Renault Clio V6 (01-05) - Review

An expensive Clio and most of the cost goes on the specialised engineering. Cabin space is acceptable for two and there's no need to consider the back seat occupants as there are no rear seats. Most luxuries are also fitted, so you'll get supportive seats with good adjustment, climate control, cruise control, leather seats and heat reflecting windscreen. It generates plenty of engine noise at speed, but that's part of the design as the engine is basically in the cabin with you, but its better than hearing 'are we nearly there yet?'.

There's a tiny boot behind the engine, a small luggage area behind the front seats and a limited amount of space under the bonnet in the front (although this isn't weather proof and there's a drainage plug at the bottom). It maybe based upon a shopping car but this is one of the least practical cars you can buy. The low lip on the front bumper is easy to clout on speed bumps too - ripping it off altogether is not unheard of.

Posh seats and equipment aside, the view from the front seats is basically the same as that experienced by any Clio owner and most paid less than half as much for the view. You'll get very little of the drama experienced by those outside the car, save for glimpses of flared bodywork in the wing mirrors. But the fact that the engine noise comes from behind you and sounds very exotic helps to spice things up. The view of the road and in all directions is excellent, not normally something you can say about mid-engined cars, but the turning circle is bigger than might be expected and the clutch is rather weighty.