Review of used Renault Clio (Mk5, 2019-date)

Identify

It’s been more than three decades since Clio appeared on the scene, advertised in popular Nicole and Papa TV commercials. Since then, Renault’s stylish supermini has matured tremendously, and while it’s not as small as it once was (the Clio Mk5 is 30cm longer and 16cm wider than the original), that only makes it easier. more usable, while remaining small enough for easy parking and nimble to drive. Carbuyer, our sister brand, made the Clio Car of the Year in the 2020 New Car Awards, but also went on to claim the crown of Best Small Car in 2021. That same year, Auto Express took announced that the Clio was the Supercar of the Year at its New Car Awards. On the other hand, the price of the Clio has increased over the past few years, as it’s a small car it still packs a lot of tech features. However, the Clio’s competitors are also more expensive, and if you’re looking for a really good all-rounder, the Clio should be on your list.

Renault produced its first car at the end of the 19th century, and since then it has built a reputation for making some great cars, most of which are small in size. Of course, the French company has tried its hand at cars of all sizes, but models like the 4CV, R4 and R5 are making some of the biggest waves. In that list, Clio can be added. Since its debut in 1990, this luxury small car has become the maker’s best-seller, thanks in no small part to its attractive price tag, low running costs, and smart styling. and sharp value.

Things took a huge leap in the right direction with the arrival of the fourth-generation Clio in 2013, because that was when Renault increased its size and it also made big strides in terms of quality. So when the Clio Mk5 arrives six years later, it’s no surprise that Renault hasn’t made major changes. But the inside of the Clio has grown much more mature and the quality has improved further, making it the most compelling version to date.

History

The first examples of the Clio Mk5 were delivered in October 2019. The range starts with the 71-hp non-turbocharged 1.0-litre SCe 75 engine, while there’s also a turbocharged version of the three-cylinder engine. This one-cylinder, in 99bhp TCe 100. For those who want a little more range has been led with the 128hp 1.3-litre four-cylinder in the TCe 130. Buyers more focused on economy can choose the Blue dCi 85 with its 1.5-liter 84-hp diesel engine.

A year after the launch of the Clio, in October 2020, Renault introduced a hybrid version of the Clio called the E-Tech. While Captur SUV and Megane The E-tech hatchback models are pluggable, which is not available on the Clio, so its electric-only range is much less. The Clio E-Tech is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine that is assisted by an electric motor to deliver 138bhp, making it the most powerful model in the range. The Clio E-Tech is equipped with a 1.2kWh battery pack and this powertrain is offered with all standard versions: Play, Iconic, S Edition and RS Line.

Around the time that E-Tech was introduced, Renault replaced the TCe 100 with the 90bhp 1.0 TCe 90, which came with a manual or CVT automatic transmission. Within weeks, the Blue dCi 85 diesel engine malfunctioned and the SCe engine was downgraded to 65 hp (to become SCe 65). By the end of 2021, the Clio lineup will only include two models: the TCe 90 (currently no CVT option) and the E-Tech.

Which one should I buy?

Gone are the days of having to choose how many doors your Clio comes with; all of them are only five pieces. So it’s just a matter of choosing the best engine for your needs and in fact it will be the TCe unit, or the E-tech hybrid, because SCe and dCi engines are rare and offer little advantage. . If you do a lot of urban driving, the E-Tech is probably your best bet, but if you mainly make longer trips, the TCe engine is likely to be more economical as well as cheaper to buy. right from the start.

Even the entry-level Clio Play isn’t spartan; It has air conditioning, LED headlights, DAB radio, Bluetooth and power front windows, along with 16-inch steel wheels. To this, Iconic adds 16-inch alloys, privacy glass, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and a seven-inch touchscreen. The electric power-assisted rear window comes from the S version, which also features climate control, a 9.3-inch display, automatic headlights and wipers, 17-inch alloys, and a shark-fin antenna. The RS Line is at the top of the Clio range and this comes with a rear parking camera as well as front parking sensors, 17-inch wheels, a sportier look inside and out, plus driving modes with can choose.

Alternatives to Renault Clio Mk5

Every popular car manufacturer offers at least one supermini, so you’re really spoiled for choice in this segment. Our pick in the group is Ford Fiesta, as close to ideal used supermini as you’ll find. It’s always available, there’s a wide range of models, the prices are right, and the Fiesta is fun to drive, too. The quality and reliability of the construction is good, the level of equipment tends to be spacious, and the practicality is also impressive.

