Hatchbacks like the Renault Clio used to be the lifeblood of South Africa’s new-vehicle market, but now, small crossovers are all the rage. Is a compact hatch still a feasible everyday car? We spent an extended period with the Clio 1.0 Turbo Intens to find out.
When I was starting out in the motoring journalism game (oh, about 15 years ago), one of my editors told me: “Never start a story with a history lesson, because it immediately bores every reader that’s not a car anorak.” Suffice it to say, I’ve done my utmost to stick to that rule without ever questioning it.
Nevertheless, I still struggle to fathom how the B-segment hatchback (or “supermini”) went from being the default option for young professionals – with a plethora of models to choose from – to a segment that launched a mere 4 models last year (facelifted Volkswagen Polo, new Renault Clio, Toyota Starlet facelift and Toyota Corolla Hatch) and that’s the entire spectrum – from premium- to budget offerings.
Of course, many of those Clio rivals are still available (such as the Hyundai i20, Kia Rio, Suzuki Baleno, Citroen C3, Peugeot 208, Honda Fit (Jazz), Mazda2 and Opel Corsa), but in very reduced ranges. What’s more, a look at the latest sales charts suggests the venerable Polo and Starlet (a clone of the Baleno) account for most of the sales. Compare that to the wide range of small crossovers/compact SUVs that are now available (and the depth of their ranges) and you’ll quickly see that “softroaders” are in vogue.
So where does that leave the venerable compact hatchback? Well, after a month of driving the Clio 1.0 Turbo Intens, I can’t say I preferred it any less than an SUV (or pseudo-SUV, as cynics would say).
Read our full review of the 1.0 Intens here
FAST FACTS
- Model: Renault Clio 1.0 Turbo Intens
- Price: R364 999 (February 2023)
- Engine: 1.0-litre turbopetrol 3-cylinder
- Power/Torque: 74 kW/160 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Fuel consumption: 5.7 L/100 km (claimed)
- Luggage space: 391–1 069 litres
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What’s to like about the Renault Clio?
The Renault Clio’s design has always resonated with me and the 5th-gen model looks the part too; it is immediately distinguishable on the road. The pair of large C-shaped LED daytime-running-light clusters are integral to Renault’s contemporary design language, but you’ll either love or loathe them. Isn’t it a bit of a risk to add divisive elements to a model that is supposed to appeal to as many buyers as possible?
But, as I said, the Renault Clio 5 is distinctive and its silhouette is stylish and sleek. In typical Clio style, the rear door handles are hidden neatly away in the rear passenger window surrounds. In other words, you get the benefit of coupe-like styling without losing access to the hatchback’s 5-door practicality.
Renault Clio’s new engine
This generation of the Renault Clio still uses a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine, but it’s a more powerful unit that produces 74 kW and 160 Nm and is mated exclusively with a 5-speed manual gearbox. I found the 1.0 Turbo Intens suitably nippy off the mark and its power delivery was quite smooth.
If you’ve never driven a car with a small turbocharged engine before, its powertrain tends to require a bit of familiarisation. You don’t want to rev it too hard because there isn’t much “kick” available after around 3500 rpm; after that point, it sounds (and, frankly, performs) like a wheezy hairdryer. You want to keep the revs low and use the torque to build momentum – that’s also how you get the best fuel economy.
Manufacturers used to claim ambitiously low fuel efficiency figures for their compact hatchbacks (with small turbo motors) and that’s partly why global fuel-economy tests were changed in recent years (that’s a story for another time). The Clio’s updated motor is said to consume 5.7 L/100 km (based on the new WLTP test standard) and, after travelling 1 000 km (of entirely inner-city driving), the 1.0 Turbo Intens indicated a consumption figure of 6.2 L/100 km, which was impressive! However, we anticipate that if you do more freeway driving (in the fast/er lanes), that number may rise due to the Clio’s lack of a 6th gear.
