Model tested: Renault Clio 1.5 dCi 86 Dynamique 5dr
Price: £13,920
Date tested: September 2009
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 81%
The Clio has been around almost 20 years and this latest incarnation is a mid-life facelift. It benefits from a new exterior look inspired by the latest Megane.

1. Looks
The Clio's nose has been heavily revised with a much wider and more aggressive grille, while the headlamps have also been stretched. The rear has new light clusters and a revised bumper too.
7/10

2. Looks inside
While the interior is spacious and comfortable, it's not as stylish as the Fiesta's cabin while it lacks the premium feel of the Polo. Dynamique trim and above brings higher quality materials.
7/10

3. Practicality
The Clio has one of the biggest cabins in the supermini class, and can seat five over shorter distances. The boot holds 288 litres of luggage, extendable to 1,038 by folding the rear seats.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
The Clio has a fine chassis with ride quality and handling prowess. Well-tuned for British roads, it grips well and filters out the worst road imperfections. The only weak link is the electric powered steering which offers little feedback.
9/10

5. Performance
We drove the 1.5dCi with 86bhp - expected to be the big seller. It's a great engine, which is quiet and refined, offers enough performance and has sparkling green credentials. It accelerates the Clio from 0-62mph in 12.7 seconds and gives a top speed of 108mph.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
The 1.5-litre dCi is a gem, returning 64.2mpg on the combined cycle and emitting just 115g/km, it's a seriously cheap car to fuel, tax and insure.
8/10

7. Reliability
As this is a facelift of an existing model, the technology fitted in the Clio is well-proven and any problems should have been ironed out by now.
8/10

8. Safety
Renault continues to place maximum emphasis on safety and the Clio scored five stars in EuroNCAP tests. Between six and eight airbags are fitted depending on trim.
9/10

9. Equipment
Extreme models have a CD player with MP3 jack and electric front windows; Expression adds electric mirrors while the Dynamique also has auto lights and wipers, air-con and alloys. GT models get cruise control, bodykit and twin exhausts. Privilege models have climate control, keyless entry and Bluetooth mobile connectivity while the Initiale features sat-nav, leather trim and reversing sensors.
7/10

10. X-Factor
The always-evolving Clio has nimble handling, a good ride and strong engines. It also performs admirably in safety tests, so it should be a strong contender on anybody's supermini shopping list.
8/10