Renault Clio Diesel

This is a car with too many BUTs.

- Exterior looks nice, BUT interior is very plain and loads of hard plastic... Even the Japs have caught up to this kind of quality.

- Again, shape is nice, BUT interior space is not. Jazz is far better packaged. Astra offers way more space for less money.

- Design is fresh, BUT technology so ancient - 4 wheel studs and drum brakes on a $102k car? Come on...

- 1.5 diesel engine is punchy, BUT also relatively noisy - unless you do very high mileage (>2000km/mth where it makes sense), you would be better off with a Golf TSI, Peugeot 308 PureTech, etc.

BUT by far the worst part is that from 97k (which is already very expensive) the price has risen to $102k. For that money, you can get the Fluence or add a bit more and get a basic Megane. However, the smart ones will opt for a Golf TSI or Opel Astra.

Bottom line: at Wearnes pricing it totally doesn't make sense, BUT if you like it, buy with the heart and not the head... Hahaha

The same 1.5 diesel engine is used in Clio, Megane GT and Scenic. I test drove Clio and Scenic. I felt the engine is too powerful for the small car and thus the drive was wobbly on the road. Renault's diesel is true Euro V, you don't need to add addictive like in the Citroen and Peugeot diesel engines. The feeling is different in the Scenic. The car has start stop feature engine feature.

If you don't mind the wobbly feel, it is a powerful car among the small hatchbacks.

Had a drive in the renault clio diesel the other day, and i must say i really enjoyed it, it put a smile on my face.

First off, it must be noted that the clio is a fun little car. The engine pulls well, power delivery is smooth, and the car rides well. Its on the comfortable side, but that's okay. And it handles really well, like the fun little car it's supposed to be. At high speeds its a little light and twitchy, but not worryingly so.

styling wise, its a real upgrade from the old model. It looks cool now, dare i say. Love the way the rear doors blend into the body. Its a fairly spacious and comfortable car too.

it is a little on the expensive side compared to some of the other cars in the segment. Renault claims incredible fuel economy with the clio, so hopefully that would help keep running costs down.