Since 1990, the Clio has been by far Renault's best-selling model, which therefore did not want to take any aesthetic risks with this 5th generation, which appeared two years ago... But if the exterior had not been transformed, it was otherwise for the passenger compartment.
Thus, in the center of the dashboard, there is a large LCD screen, while the materials used in the cabin - much more rewarding than before - show a real move upmarket.
The habitability was also in progress in all respects, especially at the rear, thanks to seats with slimmer backrests.
At the time of its launch, the offer included gasoline and diesel units.
For the first category, a 3-cylinder 1.0 atmo 65 and 75 hp which, with a turbo, develops 100. At the top of the range, a 1.3 turbo delivering 130 hp, not to mention the "E-Tech" hybrid version
And diesel?
Renault then offered a 1.5 dCi (85/115 hp), but this engine had been withdrawn from the catalog for reasons related to emissions.
The case could have stopped there, especially since many competitors have not used diesel for a while now.
We are thinking of models from the VW group (Polo, Fabia, Ibiza), Ford and its Fiesta or even Hyundai, Kia and Toyota.
Finally, only the Stellantis group – in particular with rivals Peugeot and Citroën – is also pursuing the diesel program...
For the kilometer eaters
But here is the return of diesel on the Clio.
It is still the 1.5 dCi block, this time with 100 all-round horsepower.
This block is associated with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
No automatic proposal therefore.
For us, the main interest of this type of engine is the torque.
Here, 260 Nm to be compared with the 142 of the TCe petrol version of the same displacement.
More torque means easier relaunch and, ultimately, greater driving pleasure.
Especially since all this is accompanied by excellent soundproofing.
And then, finally, last excellent news: consumption is around 5 l/100 km in “normal” driving, and barely more than 6 when being much more “active”.
In short, one or two liters less - at least - than the gasoline versions for equal use.
In terms of road holding, the Clio gratifies its driver and passengers with a serenity worthy of a more upscale model.
The question then remains: are these qualities worth the investment required?
We are not talking about the price, almost identical compared to the equivalent gasoline engine.
But knowing that the price of diesel will remain high and that future resale will be more problematic than before given the current environmental context, there is room for doubt.
That said, for mile-eaters who don't need a bigger car, it's still a good compromise.
Too bad, as such, to have only a 39-litre tank, which allows +/- 650 km of autonomy.
But it's still better than any electric car...
Available from the third trim level, the Clio dCi 100 starts at €22,450.
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