Category: Superminis 
Price Range: £10,485 to £17,385
Diesel engine is refined and punchy, sensible kit levels, comfortable cabin.
Petrol GT is underpowered and noisy, handling a little woolly and soft, too many variants.
A timely update for the Clio, but it's nothing special in a category full of classy performers.
The Renault Clio had its last major update in 2005 and since then a whole host of faster, more dynamic and fuel efficient models have entered this crowded category. Between them, the new Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2, Vauxhall Corsa and Fiat Grande Punto have sent the expectations of supermini buyers through the roof - so Renault has some catching up to do.
On the face of it, the 2009 Clio ticks all the boxes. It's got new, fuel efficient engines, a more striking front and rear end, an improved cabin and the addition of a factory-fitted Tom Tom sat nav that costs just £450 extra - a bargain when you consider that most integrated optional sat nav systems will add an extra £1,000 to your purchase.
The engine range includes 1.2-litre petrols with 75bhp and 100bhp outputs, two 1.5-litre diesels with 86bhp and 106bhp outputs and a new 1.6-litre 128bhp petrol that made its debut in the Twingo and is new to the Clio.
The new Clio represents reasonable value for money: the entry-level Extreme 1.2 will set you back £9,995 and the top-of-the-range GT costs £14,445 - that's about on par with the Fiesta, but around £1,000 more than the Mazda 2 and Vauxhall Corsa. Renault has cut prices on the entry-level Expression 1.2 versions of the five-door and Sport Tourer though.
But has the revitalised Clio got enough in the tank to keep up with the rest? Read on to find out.
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