The Vauxhall Corsa ticks most of the same boxes as the Fiesta, with lots of them to choose from, multiple engine and trim combinations, a spacious cabin and low running costs. But Vauxhall can’t match the dynamic power of Ford. Corsa is related to Peugeot 208 that’s why both are electric, although there is also a petrol version. The Peugeot offers reasonable value and it looks great, but in electric form, both the Corsa and the 208 are expensive to buy, if not to run.

If going all-electric seems like a step too far, then petrol-electric hybrid Toyota Yaris may be more suitable for you. powertrain system. Economical and stylish, Toyota also very reliable and well equipped. While the low running costs, high purchase price and small trunk limit practicality, the Yaris is still a worthy competitor.

Another great all-rounder is SEAT Ibiza, looks sharp, is well equipped, has good drivability and there are plenty of choices on the used market. Closely related to CHAIR to be Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia, located on either side of Ibiza in terms of price and value. While VW is more upmarket, Skoda gives you more money, but it has no bad relationship with its efficient engine and (usually) generous gearing.

The two cars are closely related Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio, both offer reasonable value, long warranties, excellent reliability and low running costs. Other superminis worth considering include Dacia Sanderooffers incredible value, while at the other end of the spectrum is the upmarket pairing of MINI trap door and Audi A1. If ultimate practicality is your focus, it is Honda Jazz that you should start with.

What are you looking for

EV . mode

Renault claims that the E-Tech’s battery pack is large enough that 80% of urban trips are driven solely on electricity, but in reality you’ll likely get no more than a mile before the engine kicks in.

Technology

The Clio comes with a suite of technology that Renault calls Easy Drive. This includes cruise control and speed limits, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition.

Spare wheel

All versions of the Clio come with a tire repair kit, not a spare wheel of any kind. However, a spare wheel was available from dealers for an extra charge; Gasoline cars have large wheels while hybrids have space savers.

Drag

Not many people will buy a Clio for its towing capacity, but if you’re one of them, you’ll be glad to know that you can fit a tow bar and tow up to 900kg; the limit with unlabelled trailers is 555-630kg depending on engine and transmission.

inland

Renault doesn’t have the most premium image, but apparently no one told the interior designers this, because the Clio’s cabin is sublime, with impressive design, materials, fit and finish. Admittedly the cheaper models don’t feel special, but buy more into the range and you get digital gauges and a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a big car feel on the dashboard. control. Interior space is also good, thanks to Renault’s focus on improving the Clio’s packaging as much as possible.

Rear seat space is still a bit tight for adults, but the trade-off is large trunk for the class. At 391 liters with the rear seats (366 for the diesel and 301 liters for the E-Tech), there’s plenty of carrying capacity. Fold the rear bench and this increases to 1,069 liters (1,054 for the diesel and 979 liters for the E-Tech).

Operating costs

All Clios vehicles require servicing every 12 months or 18,000 miles. Substitute services between the Minor and the Major, effectively an inspection and then an oil and filter change. The two services cost £116 and £199 and they can be combined, but by the time Clio is already on its third birthday it’s eligible to maintain the discount. From this point on, more comprehensive services are offered, billed as Essential (£129) and Full (£179).

The former is effective as an oil and filter change with an inspection; the latter includes a few additional replacement parts. Every three years or 72,000 miles, brake fluid has to be changed (at £108), and although engines don’t have cams they do have extra belts that need to be replaced every six years or 90,000 miles, for a cost about 149 pounds. Incidentally, while the Clio Mk4 comes with a three-year warranty with a 60,000-mile limit, its successor has a five-year warranty that only expires at the 100,000-mile mark.

Recall

So far, Renault has recalled the Clio only once. In February 2020, 72 Clios built between June and October 2019 were recalled due to a possible power steering failure for the steering wheel. The car will still hold the steering wheel, but it will suddenly become very heavy. Renault’s solution was to install a replacement steering column. To see if a vehicle you’re thinking of buying has been recalled, you can log in www.renault.co.uk/product-update.html Latest.

Driver Power Owners Satisfaction

Our first launch in 2020 Driver Power In the new car survey at an unimpressive 62nd out of 75 entries, the Clio achieved a more encouraging 29th place in the 2021 poll. Clio owners have been impressed with the quality fit and finish of their vehicle, large trunk and responsiveness of the steering wheel. Also in the pros column are the brakes, ride quality, fuel economy and the infotainment’s user-friendliness. Owners aren’t overly concerned with heating and ventilation efficiency or dashboard ergonomics, and there’s room for improvement in terms of overall visibility and interior storage space.