Renault Clio Van (01-05) - Review

As with most vans of this size, storage space is at a premium. The Clio van holds around one cubic metre volume with a payload of 535kg. Load length is 933mm, height is 933mm and width is 989mm. There is solid half-height bulkhead between the seats and load area and four load-lashing points.

The Clio van scores highly in these areas. Post-2001 models have a driver's airbag as standard along with ABS brakes while passenger and lateral airbags are optional. Remote central locking means drivers won't accidentally leave a door open and risk losing a load of cargo to thieves. An engine immobiliser is also standard, although buyers have to pay extra for an alarm.

It's a cheap van to buy and in models with the common rail diesel engine, fuel economy should be well up in the high 40s in miles per gallon terms. Warranty is three years/60,000 miles

Some Renault models have been plagued with electronics problems but for buyers of secondhand vehicles, these should have long ago been ironed out. The diesel units in both the old and new models are renowned for their longevity and reliability.