Skip advert
Advertisement

Supermini of the Year 2021: Renault Clio

The Renault Clio is the 2021 Auto Express Supermini of the Year, with the Dacia Sandero and Vauxhall Corsa commended

The Renault Clio retains its top spot in the supermini class this year, beating some really tough contenders, such as the Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 208 and the latest Dacia Sandero.

One of the Clio’s strongest points is its practicality, which is far better than you might expect of a car of this size. It has a 391-litre boot that is more spacious than in cars from the class above, plus plenty of space for passengers inside.

The interior in general is a high point, because it comes with all the tech you need, including a useful touchscreen display incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus it’s well built and looks really smart considering the car’s affordable price.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We really like the Clio’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo engine, too. It’s got enough power to keep up with traffic, but thanks to CO2 emissions of 119g/km and official fuel economy of 54.3mpg, it’s efficient, which will help to keep running costs down.

The motor is quiet too, which is another big part of the Renault’s appeal; it’s very refined. True, it’s still a supermini, so don’t expect luxury-car silence, but this is one of the best small cars in this respect.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

That’s reinforced by the Clio’s comfortable ride. Big potholes are the only thing that you really notice, but even then, the suspension does a great job of keeping the car settled. While it might not be the most engaging supermini to drive, it’s nimble enough and comfort is a much more important factor for most buyers in this class.

The final point here is price. The Clio does a class-leading job at an affordable price, especially in the lower and mid-spec trim levels, where it represents excellent value for money.

Best deal

Renault Clio TCe 90 S Edition (£19,100)

Those willing to take up a two-year PCP deal are treated to a zero per cent finance offer on every Clio. That means even the high-spec S Edition, which gets a huge 9.3-inch touchscreen and parking sensors all round, comes to £214 per month with a £4,218 deposit.

Commended

Dacia Sandero

Dacia Sandero

Dacia’s new Sandero is related to the Clio, and it brings many of the same benefits at a bargain price. This is one of the cheapest cars in the UK, yet it offers everything from hi-tech kit to practicality and comfort. The Stepway version adds mini-SUV looks, yet costs less than most normal superminis, too.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

The latest Corsa is the best version yet of one of the UK’s best sellers, bringing comfort and smart looks along with plenty of kit. Best of all, it’s available with electric power in Corsa-e form. This EV is ultra-quiet and brilliant in town, offering strong performance plus a fair range, and it’s relaxing and easy to drive.

New Car Awards 2021: the winners

Special edition of Auto Express

For the full experience, make sure you pick up a copy of our special New Car Awards collectors' edition of the Auto Express magazine, which is available in shops now.

Auto Express Issue 1,685

You can buy individual issues of Auto Express or subscribe for even bigger discounts on the magazine cover price. You can currently Subscribe and get 6 issues for just £1 or download our digital edition direct to your desktop, phone or tablet.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars for under £200 per month
Best new cars under £200 per month - header image

Best new cars for under £200 per month

If you've got £200 to spend on a new car every month, here's our pick of the best options
Best cars & vans
7 Feb 2025
Best hybrid cars on sale 2025
Best hybrid cars header

Best hybrid cars on sale 2025

With more hybrid cars on the market than ever before, these are the best ones to buy
Best cars & vans
3 Feb 2025
Best small cars to buy 2025
Best small cars 2025 - header

Best small cars to buy 2025

Small cars come in all kinds of shapes, if not sizes. Here we highlight the best ones to buy
Best cars & vans
20 Jan 2025
New 2025 Renault Clio in line for clean-sheet design and hybrid power
Next-gen Renault Clio - front

New 2025 Renault Clio in line for clean-sheet design and hybrid power

Renault’s design boss confirms that the hybrid-powered supermini will not trade on retro appeal like its Renault 5 sibling
News
10 Jan 2025

Most Popular

BMW X3 vs Lexus NX: which premium mid-size SUV takes top honours?
BMW X3 and Lexus NX - front tracking

BMW X3 vs Lexus NX: which premium mid-size SUV takes top honours?

BMW’s much-lauded new X3 is one of the best luxury compact SUVs on the market – but is it good enough to topple the cheaper hybrid-powered Lexus NX 35…
Car group tests
8 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: handsome, sporty Mazda CX-5 dips under £250 per month
Mazda CX-5

Car Deal of the Day: handsome, sporty Mazda CX-5 dips under £250 per month

The Mazda CX-5 is fun to drive, features a driver-focused, premium interior and is our Deal of the Day for 9 February
News
9 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Bag one of the last Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs for under £400 a month
Jaguar I-Pace - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Bag one of the last Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs for under £400 a month

The I-Pace shows how good an electric Jag can be. It’s our Deal of the Day for 7 February
News
7 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts