Renault Clio Expression 2013 review

Let's face it, if you're a front runner in Formula 1 you know a thing or two about cars. Renault knows a thing or two about F1... and after more than a century, road cars as well and the cross-pollination between the two has yielded arguably one of the best light cars available in the new Clio.

It's actually bigger than the accepted light car size being more like a small car and will no doubt pinch a few sales from that segment too. The Clio sets a benchmark thanks to Renault's expertise in extracting the utmost from current technology and also using a smattering of clever stuff to finish off the job.

ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS

Explore the 2013 Renault Clio range

• Renault Clio 2013 review: road test
• Renault Clio RS 200 2013 review
• Renault Clio Expression 2013 review
• Renault Clio 2013 review
• Renault Clio RS 200 2013 review: video

Following the engineering trend towards smaller capacity high-tech turbo engines new Clio has either a 900cc three-pot turbo petrol or a 1.2-litre four-pot turbo petrol under the bonnet. Buy the three banger here and it's with a five-speed manual transmission only. Buy the four banger and it's a six-speed dual-clutch manumatic (auto) only.

Clear cut but problematic, given the majority of cars in this segment are autos and usually the base or one up from base models. The 0.9 engine (called the TCe90) is good for 66kW/135Nm and 4.5-litres/100km while the 1.2  (TCe120) achieves 88kW/190Nm and 5.2-litres/100km.

The larger engine has direct fuel injection while both have a small turbo charger integrated into the inlet manifold for maximum efficiency. Variable valve timing is used on both cams and the engine is actually modular -- the three is pretty much the same as the four with one lung lopped off.

STYLE

New Clio is slightly larger than its predecessor but lower in ride height and roofline. What's under the skin counts for plenty in a car but so does the outside and in this regard, the Clio is way out in front with arguably the best looking, sassy sheet metal going around on a five door hatch.

It features the new 'big eye' Renault front with a large centrally located badge and gorgeous curves all over the place. The rear doors have hidden latches and the car's powerful haunches make it look crouched ready to pounce. Rear styling is just as imposing and distinctive as the front.

PRICES AND FEATURES

Pricing starts at $16,790 for the Authentique TCe90 rising to $23,200 for the TCe120 Dynamique. The Clio has an impressive interior with a large central iPad-like panel housing most of the car's functions including the latest in digital connectivity while the actual instrument pod is highlighted by two eye catching dials with a large digital speedo in between.

A number of fascia are used, including a soft feel dash pad with a square hatched texture, textured metallic surfaces on some models and splashes of colour. It really is something else in a sea of sameness from other offerings in the segment. Standard kit is generous and Clio gets a five star safety rating.

ECONOMY

Fuel economy is boosted by auto stop/start on the three pot,  'eco' coaching and eco switch for the driver, active front air vents that close at speed and low rolling resistance tyres among numerous other fuel saving techniques featured. They cut 100kg from Clio's flanks this time around but boosted chassis strength and safety through better design and selective use of high strength steel. The wheels are lighter, the stabiliser bars are hollow, the chassis crossmember is lighter but stronger and they even cut weight from the engine with hollow camshafts.

DRIVING

This is where the new Clio really shines. It rates as one of the most engaging drives for the money and we haven't even got to the high performance RS version yet. That's here soon. Dynamics are sharp and responsive from the simple strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. But then that's to be expected from the company that produces the dynamite Renault Megane RS265.

The Clios we drove are engaging to drive, stable, well planted and responsive. You can have a ball without going at ballistic speeds. The 1.2 has plenty of get go while the 0.9 is not bad as a city runabout except for the lack of an auto tranny.

We'd go for the TCe120 every day - with the electric pack for an extra $300 that includes electric rear windows, electric boot release, remote unlock and auto wipers and lights. The Clio can be customised inside and out for not much money with a range of wheels, colour options, interior materials and other cool stuff.

VERDICT

We would have one in a flash, the mid-range Expression TCe 120 would be our pick at $19790 -- a bargain. Looks great on the driveway, and is something different.