Renault Clio (2009-) Review

On the road

• Previous: Reliability and Quality
• Next: Safety and Security

Let's not get too excited - the Clio is not a dynamic performer. If you want pin-point handling in the corners you'd be better off with a Ford Fiesta.

We tested the 1.5-litre 106bhp diesel and the new 128bhp 1.6 petrol and although the petrol version was badged as a 'GT', it was noisy and gutless and not particularly GT-like. The diesel, by contrast, was smooth and punchy: it's perfect for around town and good enough to make motorway driving reasonably comfortable.

The performance stats on the diesel paint a fairly mediocre picture. It will take you from 0-62mph in an underwhelming 11.1 seconds and then on to a top speed of 118mph. However, it does have a very hearty 177lb-ft of torque that's delivered at between 2,000 and 2,500rpm, giving it the edge over its more powerful petrol sibling.

The GT's stats look impressive but in practice it just seems slow. The 0-62mph time of 9.3 seconds and a top speed of 122mph is not to be sniffed at, but maximum torque of 114lb-ft arrives at 4,250mph and because of this the car feels like it's straining all the time.

Handling-wise the Clio is ordinary, but not terrible - it does what's required. You can't chuck it into a corner and expect it to respond like a go-kart, but it'll still offer reasonable amounts of grip and it'll hang on in there as the bend unwinds. If you are so quick into the corner that you start experiencing understeer simply lift off and it'll respond nicely by tightening its line.

The diesels is softly sprung and that means a fair bit of body lean, but it's not horrendous, and the GT - well, if you expected responsive, feel-good handling you won't get it.

Brakes on both cars are solid and dependable but the steering, although light, didn't feel particularly precise.