Renault Clio 2014 Review

The Renault Clio RS is one of the Carsguide favourites of 2014, packed with driving enjoyment and French character.

But what about the regulation Clio, the one that's not for hot-hatch fans? It's right on the money in the tiddler class at $16,790, although that only gets you a three-cylinder engine that's better for economy than romping.

So I slide into a Clio the way most people will buy it, the Expression TCe 120 with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and EDC auto gearbox for a price tag of $20,990 before the inevitable on-roads. And I like it.

DESIGN

It's always easy to pick a French car out of a pack of Japanese and Korean commuters and the Clio maintains its place with a distinctive body and a prominent family face. Inside, there is good room for the class, quality seats and the rest of the comfort package you expect when you're paying similar money to the starter cars - think Corolla and Pulsar - in the next size category.

SAFETY

Some of the Carsguide crew are still not happy without rear airbags in the car, even though the Clio gets a five-star ANCAP rating, but that's a story for another day. And a visit to the Renault safety centre outside Paris.

DRIVING

This Clio also has the EDC six-speed dual-clutch auto that's enjoyable to use as a manual, thanks to a shift pattern that means you push forward - race style - for downshifts, and the engine is strong enough for the job.

My partner, Ali, does not agree and says the Clio needs more go. She says she spends too much time with her foot on the floor, admittedly in full auto mode, to get the car going the way she wants. She also votes against the seats, although I like them a lot because they are well shaped and cushioned for me. And definitely way better than the flat-bench feel of the Honda Jazz I've also driven this week.

Before we move on, it's time to claim a little Carsguide credit on the Clio. When I first saw the new Clio, nearly two years ago at the Paris motor show, I complained that there was no way I could get a good grip to pull the hatch down. It's something I've always checked since a good mate, Peter Tighe, struggled with the back door on a Toyota LandCruiser. He was short and afterwards I always believed cars should have a 'Tighe-down" handle.

Now Renault has reshaped the grips in the back of the Clio and it's far easier to pull the hatch down. "We call it the Gover Grip," says Renault Australia boss Justin Hocevar.