Cute Clio is already a hit on our roads T
HERE are some cars that are more popular than you think… it was only when I was driving around in the 2018 Clio that I began to notice just how many of them are on our roads.
And after a while I began to see why - this is a very comfortable and well-kitted out little hatchback which has ample room for five and space for a reasonable amount of luggage as well.
Our test car was the Iconic TCe 90 model in a smart flame red, which means it had 90bhp from a diminutive 898cc three-cylinder petrol engine that gave more than adequate performance providing you did NOT engage the Eco function.
This made the little Renault a little dull to drive and, no matter how many mpg it added (and I suspect it is not many) to your range, was not worth the sacrifice - a bit like trying to swim with your clothes on!
So Eco button avoided and it was a very pleasant week with the Clio, which looks great and is reasonably cheap to run. The Clio’s selling point is its style, which may not please all but is certainly distinctive. Inside is modern and a little upmarket with a tablet-style control screen on the nearly-button-free dash.
A recent update saw cabin materials improve and gave a boost to the kit list, which on our car included cruise control, LED running and Halogen headlights, smart 17-inch alloy wheels, black and chrome body detailing, rear parking sensors, push button stop/start, that 7-inch touchscreen with MediaNav and DAB radio, air con and rear privacy glass.
While materials don’t quite match up to its main rivals, and it’s not the most spacious model either, minor updates in 2016 went some way to address this.
Renault has been selling the Clio in the UK since 1991, when it replaced the hugely popular Renault 5 (20 years on sale and 5.5 million sales globally) winning European Car of the Year. But the Clio surpassed its predecessor with global sales now above 13 million cars. No wonder there are so many on our roads!.
The second-generation Clio landed in 1998, the third model followed in 2005 and then in 2012 the fourth-generation Clio was launched, but with no three-door version, which matters little as the rear door handles are hidden in the window frames, making the Clio appear to be a three-door anyway.
The range starts with the basic Expression trim, then moves up to Play, Dynamique Nav, Urban Nav, Dynamique S Nav and Signature Nav. Prices start from just over £12,000, rising to around £18,000 for the generouslyequipped Signature Nav. The flagship Renaultsport version sits at the top of the range, with prices starting from £20,000.
Engines comprise the 1.2 16V 75 four cylinder, our 0.9 TCe 90 turbo three-cylinder, 1.2 TCe 120 turbo petrol and the 1.5 dCi diesel in 90 or 110 guises.
The smallest petrols get a fivespeed manual as standard with no auto option, while the 1.2 TCe gets a six-speed manual or optional six-speed EDC auto. The smaller diesel gets a five-speed manual but can also be had with the six-speed EDC box, while the higher powered 1.5 dCi 110 just gets a six-speed manual.
Performance-wise our car can do 0 to 62 in 12.1 seconds (without the Eco button pressed) and go on to a top speed of 110. Fuel-wise you can expect up to a shade over 56mpg.
Our higher-spec car is from £15,180 on the road but with the range starting so low it is another reason why we now see so many running around.
More information at www. renault.co.uk A 1966 Lotus Cortina with an incredible race pedigree will be offered by Silverstone Auctions at Autosport International at the NEC, Birmingham on 12th January 2019.
As one of only three ‘Group 5’ works cars built by Lotus for the 1966 British Saloon Car Championship, the collectible competition car (above) was driven in period by some of the world’s most successful racing drivers, including Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Jacky Ickx.
With incredible provenance and proven racing pedigree, the car will be offered at auction with an estimate of £180,000 to £200,000.
PHK 614D was built in March 1966 and immediately assigned to Formula 1 World Champion Jim Clark for use at a rain-disrupted Oulton Park.
It went on to be raced throughout the 1966 season by fellow Formula 1 drivers Peter Arundell and Jacky Ickx, who took the car to second in class in finishes at Snetterton, Goodwood and Silverstone.
It then was raced successfully until 1968, when the car went to Africa for several years before being returned to the UK. More information at silverstone auctions.com.