Review 2016 Renault Clio 1.2 TCE 120 Dynamique Nav First Drive

Renault Clio has always been a solid choice for anyone looking supermini, but has now revised the appearance, interior upgrades and a combination of engine / gearbox new.

Auto Trader Verdict:

As usual, the Renault Clio is a very solid contender in the supermini class, if not quite up there with the best. There are many such, including style, sophisticated driving manners and punchy turbocharged gasoline engine, but all good things somewhat marred by a so-so performance in the field of practicality and interior quality. Good, but not the best.

Need to know:

• fresh version of the stylish supermini Renault
• Revised styling, interior and engine range
• Sold in September starting at £ 15,455

Which is a slightly revised version of the stylish supermini competitor Renault, and never has the word 'little' more appropriate when talking about the new car. There should be dished prize to anyone who could find the difference between old and new.

For anyone who does not hawk-eyed, die-hard Clio aficionado, let us explain the changes. Front grille has been reworked and restyled headlights have been given the c-shaped motif to match the one in the rear light clusters and make it look a teensy bit more like an all-new Megane. Rear bumper has been reshaped as well, but from the point of view of the exterior styling of view, it's about your lot.

Revisions in even harder to spot. Some of the interior plastic panels - included in the door and on the steering wheel - has been replaced with a higher class of goods, while there is also a new design for the gearlever and one or two new trim pieces. The question is, whether small tweaks enough to provide the desired lift cabin?

Not surprisingly, the short answer is no, sadly. There is almost no difference to the overall feeling of quality for their new panels do not feel much posher, and there are many others who are more attractive to both the eye and the fingertips. It is certainly no Volkswagen Polo for plushness, and it was pretty unremarkable with class standards.

The layout of the dashboard has not changed much, either, so there are still some problems ergonomic, with a switch that is poorly marked and oddly placed, along with a touch screen system R-Link which has graphics cluttered and confusing menu - although this optional system is still responsive, and faster than you'll find in some of its rivals.

We have never tried two options infotainment below that, the higher that also incorporates a touch screen 7.0-inch and the other of which is little more than a smartphone application that can be downloaded and cradle, which frankly, you're better off using Bluetooth for music, and traffic applications like Waze to find your way instead.

The level of equipment has been improved across the board, though, with more included as standard on every trim level. Cars Expression entry-level is still pretty basic with electric front windows, central locking, cruise control, Bluetooth and DAB radio, while the version Play adds alloys, air conditioning and front fog lamps.

Dynamique trim Nav worth the upgrade because it adds a middle-class infotainment system combines (surprise, surprise) satellite navigation, along with automatic lights and wipers, leather steering wheel and keyless entry. Dynamique S Nav adds climate control, rear parking sensors and rear electric windows.

Of course, with changes that are so small, practicality Clio was also unchanged. That again means it's pretty average for its class, with adequate space-if-not-unusual for a pair of adults in the back (head and legroom both are somewhat limited for anyone lots more than six feet) and boot fair, with A high capacity, high loading lip awkward.

118bhp 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine of our test car was a novelty for Clio, either, but the fact it's paired with a six-speed manual gearbox is. Previously, these units are only available with a twin-clutch transmission Renault EDC complex, and the availability of the manual makes it much cheaper to buy. It is a combination of a lot better, too, because even though the user shifts slightly notchy, it's better than beef jerky and a bit slow shift you get from EDC.

The machine itself is a wee bit flat at the bottom of the rev range, but there is enough fizz from 2000rpm to provide good flexibility and provide a reasonable pace when you work harder. Do not be too loud or too coarse, fine.

Elsewhere, the mechanical bits Clio completely changed, and so, as a result, is the driving experience. It is not unusual either in the comfort of driving or handling prowess, but it provides a good balance of both capabilities. steering does not give much in the way of nuance, but at least the weight of consistent and predictable, making it easy to drive.

Should I get one?

There is no real reason why you should not. Indeed, Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo better all-rounders, but if you prefer the look of Renault (and we can certainly see why you are), then you will not be disappointed. It is good to drive, especially with this machine, smooth enough, and smarter than ever before.

Yes, Clio, especially the version we drove, the car is not cheap these days, the cost of £ 15,455, but compared with the equivalent version of the above-mentioned rivals and it will save you a few hundred pounds. On the flipside, though, Clio will not be cheap to run as one of its competitors, with a higher CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

Key facts:

• Model: Renault Clio 1.2 TCe 120 manual Dynamique Nav
• Price: £15,455
• Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol, six-speed manual
• Power/Torque: 118bhp/151lb ft
• 0-62mph: 9.0secs
• Top speed: 124mph
• Economy: 53.3mpg
• CO2/BIK tax liability: 118g/km/20%
• Boot space: 300 litres

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