Used Renault Clio (Mk4, 2012-2019) - What's it like to drive?
The Clio is easy to drive and reasonably fun, but some rivals are more enjoyable.
The Clio sits on the same platform as the previous-generation car, but its kerb weight is reduced by 100kg, which has had a positive effect on performance.
Engines
Added to the range along with revisions to the Clio’s trim levels in 2018, the entry-level engine is the Energy TCe 75, a 0.9-litre three-cylinder with 74bhp which comes exclusively with a five-speed manual gearbox.
The next step up in the petrol range is the 0.8-litre Energy TCe 90 three-cylinder turbo petrol engine which has 89bhp, but with only 135Nm of torque it's not as responsive as some similarly powerful engines and has some flat spots in its power delivery. When we tested the TCe Clio against a VW Polo with the same power output, the Renault was a full 1.9 seconds slower from 0-60mph.
The Skoda Fabia’s 1.0-litre TSI in 93bhp form is smoother all-round, offers better performance and is connected to a far superior manual gearbox.
The 1.5-litre dCi 90 diesel, which is available with a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes, feels much more at home on the motorway than the 0.9-litre TCe petrol, because it’s smooth and pulls strongly.
On the road
The main problem with the Clio is its firm ride. The unforgiving set-up means the ride feels brittle, while the chassis never quite settles down on anything other than a smooth motorway or on an A-road. The steering is relatively fast and quite light, too, which means with a decent level of grip on offer the Clio turns in quickly. However, it doesn’t feel as if the chassis can keep up with the steering, loading the suspension quickly and causing some noticeable body roll.
Ultimately, in terms of everyday comfort, the Clio doesn’t deliver the same level of refinement or ride quality as rivals such as the VW Polo, Skoda Fabia or Hyundai i20.
The manual gearbox isn’t particularly pleasant to use, either, because the shift is occasionally notchy and imprecise. So while it's a quiet and generally comfortable cruiser, the Clio doesn't provide an engaging drive like the Fiesta.
