Best cars & vans

Renault Clio - best small automatic cars

A recent update to Renault Clio boosted tech, but engine and gearbox choice stays unchanged

Renault Clio - rear

A recent update for the Clio saw new kit and a subtly different look added, but the engine range and gearbox options remained the same. You can spec Renault's six-speed EDC auto with either the 1.2 TCe 120 turbo petrol, or the 90 version of Renault's venerable 1.5 dCi diesel.

There's a £1,100 premium to pay for the EDC box, and like most rivals, there's a penalty in terms of fuel economy, but not a huge one. The petrol auto returns a claimed 52.3mpg (compared to 53.3mpg for the manual), while the dCi diesel returns 80.7mpg (compared to 88.3mpg for the manual).

As the Clio doesn't really stand out in any area in terms of driving, the addition of the auto box doesn't really disrupt the order. Fortunately, the Clio is a roomy supermini with plenty of kit, which is where it maintains its strengths.

The other option in the Clio range is the rapid Renaultsport version. It has a 220bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and only comes with a six-speed EDC gearbox. Some RS fans said that this spoilt its purity in comparison with its predecessors, but it's still a great driver's car with the option of changing gears yourself with the steering wheel paddles.

Best small automatics

  1. 1. Skoda Fabia DSG
  2. 2. Volkswagen Polo DSG
  3. 3. Hyundai i10 auto
  4. 4. MINI Cooper auto
  5. 5. Ford Fiesta Powershift
  6. 6. Citroen C3 EAT6
  7. 7. Renault Clio EDC
  8. 8. Mazda 2 auto
  9. 9. Kia Rio auto
  10. 10. Audi A1 S tronic

Recommended

Renault Clio vs Skoda Fabia vs Honda Jazz group test review: a battle for supermini supremacy
Renault Clio vs Skoda Fabia vs Honda Jazz
Car group tests

Renault Clio vs Skoda Fabia vs Honda Jazz group test review: a battle for supermini supremacy

An update to the class-leading Renault Clio means a battle against the best that Skoda and Honda can offer
1 Nov 2023
Renault Clio review
Renault Clio - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Renault Clio review

The Renault Clio is a star of the supermini class – stylish, well-built, good to drive and packed with tech
30 Oct 2023
New Renault Clio welcomes back petrol power for a £3,500 price cut
Renault Clio - front tracking
News

New Renault Clio welcomes back petrol power for a £3,500 price cut

Renault’s heavily facelifted supermini is now available with a petrol engine and six-speed manual gearbox, in addition to the E-Tech hybrid
6 Oct 2023
All-new Renault Clio: supermini to live-on with hybrid power and advanced tech
Renault Clio (watermarked) - front
News

All-new Renault Clio: supermini to live-on with hybrid power and advanced tech

The new Renault Clio will appear before the brand goes fully electric in 2030, and our exclusive images preview how it could look
25 Sep 2023

Most Popular

Deal of the Day: Spacious Skoda Superb is a peerless estate for £223 a month
Skoda Superb Estate - front tracking
News

Deal of the Day: Spacious Skoda Superb is a peerless estate for £223 a month

The Superb is one of our favourite estates and our Deal of the Day for Monday 4 December
4 Dec 2023
‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’
Opinion - Fiat Scudo
Opinion

‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’

With some huge savings to be had, Mike Rutherford thinks a van could be the perfect vehicle
3 Dec 2023
New Hyundai i20 facelift 2023 review: subtle updates for an already stylish supermini
Hyundai i20 - front tracking
Road tests

New Hyundai i20 facelift 2023 review: subtle updates for an already stylish supermini

Hyundai has given the i20 a series of mid-life updates, but you might struggle to notice some of them
5 Dec 2023