Renault Clio review (2019-2023)

It all looks pretty funky inside the Renault Clio, although that style does come slightly at the expense of practicality.  

For example, try putting your smartphone in a place where it won’t rattle or slide around – you’ll struggle.

The door bins aren’t massive, either, so you might struggle to get more than a 500ml bottle of water in them. 

Tech and features

There are five trim levels to choose from, and even the entry-level Expression has cruise control, Bluetooth, electrically adjustable mirrors and electric windows.

No air conditioning, though – that doesn’t arrive until the next trim level, Play.  

Moving further up the range brings keyless entry, sat-nav, ever-larger alloy wheels and rear parking sensors. 

Renault's latest Clio also boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality with the large touchscreen.

The interior quality is also a noticeable step up on the latest version, to the extent that the Clio is now a match for class leaders such as the Audi A1 and the Volkswagen Polo. 

Engines and power

Mighty fine indeed – there’s an engine to suit most needs and budgets.

Options range from the peachy 0.9-litre three-cylinder motor with 90bhp, up to the rarer 197bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre unit in the hot Renaultsport model. 

Our choices are the 0.9-litre TCe engine if you do the bulk of your driving in town, and the 1.5 dCi diesel if you rack up a lot of motorway miles.

Handling and ride comfort

The suspension is firm but supple, striking a nice balance of tight body control and comfort.

It also steers and changes direction like a Strictly finalist.

There’s only one small hatchback that has the beating of the Clio down a twisty road, and that’s the sublime Ford Fiesta. 

You won’t struggle to get comfortable in the front of a Renault Clio, because there’s plenty of both legroom and headroom, and the seats and steering wheel offer decent adjustment levels. 

Rear seats

Things aren’t quite as roomy behind because, if you’re even an average-sized adult, you’ll find your head brushing the roof lining and your knees up against the seatback.

And that’s if the front-seat occupant is prepared to compromise. 

If rear-seat space is usually needed for family and friends, you’d be better off looking at the Skoda Fabia or Volkswagen Polo. 

Boot space

Part of the reason there's less room in the back seats is the Clio's boot.

The petrol has 391 litres of space, one of the biggest in this class, although it shrinks to a still-respectable 301 litres with the hybrid.

You will find quite a big lip to load stuff in and out, which is a trade-off for a deeper space.

Fuel economy

The good news is that most engine options in the Clio don’t drink up fuel too much.  

Take the 1.5-litre diesel for a start. Admittedly using the older test regime, the Clio averaged more than 85mpg.

In reality, that’s around 65mpg, which is not to be sniffed at. 

If petrol is your fuel of choice, the 0.9-litre TCe engine can still do a reported 60mpg.

Insurance groups

Insurance is a bit of a bargain, too, with entry-level cars starting off at group 4, rising to group 15 for high-spec petrols.

The diesels are around the group 13/14 mark.

Of course, the hot hatch Renaultsport model sits higher, in group 28.