Talking about the Clio means talking about one of the most successful utility cars in the history of the industry. After more than two decades on the market, an important update is now being presented that will serve to maintain its legacy.
The Clio is one of the few cars on the market that can boast of being a brand in itself. When we think of an urban and versatile car, it is easy to imagine the Clio in the first place. That success is based on more than three decades of life. Generation after generation, which is already five, the Frenchman has shown why he has always been in the minds of all European drivers. Today we are attacked by the update of the latest generation, the Renault Clio 2023, which is loaded with numerous and interesting novelties that I have already been able to test.
At the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, Renault presented the latest generation of its Clio in style. Everyone held their breath waiting to know if the Gauls had done a good job and they did. Using a very bullfighting term: there is no bad fifth. The improvements followed one another in all aspects, from design to equipment, through quality and behavior. Once again, if at any point he stopped doing it, he drew on experience and good work. In fact, he was the first to promote a change of trend in the brand.
Renault executives and engineers knew the importance of that launch and gave their all. Since then, the French have launched many models on the market based on a new concept of quality, equipment, and versatility. The Clio was the first, but today we can see how there is continuity in the most modern Renault Austral or Renault Espace. Well-made cars, well presented, with good equipment and quality superior to the general standard in each category. Those same principles will soon be received by the Renault Rafale, a model that I presented to you a few weeks ago.
How to improve something that was already very good? Well, in this case, the French have thrown in a bit of the German mentality: don't touch anything you know works for you. The Clio restyling plays enough notes to change it without actually doing it. The most obvious change is seen in the design. The face of the Clio is completely changed to embrace a new design DNA. The C-shaped daytime running light disappears after years setting the trend and from now on Renault mounts a single headlight with a vertical groove that fulfills two functions. The first is to serve as a daytime signature and the second is to provide a more robust appearance.
Although the new model does not change its dimensions, it seems that we are facing a more muscular and wide car. With a greater presence on the road. It must be taken into account that the first version launched on the market is accompanied by the highest and most sporty finish of all, which is why we can see such large and striking air intakes. The presence is good and that always helps a lot when it comes to adding sales to the cause. It does not matter that we are talking about a segment B, aesthetics is and always will be a main selling point.
The rear changes much less. There are modifications to the headlights, but there can be no talk of a significant revolution. The bumper also changes, but in general terms, we are dealing with the same car from 2019. The chrome elements, which can now be black, add that touch of refinement and sophistication. The tires do change to add new and attractive designs, with a size between 15 and 17 inches. The largest diameter will only be available in that superior finish that I mentioned before, officially called Espirit Alpine.
When the doors are opened, the renovation effect is partially diluted because Renault has not wanted to touch an already well-presented cabin excessively. In fact, the most significant change is practically negligible. If nobody tells you, you wouldn't know where to look. From now on, the Renault Clio becomes more sustainable by completely abandoning any animal trace in its cabin. The materials, upholstery, and coverings are made with sustainable and recycled textiles that do not diminish the sensation of perceived quality and add that eco-friendly point that all brands are now looking for.
The important thing, truly important thing, is that the new Renault Clio does not lose an iota of equipment and ergonomics. Digitization maintains its leading role with a digital instrument panel that now comes as standard on all versions and with a very attractive multimedia system screen in a vertical position. Renault continues to bet on that format which, personally, seems to me quite a success. The multimedia system panel varies in size depending on the finish, reaching a maximum of 9.3 inches. A lot to be a utility.
Behind all this technological display hides the Renault operating system called Easy Link. The operation is simple, the reading clear, and now also a little more fluid. Everything is very intuitive and that is appreciated. In a display of conservatism and success, the French maintain the air conditioning module separately. Large dials and analog touch allow you to change the temperature without having to tap on a screen that moves to the beat of the road. Simple, clean, and, above all, functional.
