Overall rating:

The fourth generation Renault Clio arrives with a brave new face, plenty of space, efficient engines and - of course - a wealth of customisation options. It's arguably Renault's most important new car in an age. Can it take on the class-leaders?

Key Facts

Model driven: Renault Clio 0.9 TCe 90 Dynamique MediaNav
Pricing: £15,095 (line-up starts at £10,595)
Engine: 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol
Transmission: five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: five-door hatchback
Rivals: Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Polo
CO₂ emissions: 104g/km (Band B, £20)
Combined economy: 62.8mpg
Top speed: 113mph
0-62mph: 12.2 seconds
Power: 90hp at 5,250rpm
Torque: 135Nm at 2,500rpm
Kerb weight: 1,009kg

In the Metal:

We can't deny that the Renault Clio is now one of the most striking cars in its class. It's interesting that Renault has adopted a distinctly masculine, aggressive expression for the 'face' of the hatchback while Peugeot is adamant that its buyers want the opposite. The Clio is also larger than before (though significantly lower), as Renault reckons there are more downsizers from the C-segment than there are 'upsizers' from the A class. We like the Clio's style - in particular the DeZir concept car inspired grille, headlight and oversized badge layout at the front and the haunches at the back. Official word is that there'll be no three-door version, which explains the 'hiding' of the rear door handles in the C-pillar.

There's plenty of headroom and legroom in the Clio, even if there's still a deficit of elbow space. There's been a distinct improvement in the tactility of the switchgear and all of the plastics are textured now as well, though the door cards are still a little hard in places. Nonetheless, it's an attractive cabin, especially when the R-Link satnav and infotainment system is fitted. The chromed instruments appear a little over stylised at first, with a huge fuel gauge and the digital speedometer sited centrally, but they work well at a glance and the impression is of a thoroughly contemporary car. Buyers of the Dynamique trim level can choose from four different interior colour themes, which really brighten things up.

Driving it:

The Clio's driving position is pretty sound, if a little high-up for some drivers. Visibility seems fine on the move, though the A-pillars are quite thick and the rear window looks small from the outside. The steering offers plenty of feel for an electrically assisted system and is well-weighted. It's relatively direct too, helping the Clio feel agile.

Direction changes are rapid and fuss-free, and if you push a little too hard into a corner the front tyres scrub off the excess speed in mild understeer. Body control is exceptional, which, combined with a little too much firmness on broken surfaces for our liking, leads us to suspect that the Dynamique test car featured suspension tweaks.

The turbocharged 0.9-litre petrol engine is new and it should be a cracking option. It produces a useful 90hp and 135Nm of torque, while emitting only 104g/km (some markets get a 99g/km variant) though it's not without its foibles. When cold there's a distinct vibration through the car, though this soon disappears and on the move it's relatively muted. That's especially true at motorway speeds, when the engine is all but inaudible. A high fifth gear no doubt helps with that, though the downside is that, on hilly roads, you find yourself reaching for the gear lever all too often to drop a ratio. It's too easy to let the engine fall out of its sweet spot. We reckon the particularly mountainous route did it no favours, but it's worth bearing in mind. Otherwise it's an eager performer with bags of personality.

What you get for your Money:

Buyers can initially choose from three engines and four trim levels, with prices starting at £10,595 for the entry-level Clio Expression. The base model is powered by the current 1.2-litre petrol engine, producing 75hp. Next up is the 0.9-litre TCe unit tested here, with 99- or 104g/km depending on trim level; and at the top of the line-up will be an incredibly efficient (as low as 83g/km) 1.5-litre dCi diesel, producing 90hp.

The entry-level Expression model will feature Bluetooth, USB and aux-in connectivity, electric front windows, LED daytime running lights, keyless entry and start and cruise control. Expression+ adds alloy wheels, air conditioning and front fog lights, though the best seller is likely to be the Dynamique MediaNav, which additionally features touch-screen satnav, a leather steering wheel, auto lights and wipers plus distinctive gloss black exterior trim. Above that sits the Dynamique S MediaNav with 17-inch alloys, more colour customisation, climate control, rear parking sensors, rear electric windows and more.

Worth Noting

We really like the look of the new Renault Clio Estate, but sadly it appears that the right-hand drive market is too small to make it feasible. However, there's no doubt that the Renaultsport Clio will be sold in these parts soon and we can't wait to try it out for ourselves. We've not even put off by the fact that it's turbocharged, only comes as a five-door and has an automatic gearbox... Another engine to be paired with the dual-clutch automatic transmission is a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit producing 120hp and 190Nm of torque.

Summary

Style alone will sell the new Renault Clio; it's undeniably a cracking looking car. It retains its core strengths of space and value while becoming more efficient than ever. New connectivity and customisation options enhance its appeal further. The Fiesta and Corsa certainly have a fight on their hands.