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.