Skip advert
Advertisement

Renault Clio review - updated supermini still a fine choice - Interior and tech

Chic Renault Clio has verve, but isn’t class-leader

Evo rating
RRP
from £11,555
  • Pretty exterior, decent interior, cheap to run
  • Engines can be uninspiring, no three-door or estate versions

Interior and Tech

At first glance, the interior looks like it is from a different galaxy compared to the old Clio’s, certainly in terms of aesthetic quality.

It’s an impression that is largely upheld once you start touching surfaces, and the newly-facelifted model lifts that further thanks to a selection of new interior materials. The plastics feature pleasing textures, the chrome is less shiny and cheap-looking before and brushed metals now feature selectively around the cabin. The steering wheel in Dynamique Nav and Dynamique S Nav models is now trimmed in full-grain leather too, and it feels good in the hands. Better still, the gear lever - both in manual and EDC forms - feels much better in the hand.

The seating position can feel quite precipitous in non-RS models, and while it is a larger car than before and five-door only, the rear space is by no means cavernous - there are cars in this category that could seat three adults in the back in more comfort than the Clio. Boot space is good, rising from 300- to 1146 litres with the rear seats folded down, but they don’t go totally flat.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Clio has a five-star Euro-NCAP rating, while options such as a rear parking camera (£250), rear parking sensors (£215) and heated front seats (£250) are among the options available. 

 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Jaguar F-Pace SVR long term test – more efficient than a diesel Discovery
Jaguar F-Pace SVR
Long term tests

Jaguar F-Pace SVR long term test – more efficient than a diesel Discovery

A stint in a diesel-engined Discovery that resulted in only 30mpg has convinced me the F-Pace SVR is impressively frugal
8 Apr 2026
The classic Porsche 911 is overhyped, according to the man dedicated to perfecting it
Jan Kalmar
Features

The classic Porsche 911 is overhyped, according to the man dedicated to perfecting it

Kalmar Automotive's mission is to create the perfect Porsches for 'nerds' and push the limits, making 911s into everything from rally cars to hypercar…
6 Apr 2026
Best Japanese cars – performance icons from GR Yaris to NSX-R
Best Japanese cars
Best cars

Best Japanese cars – performance icons from GR Yaris to NSX-R

The Japanese have produced some of the most compelling performance cars we've ever tested, from hot hatches and rally cars to full-on supercars
7 Apr 2026