Renault Clio 2020

Renault has been a bit quiet for the past few years, with the odd Megane update and new commercial van becoming available – Oh yes and the Kadjar SUV.  However, recently on the Renault showroom floors has rolled in the latest Clio Hatch.  Chic features, new technology and a sprightly engine ensure that the Clio keeps on keeping on.  If you haven’t experienced Renault’s comfortable drive and practicality, perhaps it’s time to take a closer look at the brand.

We’ll start with the looks; and 2020 sees the Clio looking more filled out and better looking thanks to the modish new LED headlights and curvy edges.  The Renault Clio is the bestselling supermini in Europe; playing runner-up to the Ford Fiesta – but only in Britain.  That’s a great record, considering it’s been around for four generations over 30-odd years.  In that time it’s always remained a comfortable, spacious supermini, growing in dimensions by a little bit during the last decade or so.  This is the fifth generation Renault Clio and it sits on a brand new platform.

Renault Clio 2020

When you step inside the 2020 Renault Clio it becomes clear that the new-gen Clio has taken a leap forwards.  This is a lovely interior with only a few bits of cheaper plastic showing their hand.  However, the rest of the cabin is beautifully put together with soft touch plastics and nice materials.  There is lovely cloth on the seats and superb leather over the steering wheel and handbrake lever.  Nice, gnarly finger touch points are a classy addition, which you’ll find on the end of the indicator stalks, gear lever and climate controls.  The styling is pleasant, a bit minimalist, but that’s ok.  Arguably the best-in-class interior of all the superminis out there, and that includes any from the German makers – ouch!

Base models get a 4-inch touchscreen for the centre dash, and this has plenty of nice features including Apple Carplay and Android Auto.  You also get LED headlights, cruise control and 16-inch alloys.  As you can see, life with a base model Clio ain’t too bad!

Middle of the range Clios get a 7-inch screen, keyless entry, parking sensors and diamond cut alloys to set you apart.  A top of the range model will get you the biggest touchscreen of them all.  A 9.3-inch touchscreen runs Easy Link Navigation, with a 4×20 W amplifier, FM DAB double turner, sound auditorium, 2xUSB points, Bluetooth, smartphone integration, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.  Phone connection is quick and easy.

The smartphone interface runs through the Clio’s system making for easy access to all the favourite go-to apps we all love the most.  Standard analogue instrumentation is found on-board the base and mid-range models, however if you opt for the high-end Clio then there is a digital driver’s display on offer – pretty cool!  The digital dials, the big screen, rear parking sensors and a rear camera give you a luxury supermini for a great price.

As far as practicality goes, the newest Renault Clio scores highly.  There is ample storage in the door bins, glovebox and under the armrest.  There is also a large cubby hole for holding phones, wallets and what have you in front of the gear lever; there are 2 USB ports located here as well.  Front seat occupants get really nice seats that are very comfortable, with plenty of space.  Rear seat occupants get a nice rear seat with plenty of soft comfort.  Space for taller adults is tight for leg and headroom, but what do you expect in a supermini.  Most superminis out there won’t fare any better.  There are even map pockets on the backs of the front seats.  Isofix anchorage points are standard.

Renault Clio 2020

Even larger than you’ll find in the “bigger” VW Golf, the Renault Clio wins the luggage carrying ability for its class.  You’ll not run short of luggage space very often in a new Clio, and you can always fold the split-folding rear seats flat should you require more cargo-carrying ability.  It might have a large lip to load items over, but I reckon I can live with that and the bigger boot space.

Safety has been of very high importance at Renault for quite some time.  In fact, the early 2000s saw the Laguna topping the safety charts, thanks to its strong safety cell and great features.  Roll on almost a couple of decades and the Clio, one of Renault’s smallest cars, still gets kitted out with great safety features for protecting its occupants in a serious crash event.  Of course, the crash avoidance technology is now part of the Clio package, too.  The recent result being a five-star Euro NCAP score, thanks to standard kit such as autonomous emergency braking (that can detect pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles) along with lane keeping assist and traffic sign recognition.  Thanks to its new modular platform and equipment such as high-volume curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters, it also has the benefit of increased passive safety to protect everyone, adults and children alike, in the passenger compartment.

Presently, powering all the Clio models on offer in Australia is the zippy 1.2 Turbo-4 cylinder petrol engine.  With a 45-litre fuel tank that prefers premium unleaded you will enjoy excellent fuel economy (below 6 litres/100 km combined), decent torque (190 Nm available) and 88 kW of power.  This fun little motor is linked to a 6-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.  Handling is flowing and grippy, while about town the bumps are nicely soaked up.

An RS model would be nice to see over here, and there is even a 1.0-litre turbo and diesel option over in Europe.  One thing we do get on any new Renault Clio model is the fantastic 5 year/unlimited km warranty that is all yours when you buy a new 2020 Renault.  This is great peace-of-mind motoring.

Renault Clio 2020

The current 2021 Renault Clio models include the:

• Clio Formula Edition
• Clio Intens
• Clio Life
• Clio Zen

For any more information on the Renault Clio or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Renault dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!