Easily recognised, the Renault Clio has been at the sharp end of the supermini segment ever since the second generation was brought to South Africa many moons ago.
Over 15 million units of the Clio have found homes globally and has built its reputation as a hatchback that has lots of big-car appeal. The fifth-gen model has finally touched down in SA to continue with its triumph, and we drove it at its launch in the Western Cape recently.
It’s late to arrive at the party due to the pandemic and, sadly, that has also affected the Captur’s arrival. Nevertheless, the Renault Clio V has undergone a substantial makeover to keep it competitive in its respective stable, thanks to an evolutionary exterior and considerable interior design tweaks.
At first peek, the new Clio V follows the same design language worn by other latest Renault products and does not look too different from the outgoing model. It features a broader and raised radiator grille and C-shaped LED daytime running lights. The rear now comes fitted with bigger LED lights built into the tailgate as well as great-looking chrome accents.
It’s offered in three trim levels; Life, Zen and Intense. We spent time at the helm of the latter that adds a 9.3" media screen, rear camera, front PDC and 17" Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels – a range of 16” to 17” tyres can be fitted depending on the trim chosen.
It is available in six colour options; Flame Red, Mercury, Titanium Grey, Diamond Black Glacier White and Urban Grey.
Unlike the outgoing model, the new Clio has an interior that is one of the most impressive in its class with overall built quality that does not warrant any fusses. It doesn’t mean there isn’t room for further improvements, though.
The new platform has enabled Renault engineers to sweeten aspects of the new Clio such as safety, space, efficiency, and refinement with the advancements making itself obvious compared to the outgoing model.
As mentioned, the upgraded cabin boasts a customisable 7” TFT digital instrument cluster complemented by a 9.3” Easy Link multimedia touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth and Navigation. The driver-focused system is easily reachable and offers intuitive operation.
However, it is worth mentioning that going for the Life variant means getting a slightly smaller Easy Link 7” with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The boot space has seen significantly enlargement and now measures 361 litres – a 61-litre increase compared to the Clio IV. That’s enough to gulp sizeable items such as grocery and luggage bags.
It follows the same formula of the outgoing model by offering a relatively engaging, refined and efficient drive even with the entirely new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a claimed consumption of 5.7l/100 km.
Of course, 74 kW and 160 Nm may not offer outright performance but the 8 kW/20 Nm power bump is surely something to be happy about. The three-pot powertrain delivers fair shove on the go and responds well to throttle inputs.
A 5-speed manual transmission sends power to the front tyres, yet, a sixth-gear or an EDC would have been a welcome aspect in the day and age of automatics. We sincerely hope Renault SA would consider an automatic transmission option.
Renault’s Clio V behaves fairly well on the road and feels planted when entering and exiting even the tightest of corners with a suspension that soaks up bumps with confidence. However, the amount of wind noise entering the cabin at highway cruising speeds can be a bit pesky.
There are three selectable driving modes courtesy of Multi-Sense mode, but we doubt you’ll ever feel the need to change that as the Clio V conducts itself happily in its default setting.
On the safety aspect, the new Renault Clio scored a five-star safety rating and comes equipped with active and passive safety systems such as lane departure warning, LED Pure Vision headlights, six airbags, parking sensors, ESC and ABS with EBD.
The new Renault Clio V may be late to arrive in Mzansi, but the French marque has succeeded in making its new offering a compelling one. It may not be the most exciting car to pilot, but this is a better offering than the previous model. Its late arrival in the supermini stable means its lifespan locally will be short-lived since a facelift is already earmarked for 2023.
PRICING
- Clio V 1.0 Turbo LIFE - R309,900
- Clio V 1.0 Turbo ZEN - R324,900
- Clio V 1.0 Turbo INTENS - R349,900
Options include metallic paint worth R2,500 and Intens Option Pack that costs R15,000 and adds a 9.3" media screen, rear camera, front PDC and 17" Diamond Cut alloy wheels.
The new Renault Clio Model range comes with a five-year/150,000 km mechanical warranty and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15,000 km intervals, and a standard two-year/30,000km service plan applies.
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