Renault Clio 1.0 TCe 90 Esprit Alpine 5dr

Ten Second Review

This improved version of the fifth generation Clio supermini probably won't return this model line to its old position as one of Europe's favourites but it still merits careful consideration against better known class favourites in this base TCe 90 form. Tougher segment competition has forced Renault to up its game, particularly in terms of cabin technology, fit and finish. There's greater practicality, extra safety and media technology and a sharper look. Plenty to like then.

Background

The Renault Clio. It's the definitive expression of this French brand's vast experience in the supermini class, building on the company's reputation for building compact cars that are characterful, fun to drive and technically accomplished - qualities that go back all the way to the famous Renault 4 and 5 models of old. Here's the latest version of the much improved fifth generation design - reviewed here in conventionally-engined TCe 90 form. The last couple of decades have been characterised by a lack of investment from Renault in their key models as the company pursued an electrically-powered motoring future the market still isn't quite ready for. That changed with the development of this car. The marque knew it had to get this Clio right. Perhaps it has.

Driving Experience

This MK5 Clio was the first Renault-Nissan Alliance model to use the conglomerate's latest sophisticated CMF-B platform. Herre, we're looking at the entry-level three cylinder TCe 90 version, which offers reasonable performance - 0-62mph in 12.2s en route to 112mph. Renault's set out here to try and deliver a driving experience to Clio buyers that's a little different to that served up before. Previous models had something of a comfort focus, but with this fifth generation design, the brand has sought to combine that with a little of the alert feel you'd get in this segment from cars like Ford's Fiesta. It'd be asking a little much for the company to nail this demanding brief at its first proper attempt, but it's got reasonably close. A little of what we might call 'Clio-ness' has been sacrificed in the process - this car no longer cruises over bumps with quite the ease of its predecessor. Most undulations though, are dispatched without fuss and there's a purpose to the way the car turns into bends and a level of body control that certainly wasn't there before. Plus of course in town, as you'd expect, it's manoeuvrable, nippy and easy to park.

Design and Build

With the original version of this MK5 Clio, you had the feel of new-fangled technology paired with previous combustion-era design. But things are a bit different now, thanks to EV design elements borrowed from the Megane E-Tech and the Scenic Vision concept car. Styling chief Laurens van den Acker particularly likes the 'eyes' of this revised MK5 Clio, slim LED headlamps with the brand's latest 'new wave' light signature, each unit incorporating up to five beams (the old car had three). The nose also gets a brushed-satin chrome 'Nouvel R' Renault logo, plus there's an enlarged chequered grille, a sharper bumper design, a lower aerofoil and a restyled clear-lensed tail lamps. Wheel designs are up to 17-inches in size. The bodywork dimensions are unchanged. Not so much is different inside, though priciest trim level gets a new 10-inch edgeless instrument display for the virtual dials (it's only 7-inches in size with cheaper trim). Plus at the top of the range, there's a 9.3-inch infotainment centre touchscreen. Plusher materials now feature around the cabin, with more soft-touch surfaces around the dash and doors. Leather isn't now used anywhere, with sustainable alternatives employed instead. The seats on this Clio are much better than what you'd usually find in this segment in terms of comfort and support. They offer a longer cushion base and a more enveloping shape. We weren't especially impressed by the space provided on the rear bench when we first tested the conventional version of this model - and we're still not. The boot space on offer is rated at 391-litres for the TCe 90 (90-litres more than the hybrid version).

Market and Model

Prices for this Clio TCe 90 start from around £18,100, around £3,500 less than the E-Tech full hybrid version. It's worth knowing that this asking price undercuts the segment sales leader, Vauxhall's Corsa, by around £1,800. There's a choice between three trim levels - base 'evolution', mid-range 'techno' and the top more sporty-looking 'esprit Alpine' model. Entry-level 'evolution' trim at the foot of the range gives you most of the features you'll really need, including the brand's 'EasyLink' touchscreen infotainment technology, provided via a centrally-mounted 7-inch display that gives you 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. A further 7-inch TFT screen features in the instrument cluster. Other 'evolution'-spec features include full-LED Pure Vision headlights, power-folding mirrors, a Thatcham immobiliser, automatic air conditioning, cruise control with a speed limiter, 'Comfort'-spec front seats with extra side support and 16-inch 'boa vista' alloy wheels. Plus there's dark-tinted rear side and tailgate glass, rear parking sensors and keyless Keycard entry. Need more? Then your next stop is mid-range 'techno' trim, which builds on 'evolution' spec with larger 17-inch 'monastella' diamond-cut alloy wheels and 'Pure Vision' LED performance headlights with extended wide beam and automatic high and low beam. Plus you get keyless entry, a reversing camera, a shark fin roof aerial and front parking sensors. Inside in a 'techno' model, there's 60% bio-based upholstery, an electric parking brake an electrochromatic rear view mirror and a wireless phone charger. As we mentioned earlier, this 'esprit Alpine' spec level tops the range off. Mildly more dynamic touches include sports-style bumpers, 17-inch 'esprit Alpine' diamond-cut alloy wheels, Alpine front wing badges, 'shadow gray' finishing on the lower doors and rear bumper - and a front bumper with a 'shadow grey' F1 'blade' and a honeycomb lower grille. Plus there's adaptive cruise control with a speed limiter and some extra camera safety features. Inside, the screens are bigger, with a 9.3-inch centre touchscreen and a 10-inch digital driver's display. You get a frameless rear view mirror, sport aluminium pedals, black seat belts with blue edging, black embossed jacquard black dashboard trim, a heated steering wheel with blue white and red top-stitching and special black fabric upholstery, for the embroidered, heated front sports seats which have increased side support.

Cost of Ownership

This TCe 90 variant manages up to 54.3mpg on the combined cycle and up to 118g/km of CO2. Compare that to the figures of the pricier E-Tech full hybrid; 65.7mpg and 96g/km. You can plan ahead for maintenance costs by opting at point of purchase for a pre-paid servicing plan covering you for either three years and 30,000 miles, or four years and 40,000 miles. Renault keeps changing its warranty packages - and not for the better. At the time of this test, all the company's models were covered by an unremarkable three year 60,000 mile package - a little worse than a Honda Jazz and way off the cover that Toyota provides to Yaris customers (up to 10 years along as you persist with franchised dealer servicing). You get three years of UK emergency breakdown recovery and three years' worth of European cover as part of this package. There's also a 8-year, 100,000 mile warranty for the traction battery. Insurance for the Clio TCe 90 is rated at groups 10E or 11E. Scheduled servicing is every 12 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. As usual, pre-paid servicing plans are available, a three year / 30,000 mile deal or a 40,000 mile package. Finally, residual value; the experts at CAP reckon 43% after three years.

Summary

There's nothing wrong with any car company that good cars won't fix. Well this improved version of the MK5 model Clio looks to be a good car, with a more appealing look and feel than most of its supermini contemporaries. The cabin's much nicer than the supermini norm, with a level of technology that will surprise and interest many small car buyers. As for engines, well go for this light and agile TCe petrol variant and there's plenty of fun and character. No small car is perfect of course - and this one isn't. You might feel a Volkswagen Polo is more solid or a Ford Fiesta a little sharper to drive. You might be right, but as a very accomplished all-rounder, this Clio continues to merit a significant place on any serious supermini buyer's shortlist.