CHEAP NEW CAR OF THE MONTH: RENAULT CLIO

Car Press has named the nippy and agile Renault Clio as March’s Cheap New Car of the Month.

The deceptively spacious Renault Clio combines elegant, sporty design with a range of powerful and nippy engines. The latest model boasts a revamped exterior, class leading rear legroom and a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

THE BASICS:

The Renault Clio range was introduced in 1991 and almost instantly it proved to be a hit.  The public liked its modern styling and the critics awarded it European car of the Year for 1991. Since then the Clio has proved to be one of the top selling models in the UK and has had several facelifts over its lifetime with a brand new third generation model launched in 2005 and a subtle revamp in 2009.

The third generation Clio saw a complete change in the styling and space offered in the popular supermini. The revamped model was highly praised and a return to form for the Clio, becoming a market leader once more and winning the European Car of the Year Award for 2006. The Clio is built on the same platform as the successful Nissan Micra but features a longer wheelbase, resulting in a spacious interior and class leading rear legroom.

In May 2009, a facelifted version of the Clio went on sale in the UK, featuring better quality materials in the interior. A new Clio GT variant was also launched at the same time, boasting a new aggressive front end styling, black grille, extended side sills, suspension settings unique to the GT variant, and a twin tailpipe design with a lip spoiler on the rear end. The GT marks a number of special edition Clio models including the i-music, Clio S and RenaultSport. 

WHAT ABOUT POWER?

The Clio offers a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines to suit everyone. The petrol engines start with the 1.2 litre 16V and turbocharged 1.2 TCE with 100 PS. Next is the petrol 1.6 VVT and 2.0 VVT 138 PS. RenaultSport models are fitted with a 2.0 litre petrol engine outputting 197 PS. The efficient diesel engine uses Renault's modern common rail 1.5 DCI engine, it is available with 68, 86 or 106PS – all options achieve over 60 MPG. Transmission options available include the five or six-speed manual or the four-speed automatic.

TRIM LEVELS:

Trim levels include the Extreme, Expression, Dynamique, Dynamique S and Initiale. The entry-level Extreme trim includes electric windows, optional front fog lamps and CD player. The Dynamique S trim adds a sporty touch with 16’’ alloy wheels and a sports steering wheel whilst the top-of-the-range luxurious Initiale trim includes full leather upholstery, automatic climate control, cruise control and rear parking sensors. The special edition sporty RenaultSport range offers startling performance with a lower weight Cup model starting the range.

SHOW ME THE MONEY:

TO BUY: On the road prices for the new 2010 Renault Clio start from £10,709.13 rising to £17,481.20 for the top-of-the-range RenaultSport model.  

TO LEASE: The 1.2 Extreme model is now available to lease from £104.95 + VAT. An air-con edition of the 1.2 Extreme is also available to lease for just £109.95 + VAT. 

LATEST CLIO OFFERS:
Until 31st March, Renault have a number of offers on the new Clio including...

- 5.9% APR Typical
- Savings of up to £2,459 for cash purchase

Interested in a new Clio?
GET DEALER QUOTE on a new Clio
GET LEASING QUOTE on a new Clio
FIND USED CLIO with the CarPress database.

Visit the Renault section of the CarPress website to find out more about the Renault Clio range

Donna Kelly

12/03/2010