Is the latest Renault Clio good for new drivers?
Is the latest Renault Clio good for new drivers?
By Ané Theron
The Clio is one of Renault's best-selling cars worldwide. Practical, compact, fuel efficient, safe, and inexpensive to run, it's a hatchback that is ideal for new drivers.
If you're considering a new Clio, there are 5 variants in the local lineup at the moment:
1. Renault Clio 66kW Turbo Authentique, R223 900
2. Renault Clio 66kW Turbo Expression, R241 900
3. Renault Clio 66kW Turbo Dynamique, 259 900
4. Renault Clio 88kW Turbo Expression auto, R283 900
5. Renault Clio RS 18 F1, R459 900 (See photos)
(A new Renault Clio 88kW in GT-Line trim became available in 2017, but currently you'll only find them in the pre-loved section.)
Safety
The French are serious about equipping their cars with safety equipment. Even the most basic Clio has ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, traction and stability control, and four airbags.
Comfort & Convenience
Interior wise, expect a well-designed, modern cabin that is high on style. All (but the entry-level Authentique) models are equipped with Renault's user-friendly MediaNav touchscreen (with a built-in GPS). Fingertip controls mounted to the steering wheel ensure that your eyes stay where they belong: on the road ahead.
Other convenience features which are standard on all models include LED daytime running lamps, remote central locking, electrically adjustable (and heated) side mirrors, start/stop button, air-conditioning, trip computer, cruise control, Bluetooth, AUX port and a 12-Volt power socket. ISOFIX child seat anchorage points are at the outer rear seats and front passenger seat as well. All front windows are electric. The boot is a very useful 300 litres and the rear seat can be split and folded.
Engines
Young drivers need their cars to be low on fuel, and any money saved at the pumps can be spent on more important things like lunch at the varsity cafeteria. The Clio's 898cc turbo-engine is peppy for its size and it doesn't guzzle petrol, with consumption never going higher than 5.9 litres per 100 km. (This very same engine is also in the new Nissan Micra.) If a bit more power is needed, the 1.2-litre Renault Clio 88kW Turbo Expression auto, R283 900, is going to be right up your alley.
Warranty & service plan
The Clio is sold with an included 5-year / 150 000km warranty and a 3-year /45 000km service plan with services every 15 000km. Where after-sales are concerned, the Clio has an affordable parts basket, and availability won't be an issue, thanks to the cross-sharing agreement of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and a very large parts warehouse in Gauteng.