Renault Clio long-term test

The Car Renault Clio 1.0 TCe 90 Evolution Run by Jonty Renk, senior videographer

Why it’s here To prove that you don’t need to break the bank to have a fantastic small car

Needs to Offer a versatile and practical interior for camera gear storage while being small and nimble enough to drive in a busy city

Mileage 3210 List price £17,795 Target Price £16,462 Price as tested £18,695 Official economy 54.3mpg Test economy 50.7mpg

9 May 2024 – Catching up on old times

You may remember from my first report that the car I learned to drive in was a Renault Clio. And getting behind the wheel of this new model genuinely gives me a similar buzz of excitement as I felt in those first driving lessons.

Small cars like my Clio are often seen as perfect first cars because of their simplicity, value, and size. But big things can come in small packages, however, as my Clio has been illustrating.

The boot, for a start, is among the biggest in the class, and I’ve definitely found there's enough room for all my luggage and camera gear. The tailgate might not offer fancy electrical assistance to open it, but it’s very lightweight and easy to operate in the old-fashioned way – even if I'm also loaded down with camera bags. Plus, the space itself inside is far deeper than the exterior of the car would suggest.

My car has value covered as well. Even entry-level Evolution trim gets a 7.0in infotainment screen, which is rapid to respond and offers wireless Apple CarPlay – which has been faultless on every journey (I’ve found many other cars to have very glitchy connectivity issues) and helps me to keep in touch with the office.

Then there's how my Clio drives. So far I have got on brilliantly with the snappy six-speed manual gearbox, and the clutch pedal is perfectly weighted, so while I don't have the luxury of an automatic gearbox to change gears for me, the Clio is easy to drive around town. Plus, the 1.0-litre engine offers great pull from low revs, making it feel really nippy when I'm trying to dart in and out of urban traffic.

Whether I’m on a quick trip through town or a longer journey across the county, the driving position itself has been very easy to adjust and get comfortable with. The steering wheel offers adjustment for reach and height, and it lines up perfectly with the pedals. Even after some three-hour long journeys I’ve jumped out of the driver’s seat still feeling fresh, and passengers have been complimenting its comfort as well.

Next up is the Clio's biggest challenge – a four-up trip to Paris. For how it got on, stay tuned.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Read more about our long-term Renault Clio >>

Read about more long-term test cars >>

Buy a new car with What Car?

Like the sound of the Renault Clio?

If so, check out the latest Renault Clio deals available through our free New Car Deals service.

Our network of What Car? approved dealers use our Target Price discounts (the most our mystery shoppers think you should pay) as the basis for their savings.