New Renault Clio worth your attention

THE fifth-generation Renault Clio was introduced in 2019, about 30 years after the 1990 release of the first model. Today, it is based on the CMF-B (Common Module Family-B) platform that is shared with Nissan and is stated to provide advances in space, safety, weight reduction, and technology. Which is true, but we will get to that in a moment.

Outside, it is shorter than the preceding Mk4 (though the 12mm length reduction is not all that noticeable), a little wider, and a little lower, but inside, there is greater room, load capacity, and overall volume.

In truth, there is noticeably more space, especially up front, albeit it feels a little less airy when crammed in the back due to the increasing window line.

For around 30 years, the Renault Clio has been a favourite in its European market. With more than 15 million units sold worldwide, the Clio has overtaken the previous best-selling vehicle for Groupe Renault since its first release.

e most recent Clio has improved upon the successes of the earlier generations. To examine how the most recent Renault Clio compares to its rivals, we take a closer look at it.

If Laurens van den Acker’s goal was to clean up a Mk4 Clio (then senior VP, corporate design at Renault, now just head of design), the scope of the project has been exceeded.

Since the Clio has been Europe’s bestselling B-segment supermini since 2013, an exterior makeover was not really in the cards. Instead, this is the same, familiar Clio that has been cleaned up and brought up to date.

e Renault Clio has made a name for itself as an incredibly sleek and attractive compact car that is incredibly appealing to a wide range of potential owners.

It combines comfort, practicality, extremely low operating costs, and desirability with such ease that it is our top-rated supermini and the rightful recipient a number of awards for two years running.

e Clio’s place at the top of the supermini tree is constantly in jeopardy since there are so many excellent competitors available. e Ford Fiesta and VW Polo, which offer excellent handling and practicality respectively, are among the constant best-sellers.

e Peugeot 208, which is one of the most coveted little cars on the market right now, is the Clio’s biggest competition in its native market. It is quite eye-catching. It has an excellent interior, and a fantastic selection of engines. However, it is significantly more expensive than the Clio.

Along with the outstanding Mazda 2, Volkswagen Polo, and MINI Hatch, the Toyota Yaris and Hyundai i20 are also vying for the Clio’s market share. In Southern Africa, VW Polo is the undisputed market leader though.

e new Clio exudes dynamic and attractive style right in your face, as evidenced by its seductive lines, active profile, sculpted sides, and commanding presence. e distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights catch your eye when viewed from the front.

e new Clio has wider shoulders and redesigned back style with larger LED rear lights integrated into the tailgate, giving it a

Pros

    more intimidating appearance.

e Clio has an elegant appearance and a coupe-like silhouette, thanks to the carefully integrated chrome accents and the hidden rear door handles.

e interior of the most recent Clio has also undergone a full revolution, with highquality materials and finishes. e cocooning seats and the multi-sense customisable

Cons

    ambient lighting that it features set apart the new high-tech driver-oriented cockpit, allowing for a more singular experience.

e Electronic Parking Brake, a prominent 9,3" Easy Link multimedia touchscreen, which is the largest screen in its category, and a 7" TFT digital instrument cluster that can be customised have also improved the cabin’s modern attractiveness.

Specifications

 Acceleration 0 to 100km/h: 11.8s

 Aspiration: Turbo Intercooler

 Drive wheels — Traction — Drivetrain: FWD

 Engine alignment: Transverse

 Engine position: Front

 Engine size — Displacement — Engine capacity: 999cm3

 Fuel system: Multipoint injection

 Fuel type: Petrol

 Maximum power output: 74kW @ 5000rpm

 Maximum

3 750 rpm

 Number of valves: 12

 Top Speed: 187km/h

 Transmission gearbox — Number of speeds: five-speed manual