Renault Clio review - updated supermini still a fine choice - Renault Clio performance and 0-60mph time
Chic Renault Clio has verve, but isn’t class-leader
If you’re after blistering performance, the only model really worth having is the Clio Renault Sport 200 and the Renault Sport 220 Trophy. The former delivers a 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 143mph, while the Trophy's power increase cuts a tenth of a second from the 0-62mph sprint and adds 3mph to the top speed.
They're completely different animals to the rest of the range. Only the turbocharged, 1.2-litre TCe 120 petrol model is capable of dipping under the ten second mark over that benchmark acceleration measure, at nine seconds flat for the newly-introduced manual model or 9.2sec for the 'Efficient Dual Clutch' automatic. That figure looks fine on paper, but it's not the most enthusiastic of engines so there's little incentive to use the performance.
It's smooth enough - moreso than the three-cylinder turbocharged petrols that now proliferate in this class - but begins to lose its composure towards the upper reaches of the rev range.
Elsewhere in the range the 0.9-litre TCe 90 delivers a 12.2sec 0-62mph time and 112mph top speed, while the diesel dCi 90, available with both the manual and automatic transmissions, covers the same mark in 12 and 12.9sec respectively. The dCi 110 is a little quicker, with an 11.1-second 0-62mph time.
Those completely uninterested in performance (you're still reading?...) may be interested to know that the entry-level 1.2 16v 75 model will eventually reach 62mph in 14.5 seconds and hit 103.8mph - presumably, the .8 is of great importance. Unsurprisingly, Renault is not expecting to sell many in the UK.
