Category: Superminis 
Price Range: £10,485 to £17,385
Good looks, image, safety, very stable handling, ride and refinement close to class best.
Just not that much fun to drive. Performance limited, and the steering uninvolving
Feels more than one step removed from the car it replaced.
Few will find fault with ride or refinement, though we did discover that the diesels are a little more stiffly-sprung on account of the extra weight they must carry in their noses. The Clio III is also an admirably spacious car in the front, back and boot. Four reasonably-proportioned adults can be accommodated in comfort, something you'd never feel tempted to try in the old Clio, while access to the back is reasonably dignified even with the limitations of the three-door bodystyle.
All versions have electric front windows and alloy wheels, but entry-level trim - which can only be had with the cheapest petrol and diesel engines - has little else. The Expression trim level is probably the one to go for: it has standard air conditioning, a split rear seat, height-adjustable driver's seat and electric mirrors. There is a Dynamique spec above that but, curiously, air con is a £500 option while the remaining goodies are mainly cosmetics: a soft-touch dashboard, sports upholstery, body coloured mirrors and aluminium finishes to some interior items. However, there is a wide variety of models and options to choose from.
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