Infotainment and connectivity in the Renault Clio
Renault has always done a good job of offering up-to-date connectivity options in its models. The user-friendliness of those systems has gradually improved through the years and, given the proliferation of touchscreens, most people with smartphones can work their way around modern infotainment setups.
All the specs of the Renault Clio
The Clio’s portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen is nicely positioned in the centre of the fascia and it has a crisp display, replete with easy-to-access functions. Android Auto and Apple Carplay connect with a single press of a button and you can quickly zip in and out of those systems to access the radio/car settings functions without needing to tap multiple times to exit applications.
The screen could be a little more sensitive, because it requires a solid prod at times to make selections. It’s also nice to have 2 USB ports up front, as well as a wireless charging bay for quick battery top-ups.
The Renault Clio’s practicality
It might seem odd to add practicality under the “likes” section of a review of a compact hatchback, but the Renault Clio’s load bay is decidedly large for its segment. The load bay’s stated capacity is 391 litres and, if you compare it to that of a similarly priced crossover, you’ll find the French hatchback’s “boot” is larger than favourites such as the Toyota Urban Cruiser, Volkswagen T-Cross and Hyundai Venue.
The amount of occupant space in those vehicles (which is to say leg-, shoulder- and headroom) is quite similar to that of the Clio as well, so it’s something to consider if practicality is high on your priority list.
It was also a cinch to find a driving position that suited me to a tee. The steering column offers plenty of range of rake- and reach adjustment, plus the driver’s seat can be adjusted for height. Unlike some of the compact SUVs that may be considered Clio rivals, the Renault offers excellent lateral seat support.
What’s not to like about the Renault Clio
While I like the Renault Clio’s engine – and its fuel efficiency – the lack of an automatic derivative in the range is a drawback. We understand the lack of an auto version is due to the unavailability of stock, so hopefully, Renault South Africa will be able to acquire some autos (if it sees value in bringing them in).
The manual ‘box could also do with a 6th gear, even just for the sake of better cruising refinement. When travelling at the national speed limit on the highway (120 kph), the engine’s revs hover around 3 300 rpm and I think if the 1.0 Turbo Intens had a 6th gear, that number may drop 400 rpm – and save some fuel.
Driver involvement
I can live with the manual gearbox, because I don’t often have to sit in traffic and generally do my best to navigate via Google Maps or Waze to avoid congestion… However, I imagine that I’m constantly in a race against the navigation app’s expected time of arrival; I know it’s a bit silly, but that indicated ETA is like a target that I have to beat! Now, while the Renault Clio – with its spirited engine and manual ‘shift – eggs you on to have a bit of fun, it doesn’t quite deliver that pocket rocket thrill that previous-gen models did.
Yes, the engine is better and it’s a decidedly nippier car than its predecessor, but it’s not as fun to lean on as the older models that cemented the Clio’s reputation for characterful handling. I’d say it’s more like the VW Polo now than the cheeky, playful hatch it was – more refined, comfortable and business-like.
VW Polo vs Renault Clio: which should you buy?
To be fair, if Renault wants to sell loads of Clios globally, it’s probably advisable to produce a model that’s a little more forgiving and sedate, but the new hatchback feels like a departure from the Clio heritage.
Summary
There’s a lot to like about the flagship Renault Clio, considering its price tag. When you consider its rivals in the hatchback and compact SUV segments, the 1.0 Turbo Intens is both feature-rich and competitively priced. The new-gen car is also more upmarket than the model it replaces – the cabin’s switchgear is more substantial and it feels better made, thanks to the application of nicer grades of trim materials.
For those who don’t seek the added ground clearance of a compact SUV, the Clio 5 is quite a practical car with a big load bay and more than enough occupant space. There’s no shortage of connectivity options and, on road, it feels comparatively composed compared with its small-crossover competitors.
Most buyers may desire an automatic transmission in a new car at this price point, so until Renault South Africa is able to furnish us with one (again, it is coming), the Clio’s a bit hamstrung in that regard.