Taking advantage of the relaunch, Renault has introduced some new equipment. Connectivity for mobile devices is now wireless, Full LED headlights come as standard in all finishes and sportier cut seats with new seams and additional details continue to make it a very complete car. Of course, there are also many security resources based on an assistant program with level 2 autonomous driving and the usual systems that make daily life easier, such as parking cameras.
As there are no changes to the platform, the rear seats continue to maintain somewhat fair dimensions for tall passengers. If you are over 1.8 meters tall, you will have certain height inconveniences, but it is normal considering what other models in the category offer. They do not have many luxuries and I think that Renault has lost the opportunity to include some more detail in this second row, such as adding a USB socket. The trunk space does not change either. The trunk is big; 340 liters for the thermal units and 254 liters for the hybrid recognized under the name E-TECH.
At a mechanical level, we cannot say that there are any great novelties either and I like that. Renault continues to bet heavily on the Clio-Diesel combination. It must be taken into account that it is a very popular car in company fleets. Many commercials and companies resort to the French to do tens of thousands of kilometers a year and for that nothing better than a good low-consumption engine with the French. The first units to reach the market will be the 90-horsepower TC3 and the 145-horsepower E-TECH non-plug-in hybrid with the DGT ECO label. For having, there are even biofuel models with liquefied gas.
Renault Clio 2023 test
Times change and they do it faster and faster. You only have to take a look at Clio's competition to see how the category has evolved. Along with it, we find illustrious names such as the Volkswagen Polo, the Opel Corsa, or the SEAT Ibiza, but in recent years other models such as the Hyundai i20, the KIA Rio or the Toyota Yaris have emerged. All of them have been adding new qualities that have brought them closer to their older brothers. A fierce fight where the Clio has not lost its way.
It hasn't thanks to its constant improvements. As I have already said, the 2023 model has brought many new features, but they remain faithful to the product that I had the opportunity to test some time ago. Once again the Clio stands out for its commitment between the urban and the extra-urban. With just 4 meters long it is capable of fulfilling in numerous scenarios. The daily, going to and from work or chores, at least ordinary, such as traveling long distances without suffering the consequences. In the past, these cars were reserved for the city and little else. Today it is not like that.
Renault engines are engines as reliable as they are refined. There are hardly any vibrations or noises that affect the general comfort. The mechanical range will be extended over time, but the launch units seem very balanced both in performance and consumption. The one-liter, 90-horsepower TCe block is resolute in the city, although on the highway it can fall short if we travel loaded. The acceleration is good and the recoveries are too, but it will be necessary to play a bit with the 6-speed manual gearbox to be able to get the best out of it in each scenario.
The hybrid gains five horsepower over the previous model. Its performance is still excellent and, in this case, it is more than enough to handle any use, even going on a trip. It is a rounder car, although also, I suppose, more expensive. The ECO label allows you to enter low-emission zones without any problem and since it is a normal hybrid, that is to say, that it moves with an electric motor, consumption can be really low. Renault says that in the city it can travel more than five kilometers in 100% electric format thanks to a very well-calibrated system that has the presence of a battery with 0.85 kWh of net capacity.
It's hard to take the Clio out of context. He feels comfortable both in the city and outside of it. In urban mode it is easy to avoid traffic and at high speeds it transmits great poise and firmness. Regarding consumption, experience, and approved data allow me to guess an average consumption of fewer than 5 liters, which is really good. When the diesel arrives, it will be the most economical model of all, but it will not have an ECO label if you are one of those who are concerned.
Conclusions
The Clio recipe continues to be a success. Renault, the
French in general, embroider this type of car and for this reason, after more
than three decades on the market, the Frenchman is among the best sellers in
the category. For this 2023 the most obvious change focuses on the design.
Renault had very little to polish and that's how it has been. It is a better car
than in the past. Its value for money is excellent, but not the only one of its
qualities. The equipment, quality, and behavior, in general, are its strongest
points. The least? The habitability in the rear seats and the price of the
hybrid versions. Very tempting for performance and consumption, but somewhat
expensive.
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