Renault Clio 0.9 TCe 90 CV, test drive (Equipment, price, rating)

We have reached the final stage of the test of the French city car. One of the best-known cars on our roads, which in its fourth generation arrives with innovations in every area. The new Renault Clio debuts new engines or, more specifically, a new three-cylinder petrol engine with 90 CV, which is the one we have tested.

It also brings innovations in the design, now more avant-garde and available only in a five-door configuration, though with a certain coupé-like style. The interior quality has been improved, and the design of the centre console and dashboard is brand new.

To finish the test, we still need to cover the equipment, the prices of the Renault Clio and our verdict on the model we have driven. These are the topics we will cover today; regarding prices, thanks to the extension of the PIVE Plan, the final cost is very attractive.

Equipment

As usual in the third part of our tests, the first thing we review is the safety equipment. That is, everything present from the base trim in terms of safety. Among these elements we find front and side airbags, stability control and ABS, front and rear seats with ISOFIX, and hill start assist, among others.

In Euro NCAP tests it achieved five stars with a score of 88% for adult occupant protection, figures that are within the normal range for cars that earn five stars.

The rest of the equipment is structured across three levels: Authentique, Expression and Dynamique. This last one is the version we tested. From the standard base trim it includes the safety items mentioned above, plus speed limiter and cruise control, on-board computer, puncture repair kit (the spare wheel is optional), electric mirrors, front electric windows, among other features.

The radio, air conditioning or body-coloured mirrors are optional extras, added at the second trim level (except A/C). In fact, from the second trim onward the touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth and USB port come as standard.

The system is very complete in terms of functions, and offers all kinds of connectivity (including USB) to play our music. At the same time it is easy to use, and it is complemented by the speakers that Renault has designed with bass optimisation, “Renault Bass Reflex”, which improve the sound and come as standard.

The top trim, in addition to a more complete equipment list such as fog lights, A/C or the leather steering wheel, also adds gloss-black interior trim. And there is then a long list of customisation options available for both the exterior and interior of the car, covering the wheels, steering wheel, interior trim or dashboard.

Prices

The new Renault Clio’s price starts at around 9,900 euros including the promotion and PIVE Plan, with the 75 CV petrol engine and equipment that includes air conditioning, CD-MP3 radio with USB port, among other items.

For the rest of the range, excluding the PIVE Plan and promotional discount (prices with the discount or PIVE may be around 2,000 euros less), check the manufacturer’s website or an official dealer:

• 1.2 16V 75 CV AUTHENTIQUE 12,950 euros
• 1.2 16V 75 CV EXPRESSION 14,500 euros
• 0.9 TCE 90 CV EXPRESSION 15,400 euros
• 0.9 TCE 90 CV DYNAMIQUE 16,100 euros
• 1.5 DCI 75 CV AUTHENTIQUE 14,600 euros
• 1.5 DCI 75 CV EXPRESSION 16,150 euros
• 1.5 DCI 90 CV EXPRESSION 17,050 euros
• 1.5 DCI 90 CV DYNAMIQUE 17,750 euros

General Rating

The generational change of the new Renault Clio is clear, both in design and interior quality. The design may or may not appeal to everyone, but it has achieved bold, youthful and above all distinctive lines. Meanwhile, the quality inside has improved considerably and, with built-in navigation available from the second trim level onward, it is a plus compared with other city cars.

In the mechanical section the changes are smaller, since a new three-cylinder petrol engine producing 90 CV now appears. The diesels, though familiar, have been fine-tuned, and the 90 CV is now the top of the range. As for the three-cylinder engine we tested, it does not reach the smoothness of a four-cylinder, but thanks to the turbo it maintains an acceptable level of performance and, above all, is superior to the 75 CV 1.2 16v.

Other manufacturers also offer three-cylinder engines with lower consumption, but if we are careful with the accelerator and make use of ECO mode (which is not standard), we can achieve figures closer to the homologated ones.

A positive point of the new Clio is that its dynamic behaviour has improved in agility and stability. It handles motorway journeys with ease and is more agile than the previous generation, although it is also less comfortable on poor road surfaces (a logical trade-off).

To conclude, the car’s price is well positioned, and the value for money of this new Renault Clio is good, which will surely continue to generate strong sales.

Photos | R.R. and Diego G. Moreira

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackRenault Clio20 versions · from 16,390 €