Renault Clio V a good Polo alternative?
While the new Renault Clio might be one of the most popular small cars in Europe, here in Mzansi the Polo is the king of the hatchbacks. Despite this, the new Renault Clio remains a stylish, practical, and technologically advanced car that has been designed to appeal to a wide range of drivers. We spent time with it to see how it stacks up to the competition.
Let’s start with the design of the Clio 5, which might not look all that different from the model that it replaces. There are some changes though which can be found up front. Take the new C-shaped headlights for example which give the car a modern appeal. The lower bumper has also been refreshed, especially around the fog-lamp area. The Clio also benefits from updated rear styling which gives it a more imposing look, with larger LED rear lights now built into the tailgate. We also like the finely integrated chrome finishes and the concealed rear door handles which give the Clio an elegant, uncluttered exterior design.
Renault has offered visually appealing cabins and the Clio 5 is no different. Step inside the new Clio and you will find a rather neat cabin with familiar switchgear. The design is somewhat angled towards the driver which is a nice touch. There is also a large, centre mounted 9.3-inch touch display complete with good graphics, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Two USB ports can be found on the console as well as a wireless charging try. Our correspondent also liked the digital instrument cluster which offered different themes depending on driving mode.
Space is decent within the cabin and luggage capacity is rated at around 391-litres with the rear seats up, lower them and that increases to around 1069l. Now some might find that the cloth seats, even on the top-spec model are a bit of a no-no but they are comfortable and now include an enhanced head-rest which improves safety.
As for safety, the Clio seen here features Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), combined with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and up to 6 airbags.
So we have established that the new Clio V has retained that French Flair in terms of interior and exterior design, but what about under the bonnet? Well, South African customers will have the option of one engine and gearbox paring as of now. This comes in the form of a 1.0-litre turbocharged unit that develops 74kW and 160Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. There is unfortunately no auto ‘box as of yet. In fact, due to the car’s late arrival we can expect an updated model sometime this year which might see a second engine and gearbox option.
While the motor and gearbox is on-par with the segment leader, the VW Polo it is slightly down on power, even when compared to the likes of the other Frenchie in the boxing ring, the Peugeot 208. Nevertheless the Clio feels nippy, responsive and eager, just plan your overtaking manoeuvres in advance.
Those who are stressing about the imminent fuel price hike will be pleased to know that the Clio has a claimed fuel consumption of 5.7L/100km. Our correspondent did admit that he was in Sport mode most of the time as it offers a sharper throttle response, thus only managing a 7.0L/100km consumption figure.
The new Renault Clio is a stylish and well-equipped car that offers a great driving experience and a high level of safety. It is a practical car that is well-suited to city driving, with a compact size and excellent fuel efficiency. The interior of the car is comfortable and modern, with a range of advanced features that make it a pleasure to drive. Overall, the new Renault Clio is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a small car that is both practical and stylish. We just which that the local buying public would expand their options and look beyond the norm.
Also worth a look: the New Renault Duster Arrives in South Africa: Pricing & Detail and the New Renault Duster: Tech, Turbo, and Tougher Than Ever.
FAQ
Q: What does the Renault Clio V cost in South Africa?
The Renault Clio V starts from around R299,900 for the base Expression model, while the top-spec RS Line will set you back approximately R379,900, making it competitive with similarly equipped Polo variants.
Q: Is the Renault Clio V worth buying over a VW Polo?
The Clio V offers excellent value with more standard tech features like the 9.3-inch touchscreen and wireless charging compared to equivalent Polo models, plus it has a more distinctive European design that stands out from the Polo crowd.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Renault Clio V?
The Clio V's 1.0-litre turbo engine delivers impressive fuel consumption of around 5.2 litres per 100km in mixed driving conditions, which matches or betters most Polo variants while offering similar performance.
Q: What engine options are available in the Renault Clio V?
South African Clio V models come with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 74kW and 160Nm, paired with either a five-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission.
Q: How reliable is the Renault Clio V compared to other small cars?
The Clio V benefits from Renault's improved build quality and comes with a 5-year/150,000km warranty, which is more comprehensive than the Polo's 3-year/120,000km coverage, giving buyers extra peace of mind.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the Renault Clio V is definitely worth considering if you want something different from the usual Polo parade. At R299,900 for the base model, it undercuts similarly equipped Polo variants while offering more standard tech and a fresher design. The top-spec RS Line at R379,900 delivers premium features like the wireless charging pad and digital instrument cluster that you'd pay extra for on German alternatives. While the Polo might have stronger resale values, the Clio V's superior warranty coverage and distinctive European styling make it a smart choice for buyers who want to stand out from the crowd without breaking the bank.
