Renault Clio review

An aged 1.2-litre engine opens the batting for the Clio but it’s the 0.9-litre three-cylinder turbo that’s more interesting. Designed for economy, forced induction means it’s still nippy enough in town and sounds sweet when worked hard in the country. Just don’t expect big car performance on the open road. For that, you’ll need the forthcoming 120bhp 1.2-litre turbo. Renault’s also revised the familiar 1.5-litre dCi diesel, which is a fine alternative if you can afford it. 

Pleasingly, Renault has also remembered something else that used to make its superminis great – how they handled. This steers keenly, doesn’t fall into understeer and lets you feel what the back wheels are up to near the limit. It’s all nicely interactive and although the body does also roll a bit too, the pay-off here is soft and supple suspension, another old-style Renault trait that’s most welcome.