Renault Clio Renaultsport (01-05) - Review

In theory, three can fit in the back, but in reality it only seats two adults - and they'll be short on legroom, too. Aside from the occasional RenaultSport logo, the interior is similar to the standard Clio, so there's lots of black plastic and it can look a bit drab. However, the front seats give excellent support and are adjustable in many ways. Buyers should think of it as more of a 2+2.

Clio doesn't have the biggest boot in its class, but it will just about cope with a mid-week family shop. If you want the maximum practicality then you’d be better looking at something else as the Clio isn’t biggest in its class but the boot will do for most needs and the seat backs do split fold. Doorbins, a decent-sized glovebox and a small cubby/cupholder in the centre console for storage.

The driving position is not as good as that offered by rivals and switchgear is a little haphazard. View of the optional sat-nav (where fitted) is slightly obscured from the driver's seat. Generally comfortable, but some interior trim does not have the quality feel of some of its rivals. Seats are good in all models, but those in the Trophy are the best (especially for the keener driver), as they're Recaro bucket seats.