The overall levels of refinement of the Clio hatchback are very high and the ride is very comfortable. There is also excellent sound insulation which means that the car can take on those long motorway journeys with ease. Certainly this model is better than the one it replaced and a facelift in 2009 plus the introduction of a GT model have added considerably to the desirability of the range.

There are eight engine options (depending on the year) which include three diesel and five petrol units. The entry level is a 1.2 litre petrol engine which provides a rather modest 75 bhp though there are also a 1.4 litre and a 1.6 litre engines with 98 bhp and 111 bhp respectively. In more recent models there is a 1.2 litre supercharged petrol engine which replaced the larger petrol engines and a 2.0 litre unit with 138 bhp. This is quite pacey and offers a 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of 8.5 seconds. The diesel engines offer 68 bhp, 86 bhp and 106 bhp outputs and the most powerful of these is offered with a six speed gearbox, an excellent combination.

The Clio has never been the best handling car in its class despite its long wheelbase. It is perfectly adequate for normal family motoring and around town, but it does not inspire confidence when driven hard and fast. The steering does not provide enough feedback and is a little on the light side. The light steering means that the car is easy to park.

The Clio Hatchback is a very practical car with ample passenger and storage space. Overall it makes a good small family car with the most economical models giving an average fuel consumption of around 70 mpg.

If you’re looking for a Clio in excellent condition at a lower price, you can search motors.co.uk for a second hand Renault Clio and see what you can get your hands on!