It’s V for victory as Renault Clio struts its stuff with its fifth-generation edition, 30 years after the original
model hit the roads in 1990.
The Clio V banks on its improved aspects mainly in space, safety, personal tech and fuel economy.
Exterior
Despite the new Clio being slightly shorter in length compared to the fourth generation edition, by just
12mm, the V has more breathing space in the interior for the driver and their passengers. The Clio V is
lower for tighter grip on the surface and heightened safety, especially in the event of emergency
breaking.
LED headlights are present across the range, with “C”-shaped daylight running lights adding value to the
safety aspects through visibility on the road, and to the aesthetics of one of the best selling compact
hatchbacks. Nice horizontal lines that widen the car visually embrace the Clio V’s body to the front where
a big Renault badge in the grille demands attention and respect for the French car with revolutionary
ideas.
Interior
Inside, the new Clio features a customisable 7-inch TFT digital cluster, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
and a 9,3-inch Easy Link multimedia touchscreen integrated with the Renault CONNECT universe. The
EASY LINK system, compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allows for easy access to all
multimedia content on a mobile device.
The interior is largely improvement on the shortcomings of the Clio 4, as it now boasts soft-touch
materials, smart-looking metallic finishes and a tech-rich layout which gives the driver so much freedom
of control, from steering controls to door controls.
Engine
The new model’s engine is a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol motor, with outputs of 74 kW and 160 Nm.
Overall it delivers a satisfactory performance, thanks as well to the perky and responsive powertrain.
Renault claims an average fuel consumption figure of 5.7 L/100 km but tests show consumption of up to
6.3 L/100 km, which is still fairly impressive.
Safety
As mentioned above, advanced safety features are a great deal with the Clio V. Helping to keep it safely
on the road is a broad range of standard features including Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Renault
LED Pure Vision Headlights, Parking Sensors (Front and Rear), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-
lock Braking System with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), combined with Emergency Brake Assist
(EBA).
It has front and side crash airbags, a pressure sensor to detect impact and seatbelts with pretensioners;
seatbelt reminder warning with detection, whiplash headrests and ISOFIX seat anchors are also in the
mix.
Verdict
The new Renault Clio checks all the necessary boxes for a modern hatchback. It’s got it all in looks and
technology, including a terrific interior and a comfortable ride which saves you money on fuel costs. The
only itch is the price for a car of its size. But as they say, style costs.
Price
Renault Clio 1.0 Turbo Intens R349,900.00
The Clio range comes with a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion
warranty.
