The new Clio is an affordable and attractive option for young families looking for a car that’s both practical and fun to drive

SINGAPORE — About five years ago, COE prices were so high that it didn’t make sense to buy a compact hatch. Now that COE prices aren’t quite as insane, the compact segment has been growing pretty fast and so has its customer base. While the new Renault Clio is currently priced at $99,999 (with COE), its competition the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta both cost above $100,000.

The new Clio features the company’s refreshed and enlarged Renault logo that sits prominently on the high-gloss black radiator grille bar. It tells you that you are looking at the fourth-generation model which was first introduced globally in 2012, but now with a mid-life facelift.

Its fascia is made more distinctive by the headlight units, which include chrome details and LED daytime running lights. With its coupe-like profile and hidden rear door handles, the Clio looks more distinctive than most compact cars in its segment, especially in metallic red as seen here.

The Clio shares the same 1.5T dCi diesel engine and six-speed dual-clutch gearbox as the Captur crossover. Its turbodiesel engine puts out a whopping 220Nm of torque, and a slightly more modest 88bhp. Despite being quick-natured, it has claimed CO2 emissions of only 95g/km, which entitles the Clio to a $30,000 rebate under the Carbon Emission Vehicle Scheme (CEVS).

The Clio is super quick to get up and go when you step on the pedal, but because of its relatively low horsepower, the accelerative force tapers off early, which is typical of small diesel cars. But hey, if you’re looking for a car that can cruise smoothly on the highway one minute and then zip in and out of bad traffic the next, the Clio can do both very well.

The car’s steering is light and responsive, making it entertaining to drive. Sitting in the cabin, you hear a cacophony of sounds; a bit of wind noise at high speed, and the whirling of the diesel engine makes driving this car both visceral and engaging. Though some would say unrefined, but well within compact hatch limits. However, it’s not a sports car so this isn’t a plus point.

Though the plastics on the dash might feel a little on the budget side, Renault’s 7.0-inch easy-to-use coloured touchscreen ‘R-Link’ multimedia system with voice control, built-in TomTom navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and digital instrument cluster, will take your attention off that tiny detail.

The Clio’s wheelbase has increased from 2,451mm to 2,589mm, meaning a larger cabin and no problems fitting four full grown adults with room to spare. According to Renault, the boot capacity is class-leading for a European compact — with the rear seats up you get 300-litres (which beats Volkswagen Polo’s  280-litres and Ford Fiesta’s 276-litres), when folded down, a generous 1,388-litres.
For its price, the new Clio has an impressive list of safety features that include ‘Isofix’ child seat anchorage points, anti-lock braking system (ABS), emergency brake assist (EBA), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control and hill-start assist. The car also locks itself when you walk away.

Think of the new Clio as a more sensible version of the much lauded Clio RS (which is available on an indent basis for $159,999 with COE). While car enthusiasts lapped up the RS, this version is more suited for young families looking for something economical and practical.

Renault Clio 1.5T dCi

ENGINE 1,461cc, 16V, inline 4, turbodiesel
POWER 88bhp at 4000rpm
TORQUE 220Nm at 1750rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed dual-clutch
TOP SPEED 176km/h
0-100KM/H 12.9 seconds
FUEL EFFICIENCY 3.7L/100km
CO2 95g/km
PRICE *$99,999 with COE
AVAILABILITY Now
*Launch price

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