Facelift (What's New)
1.2-litre petrol engine delivering 120bhp and 205Nm of torque
Sharper-looking front end with LED daytime running lights
Feels light on its feet and exciting to drive
This is something different for Renault in Singapore. Perhaps as a result of the announced changes to the Vehicle Emissions Scheme (VES) that will kick in next year that penalises diesel models, the brand has been forced to pivot away from only offering diesel cars (the last time Renault offered a petrol variant prior to this year was more than three years ago), and now have to offer petrol variants as well.
We spent some time in the facelifted Renault Clio to try to figure out if the petrol-engined variant is up to the mark.
Little cutie
If there's one thing that can be said about the latest slate of Renault models, it's that the styling has improved drastically. Compared to the cars from five years ago, the new Renaults have come a long way - more curvaceous sheet metal, sharper lines, and a much more cohesive design language.
The exterior of this facelifted Clio has undergone some light nip-and-tuck, most evident at the car's front end. The reworked front bumper and intake grille, along with redesigned head lights with LED daytime running lights, means that more rounded fascia of the previous model has morphed into a sharper, meaner mug.
With its compact dimensions, distinct lines and curvaceous sheet metal, the Clio is certainly visually striking and appealing. It combines a cute aesthetic with some quirky details, like the splashes of red on the door mirrors, across the rear spoiler and on just one grille at the front. It's a car that definitely wears its fun character on its sleeve, and by our reckoning, it's probably the best-looking supermini in the market right now.
The interior has definitely improved, even though you still get some tacky plastics. That said, some of that has been swapped out for PU leather that feels better to the touch.
A playful heart
Of course, the big change is under the hood. This Clio has a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 120bhp and 205Nm of torque. It's a perky little unit that makes the car feel much faster than you'd expect. Being 63kg lighter than the diesel model does help in this aspect.
We spent some time in the facelifted Renault Clio to try to figure out if the petrol-engined variant is up to the mark.
Little cutie
If there's one thing that can be said about the latest slate of Renault models, it's that the styling has improved drastically. Compared to the cars from five years ago, the new Renaults have come a long way - more curvaceous sheet metal, sharper lines, and a much more cohesive design language.
The exterior of this facelifted Clio has undergone some light nip-and-tuck, most evident at the car's front end. The reworked front bumper and intake grille, along with redesigned head lights with LED daytime running lights, means that more rounded fascia of the previous model has morphed into a sharper, meaner mug.
With its compact dimensions, distinct lines and curvaceous sheet metal, the Clio is certainly visually striking and appealing. It combines a cute aesthetic with some quirky details, like the splashes of red on the door mirrors, across the rear spoiler and on just one grille at the front. It's a car that definitely wears its fun character on its sleeve, and by our reckoning, it's probably the best-looking supermini in the market right now.
The interior has definitely improved, even though you still get some tacky plastics. That said, some of that has been swapped out for PU leather that feels better to the touch.
A playful heart
Of course, the big change is under the hood. This Clio has a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 120bhp and 205Nm of torque. It's a perky little unit that makes the car feel much faster than you'd expect. Being 63kg lighter than the diesel model does help in this aspect.
On the go, the car feels agile and light on its feet. It pulls with verve, and is actually quicker to 100km/h (9.2 seconds) than other comparable 1.2-litre hatchbacks like the DS 3 Cabriolet (9.6 seconds) or the Volkswagen Polo (10.8 seconds).
The Clio also possesses sharp and composed handling, and is a very fun car to throw into corners. It's light yet fluid, allowing you to string a couple of corners together with confidence. It's a great car to be a complete idiot in - it's even got a lever you can pull to do handbrake turns!
When you settle down, unlike some superminis that feel too eager and twitchy even when driven normally, the Clio feels composed and relaxed. It feels sensible enough that your mom would drive it without any complains.
Simple smiles
The updated Clio is a great hatchback for the budding driver. It's a car that will fulfil all the needs of a young driver - cool enough to drive to Holland Village and gain some envious stares, sporty enough for the occasional need for speed, but sensible enough that the parents won't complain.
It's perhaps no surprise that Renault now offers the lovable Clio with a petrol engine. You could argue that Renault's hand has been forced somewhat by the impending changes to the VES, but we think the brand is better for it. It offers an added dimension to its cars that broadens its appeal to a wider range of customers.
Thankfully, the Clio still remains a fun and lovable car, improved by a sprightly petrol engine that definitely suits this car's character. It's got a cheerfulness about it that makes us smile.
One does wonder, though, what it'd be like if this Clio was a little bit hotter - chuck in more power, stiffen the chassis, slap on a few ah beng spoilers. You know, what if this was a Clio R.S.?
The Clio also possesses sharp and composed handling, and is a very fun car to throw into corners. It's light yet fluid, allowing you to string a couple of corners together with confidence. It's a great car to be a complete idiot in - it's even got a lever you can pull to do handbrake turns!
When you settle down, unlike some superminis that feel too eager and twitchy even when driven normally, the Clio feels composed and relaxed. It feels sensible enough that your mom would drive it without any complains.
Simple smiles
The updated Clio is a great hatchback for the budding driver. It's a car that will fulfil all the needs of a young driver - cool enough to drive to Holland Village and gain some envious stares, sporty enough for the occasional need for speed, but sensible enough that the parents won't complain.
It's perhaps no surprise that Renault now offers the lovable Clio with a petrol engine. You could argue that Renault's hand has been forced somewhat by the impending changes to the VES, but we think the brand is better for it. It offers an added dimension to its cars that broadens its appeal to a wider range of customers.
Thankfully, the Clio still remains a fun and lovable car, improved by a sprightly petrol engine that definitely suits this car's character. It's got a cheerfulness about it that makes us smile.
One does wonder, though, what it'd be like if this Clio was a little bit hotter - chuck in more power, stiffen the chassis, slap on a few ah beng spoilers. You know, what if this was a Clio R.S.?
