Driven | Renault Clio V
Quick Facts:
- Price: From R309 900
- Engine: 1.0-litre petrol engine
- Transmission: five-speed manual transmission
- Power/Torque: 74kW/160Nm
The fifth-generation Clio is alluring from any angle. With LED headlights, C shaped DRLs and LED taillights. Heads have been turning at every corner I passed wrapped in Metallic flame-red wearing a set of 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The Clio V can be spotted from a mile all thanks to its iconic design. After spending a week sampling the top of the range intens version for the Easter break I was left fascinated.
In terms of looks on a scale of 0-10, I'd say it's a 10/10. A lot of thought and work was put on the exterior for example the lower bumper has been refreshed, around the fog lamp area. The elegant design had German car drivers stopping me to look and asking about it. While we are still on the exterior I loved that the intens version test unit I had features four disk brakes in all four corners which are well suited whereas lesser versions make use of drum brakes at the rear.
Inside, you'll find a 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment with Renault's Easy link multimedia system complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as a configurable 7-inch TFT digital cluster, two USB ports on the console, a wireless charging pad, Keyless entry and keyless ignition, Head-Up Display, Navigation system designed to be more convenient as well as mood lighting. A blend of fabric and leatherette covers the seats, plastics and soft-touch materials while the leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel completes the interior niceties.
The interior does however look a bit dated, which brings about disappointment to some people, they prefer the kind of materials used on previous models. The screen is somewhat angled towards the driver which others may find nice that the driver controls everything at ease but maybe it would've been greatly positioned or eye-catching if it was wider not longer. Some employees at the Carousel tollgate called others to come to see it saying it looked like a kitchen unit which seemed pleasant to them.
The Clio V boot capacity starts at 391 -litres with rear seats up but can be increased to 1069l when folded down. Space is decent within the cabin and for luggage.
Just when you thought Clio V couldn't get any better enjoy those adventurous trips as they are smarter safety systems in place including front and rear parking sensors, Electronic stability control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), combined with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) as well as 6 airbags as standard.
This no ordinary Clio is powered by a 1.0-litre TCe 100 petrol engine producing 74kW/160 Nm connected to a 5-speed manual gearbox to deliver power smoothly to the front wheels. I managed to do a 5.7L/100km during the drive from Johannesburg to Limpopo but when going on sport mode I saw 6.9L/100km.
A guaranteed initiative driving experience thanks to its dynamic chassis, and its direct and precise steering. Renault noted that the suspension and soundproofing have also been upgraded for the comfort of all occupants. As an audiophile I pumped up my favourite tunes because there are six speakers which offered a rich and immersive sound experience, adding comfort to the drive.
Overall the Renault Clio V ticks all the right boxes: the drive was comfortably impressive, the Interior is great and fuel consumption is very good, especially in these trying times. For now, it is only available in manual transmission, I am looking forward to having it in auto transmission.
As is standard across Renault’s entire product range, the New Renault Clio Model range comes with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000km intervals, and a standard 2-year/30 000km service plan applies.
