Merk Car World

The 2011 Renault Clio range of small hatchbacks has enjoyed much success in Europe since the original model was released in 1990. Twelve years and many updates later, the current Renault Clio line-up is now available in Australia in either three or five door hatchback variants and with a choice of three specification levels. The entry level Renault Clio is a five door hatchback called Expression. This variant is powered by a 1.4 litre 16 valve engine and there is a choice of a five speed manual gearbox or a four speed automatic transmission. The 2011 Renault Clio Privilege is the next model in line and is also a five door hatchback. The Privilege features a larger capacity 1.6 litre 16 valve engine mated to a five speed manual gearbox. However, buyers who opt for an automatic transmission must make do with the 1.4 litre engine from the Expression. Topping out the Renault Clio range is a three door hatchback that is equipped with a potent 2.0 litre 16 valve engine. Known as the Clio Renault Sport, this model is available only with a five speed manual transmission.

2011 Renault Clio

Pricing for Renault’s Clio range remains competitive and starts from just $19,990 for a manual Renault Clio Expression. The manual 2011 Renault Clio Privilege evaluated for this report retails for $23,990 and the Renault Sport is the most expensive model in the range, priced at $32,990. The above prices do not include dealer charges and on-road costs. The Renault Clio is a modern and smartly styled hatchback that reflects its European heritage. The front of the Renault Clio is distinguished by quite large headlights, and a distinctive Renault diamond badge is centrally located in a Renault family grille. Overall, the Renault Clio is pleasantly styled and our test vehicle exhibited an acceptable level of finish that is on par with most other vehicles in the small car class.

One of the strong points of the Clio range is the generous level of standard equipment fitted to each variant. For instance, some of the standard features of the Renault Clio Privilege include power steering, climate control air conditioning, electric mirrors, alloy wheels (steel spare), remote central locking, power front windows, six speaker AM/FM stereo with single CD, multi-function trip computer and engine immobiliser. The Clio Privilege also rates well in terms of the standard safety features fitted. These items include anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBV), emergency brake assist, driver and front passenger SRS airbags, and driver and passenger side SRS airbags, while seat belt pretensioners are fitted to the front and rear outboard seating positions.

2011 Renault Clio

Occupants of the Renault Clio’s front seats enjoy quite a generous amount of head room and there is a good range of seat travel that provides ample leg room. The front bucket seats are quite large and soft, and offer good lateral support. While the driver’s seat was quite comfortable, I found it difficult to find a seating position that provided the correct distance to the pedals as well as the steering wheel (a certain amount of telescopic steering column adjustment would overcome this problem). Unfortunately, all is not well for rear seat passengers, as both head and leg room are very limited.

The control layout and positioning of instruments in the Renault Clio is a typical European affair with the indicators located on the left hand stalk and the controls are easy enough to operate. Interestingly, the windscreen wipers pivot from the left side of the vehicle and in so doing, fail to wipe the top right corner of the windscreen in front of the driver. In general, vision from the driver’s seat is good, although the curved glass in the rear hatch results in quite a distorted view from the rear vision mirror.

Renault Clio

The 1.6 litre engine powering the Renault Clio Privilege produces fairly modest maximum power and torque figures that belie the actual performance on offer. On the road, the Renault Clio is a willing performer that has a torquey nature, smooth power delivery and returns good fuel economy. The manual gearshift has a reasonably long throw and the clutch action requires some effort to operate smoothly in stop start city traffic. The suspension in the Renault Clio is reasonably soft and does a good job of soaking up bumps, as well as producing a comfortable ride. The handling is confident and predictable, and overall the Clio exhibits good road holding. ABS brakes are a welcome standard feature and provide good stopping power.

Renault’s small hatchback, the 2011 Renault Clio, is available in three different models that appeal to both the budget conscious motorist and the sporting enthusiast. The mid-range model is the Renault Clio Privilege and is powered by a 1.6 litre engine that delivers good performance and a comfortable ride. While the Renault Clio features an impressive level of standard equipment, the lack of space for rear seat passengers detracts from the vehicle’s functionality.