Miles of smiles as Renault’s iconic Clio hits the road
bonnet. The lines sweep back to a neat rear and sporty antenna and it all sits on 16in diamond- cut alloys with a sweeping chrome blade running along the base of the doors.
Inside, the black upholstered seats are comfortable and the driver’s one is easily adjusted. The interior is clean and free from switches and dials, giving this new Clio a very modern, sleek interior. Both the gearstick and the steering wheel are leather- clad with chrome inserts for a quality feel and the rear seats lower for extra boot space all together or in a 60/40 split for convenience.
The 7in touchscreen is easy to use and has sat nav, Easy Connect with multimedia and services, AM/FM/ DAB radio, connectivity sockets and Bluetooth with microphones for hands-free calling.
The instrument binnacle is clear and digital with all the information you need – and the car will also give you eco-driving tips if you so desire. As is the trend in superminis these days, frugality is achieved by installing a 1.0- litre, 3- cylinder engine – there is a choice of lower or higher powered ones in the Clio – but this one, I have to say, is bang- on.
It is a f ive- speed manual with a perkiness that bel ies its 1.0- l itre powertrain with confidence-boosting handling as it takes on Scotland’s wet and dreary summer roads.
It is quiet as you bowl along but, whether it’s in town or on winding country roads, it really comes into its own when you need it to be agile and quick to respond.
It is lighter than its predecessor and it shows as you push it in and out of corners or slip into parking spaces.
My version came with three different packs – comfort, convenience and parking – each costing only £ 300, so very affordable.
There is a raft of driver and safety aids on board such as cruise control and speed limiter, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and Renault’s Anti Intruder Device.
All of these make the Clio a little ray of French sunshine in rain- sodden Scotland but, most of all, it is the feeling as you walk up to this little car. Cheri, c’est adorable.