Renault Clio Hatchback (05 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 11 November 2010
The latest Clio is one of the best small cars around in terms of cabin room thanks to a long wheelbase which means excellent rear passenger space. It's also very refined and comfortable helped by good noise insulation, quiet engines and a cosseting ride. A maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash rating means it's incredibly safe too. Cabin quality is much improved over the previous Clio and the design and finish have an upmarket feel that few alternatives can match. The previous generation Clio is still sold as an entry-level version of the model - but is now badged as Clio Campus. In May 2009 the model was significantly facelifted with a different front end, improvements to the steering and a new sporty GT model.
4 out of 5

Other Renault reviews

4.5 out of 5

Safety

The Clio scored the maximum five stars for occupant protection in the Euro NCAP crash tests and all cars come with six airbags (twin front and side airbags and 'anti-submarining' airbags in the front seats), while curtain airbags are standard on all but the entry-level Extreme model. It is also available with an optional electronic stability programme. Front seatbelts are height adjustable, while the seatbelts on the two outer rear seats come with integrated pre-tensioners (which lock the seatbelts at the point of impact) and load limiters (which reduce the risk of injury during the impact) as well as those in the front. Innovative front head restraints with no rigid metal rods in the seat-back also help reduce the likelihood of whiplash injuries.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    5 out of 5

  • Child Protection Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
3 out of 5

Reliability

For every reliable second-generation Clio in our owner's review pages there seemed to be one that encountered problems. However, complaints about rattles and squeaks inside and other issues regarding build quality far outnumbered mechanical issues. Early indications from the interior of this car are that it should fare better thanks to its softer materials and more robust construction. We hope Renault has worked on the mechanical problems and we would be happy to increase our rating if this proves to be the case over time.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

A recall in 2006 where the gearbox may malfunction on automatic models. Another in 2007 for a potential brake light failure.