Renault cars have always been well appointed cars, and the modern day versions still feel well-appointed and comfortable to drive. One of the highlights of riding in a new Renault is the seat comfort is first class. Add the supple suspension and chassis, and you have yourself a new Renault Clio IV that offers a superior ride for everyday transport.

Always important is the fact that a new small hatch needs to be safe on the road, particularly with the big traffic that rolls around our roads. A new Renault Clio is the evidence that Renault have done their homework in the safety department. So, with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, you can rest assured that the Clio IV range has all the best modern safety features available. The all new Renault Clio IV models come with a list of safety features which includes an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Assist (EBA), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as well as Power Steering, Cruise Control, a Speed Limiter (a fancier form of cruise control) and three-point seatbelts in the back seats as well.

I imagine a number of new Clio buyers will be looking to use the car for carrying passengers, some of which will be smalls. The good news here is that the Renault Clio IV models scored maximum points for the protection provided to an eighteen month old (dummy) in the crash impact tests. Also, the forward movement of the three year old (dummy), seated in a forward-facing restraint, was not too much. In the side impact crash tests, both dummies were properly contained by their restraints, which is ideal for protection against head injuries.

One of the cool features for all new Renault Clio IV models is that they boast Hill Start Assist. If you’ve had trouble starting off on a steep incline, Hill Start is awesome and very easy to use – no more stalling! Another great feature of the new line-up of Clios is they all come with the fuel saving stop/start engine technology. And, to finish with (because it’s good to mention things in threes) you’ll also find a nice audio package for all Clio versions which link to the Bluetooth phone connections for audio streaming.

Four versions of the Renault Clio IV are available, and they are divided by engine and level of luxury. It’s pretty easy to understand; the new Clio IV has either the 898 cc petrol engine that boasts turbo performance, and the 1197 cc petrol engine with turbo power. If you opt for the smaller of the two engines, then you can have the standard model called the Renault Clio Authentique TCe 90 and the higher spec model called the Renault Clio Expression TCe 90. Go for more power, and the 1197 cc version Renault Clio Expression TCe 120 has the Expression level of kit, while the Renault Clio Dynamique TCe 120 is the top of the range model with all the bells and whistles on-board.

Of the engines, the larger of the two naturally feels quicker on the road. A quick flick to the performance stats shows I was right, and the gutsy TCe 120 engine can complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in a time of a smidgeon below ten seconds. The Clio TCe 90 is almost three seconds slower, though it is very happy to stay at any of Australia’s speed limits.

Where the TCe 90 engine shines is in the economy running. This is not to say the larger Clio IV engine isn’t thrifty – it is. It’s just that the combined fuel consumption for the smaller petrol unit is an excellent 4.5 litres/100 km. The TCe 120 is 0.7 litres/100 km thirstier. Both of the new Renault Clio IV engines are in the top of their class for economy, so in this day and age where fuel prices continue to rise, the Renault Clio IV is a smart buy if you’re looking to lower your fuel bill. Both engines run on 95 or 98 Octane unleaded.

A nice ride, seat comfort and first class economy are in the new Renault Clio’s favour. Then, of course, the pleasing European styling and five-star safety rating just about seals the deal if you’re looking for a nice new small hatch to drive to work and run about town in. New Renault Clio IV models come with a five year/unlimited kilometres with 24 hr roadside assistance.

• Clio Authentique TCe 90
• Clio Expression TCe 90
• Clio Expression TCe 120
• Clio Dynamique TCe 120

For any more information on the new Renault Clio IV 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!

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