Renault Clio 1.2 100PS 5dr: Test Drive

Date: 07 December 2007   |   Author: Tristan Young

Category: Supermini Prices: £7485-£15,995 Key rival: Vauxhall Corsa

When we drove Renault's new 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine for the first time (in the new Twingo) we raved about it. The new small, but powerful 1.2 has the best of both worlds - low emissions and good economy while also being powerful enough to entertain.

We love the 100PS 1.2 turbo in the Clio for exactly the same reasons. Here you've got a car that will keep drivers and fleet managers happy.

A cost per mile figure of 23.4p is competitive with most mainstream rivals apart from Honda's Jazz and, predictably, the Mini. The main challengers such as Vauxhall's Corsa and the Peugeot 207 are around the same figure.

But this £11,870 Clio's downfall is associated with the things we've singled out about all Clios, namely the imprecise gearchange and over-light steering.

Verdict: Without a doubt our favourite Clio. Cracking engine though the car's annoyances remain

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