Overview

The Renault Clio has established itself as an immensely popular small car. It was introduced to the British market in 1991 and, since then, around 1.3 million examples have found homes with UK buyers. Its success can be attributed to its winning blend of practicality, comfort and super-low running costs.

Renault has arguably made the Clio even more desirable for 2023 by giving it a facelift. The update brings sharp new styling, a few technology upgrades and a mild trim level restructure which has added a sporty new Esprit Alpine model at the top of the car’s range.

But are the changes enough to allow the Clio to compete with the bestselling Vauxhall Corsa? The Corsa has long dominated the UK’s Top 10, topping the charts in 2021 and securing second place in both 2020 and 2022, so the Clio is entering hostile territory. Plus, it also needs to contend with competition from its home country in the shape of the Peugeot 208.

The facelifted Clio’s engine range is unchanged over the original car’s – and it’s as straightforward as ever. There are just two options. The cheapest model features a 90hp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, while more expensive variants are powered by Renault’s 145hp 1.6-litre hybrid system.

Renault’s trim structure is similarly simple. There are three specifications to choose from called Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all models, along with Bluetooth connectivity, a DAB radio and a digital instrument cluster. The range-topping Esprit Alpine replaces the old R.S. Line model and gets 17-inch alloys, a larger infotainment screen, a wider digital gauge cluster, a heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control.

There’s also an optional upgraded Bose stereo system, which sounds great and should make audiophiles very happy. Best of all, the enhanced speakers are integrated seamlessly with no loss of boot space. But is all this enough to keep the Clio at the top of the small car heap with such strong opposition nipping at its ankles?

Over the next few pages, we’ll be scoring the Renault Clio in 10 key areas to give it an overall score out of five. Our ratings will consider the car’s practicality, comfort, driving experience and running costs before we offer our final verdict on the car. Click through to the next page to learn more.