The Renault Clio has, with its “cute” dimensions and lively character, always appealed to me. Though I have found its labelling as the “quintessential girl’s car” rather upsetting, and would hate to have to drive a car bearing that label, the new Clio III hardly fits the bill.
Gaining a few kilos along with its instant growth spurt, the Clio had gone from cute and cuddly to a real grown-up car. It feels deceptively larger than it is, and its aggressively sporty exterior and flattering lines (pictures do this car absolutely no justice) make this Clio look seriously hard-core!
The bigger cabin area can only be described as a lesson in elegant ergonomic efficiency. The facia sweep shows off large uncluttered spaces with soft buttons for the air conditioner and radio controls arranged in nifty – and easy to remember – circular displays. Very inviting to those who prefer minimalistic design principles…
Operating the optional sunroof, via the simple knob placed overhead, is a breeze. And the built-in wind deflector keeps sound levels in the cabin down, even when the Clio is being pressed into action along clear tarmac stretches.
Fitted with the 1,6-litre motor, this Clio is zippy in traffic and holds its own while cruising. Though the brakes are sharp enough to make every initial stop feel like an emergency drill, they become easy to modulate with use.