “loves to be driven”. It’s easy to see why it was awarded the coveted European Car of the Year title in 1991, ahead of the Nissan Primera and Vauxhall Calibra.
But the most amazing thing is how modern the original Clio feels to drive even today. The steering is beautifully weighted, while the dinky dimensions and large windows mean it’s a doddle to manoeuvre around town. Our car had the popular 79bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine, although instead of the desirable five-speed manual gearbox, this model was paired with a power-sapping automatic.
Still, out on the open road, it handled with poise, echoing the fun nature of its predecessor while also feeling much more grown-up. The interior is a little conservative by today’s standards, but there’s plenty of space and it all feels well built. The analogue dials look incredibly dated, too, although they’re functional and easy to read.
In the back, there’s a surprising amount of room for passengers. In fact, some modern-day city cars could learn a thing or two from the original Clio. Granted, crash testing and safety legislation are much more stringent today, but the 25-year-old Clio proved compact exterior dimensions needn’t come at the expense of space.
While many manufacturers play it safe when introducing an all-new model, Renault ripped up the rulebook on the unveiling of the Clio II in 1998. Gone was the boxy shape and conventional lines, replaced by a more bulbous and rounded body. It was an immediate success, with the stronger, more sophisticated silhouette winning the hearts of buyers all over Europe. Advanced materials were used throughout to minimise potential weight penalties, with polycarbonate headlamp covers, composite front wings and, on some models, an aluminium bonnet. Improvements were made in safety, too, with ABS available on selected versions and up to four airbags on top-spec cars.
Just as the Mk1 bettered the Renault 5, the Clio II built on the original car’s engaging handling with a selection of more powerful four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Our model was an early ‘Phase 1’ with the 1.9-litre diesel engine and a five-speed manual gearbox. Still in pristine condition, it had covered only a few hundred kilometres from new, and felt as tight as the day it left the factory.
The interior was a big step up from the original Clio’s, too, and while it’s still awash with dreary grey plastics, the digital screen between the dials gives it a more modern feel. The patterned seats bring a welcome splash of colour, along with the slightly lurid gold paint, but there’s no ignoring the basic stereo and bulky three-spoke steering wheel.
On the road, however, the Clio II turns in sharply, and the torquey diesel is a lively performer. The manual box is preferable to our Mk1 test car’s slow auto, but the throw is long and not all that precise. The ride is well cushioned on the tiny 14-inch wheels and high-profile tyres, lending itself to motorway journeys without breaking a sweat – unlike us as we suffer in the French summer heat without any air-con.