• Higher quality than the previous-generation Clio
• Personalisation options can add some vibrancy
• Well-assembled but the cabin doesn’t feel special

Although the fourth-generation Renault Clio’s cabin is more upmarket than its predecessor’s, it still lags behind some of the higher-quality and more interesting interiors, such as the Skoda Fabia and Mazda 2.

It’s more robust, has neat touches – especially the versions with the 7.0-inch touchscreen and it feels well-assembled. Ergonomically, its standing up reasonably well to the test of time, with the rotary volume control for the stereo located close to the driver and the chunky climate control temperature dial falls easily to hand. A mild tweak in 2016 updated the gearknob to be the same one found in the latest Megane, otherwise little has changed since launch.

As a result, overall it’s starting to feel a little old now thanks to the antiquated font used on the trip computer and the small touchscreen is unreadable under any form of sunlight. The media system is also unfathomable on the move with far too many sub-menus.

We’re also less enthused about how lower-spec models don’t feature the same soft-touch plastics as derivatives further up the range, or that some of the controls on the centre console are orientated in such a way as to be more logical on left-hand drive cars, such as the starter button which is closer to the passenger than the driver.

Still, you can personalise the interior with red or grey appliques, something worth considering as the rest of the cabin is very dark grey in colour.

• One of the most spacious supermini interiors
• Quiet cabin although the ride can be a little firm
• Renaultsport versions are surprisingly comfy

Renault Clio comfort levels are very good, and not just relative to other superminis. The ride quality can be a little on the firm side, but passengers remain well-cushioned, thanks to its long-travel suspension set up. Models with larger alloy wheels can create quite a racket at higher speeds and while newer rivals have more hushed engines, the Clio’s three-cylinder petrol does at least sound good. It’s a shame the lumpy power delivery can sometimes hamper smooth progress and the 0.9 TCe’s turbo whistle at low speeds can be quite intrusive.

On the road, the Clio’s steering is too light to be classed as sporty, but at least this translates into easy work for navigating through towns and cities. Plus, unlike some rivals, the engine doesn’t transmit any vibrations to the cabin.

Up front the seats are fairly well bolstered, although the side supports could be enhanced to improve comfort, particularly on lower-specification Clios.

The door-mounted armrests are particularly well placed, mounted higher up than normal and within close-enough proximity to be of use, meaning they’re perfect for longer journeys.

There is a decent amount of head- and legroom and you could easily squeeze two adults in the rear for relatively short journeys. However, those over six-foot may feel a bit cramped if they are hemmed-in for too long.

For the sportier models, this is arguably the most comfortable Renaultsport offering so far. It doesn’t feel as hardcore as its predecessors, although it’s inevitably firmer-riding than less quick Clios. The seats have ample side support for enthusiastic cornering, too.