As with most of my relationships, my brief fling with this lovely young French model came to an end before it even began. But I can without a doubt say that this is the one I won't get over anytime soon.

              Yes, the all-new Renault Clio 4 has left quite the impression. With its sensual lines and curves that we have come to expect from the Clio, this model shows them in an even more exaggerated form. It is a car that is, according to Renault: "Simple, yet sensuous and warm."

 

              The Clio now looks like a  3-door coupe, thanks to the gloss black side-detailing - which creates the illusion of a narrower body - as well as the rear door handles being integrated into the C-pillar. This little detail added some entertainment value to almost every drive where it left passengers wanting to enter the car via the front doors. The Clio also showcases a new front end with a prominent Renault badge. The rear is sporty and stylized, looking almost like a very cool comic book villain. The botoxed rear shoulders add even more to the Clio's sportiness and is also quite fun to look at in the car’s side mirrors.

 

              Inside, the Clio is fresh and modern, yet simple and practical. The dashboard has a completely new look. High-tech, with fluid flowing lines. The center console looks like it is floating over the dash and has a piano black gloss finish, which some fear might scuff and scratch over time. The Media Nav entertainment system is integrated into the center console, boasting a 7'' colour touch screen with navigation and telephone functionality. The system itself is easy to use and setting up the Bluetooth is hassle-free. The Clio also comes with Renault's Bass Reflex sound system, which quite frankly, I found very average.

 

              Since Renault's involvement in Formula One since the 70's, they have since become highly experienced at turbocharging small-capacity engines. Now, while the new Clio Dynamique is only a 898cc three-cylinder turbocharged engine, with a decent output of 66kW for such a small engine, it isn't the most thrilling car to drive. It is punchy and accelerates very well, but in my opinion the engine itself is a tad underpowered. Especially for a car that is about 100kg lighter than its older sibling. And with the ECO Mode switched on, it feels even more lacking. I did quite enjoy the engine sound from within the cabin. Handling is soft and smooth but even though it goes through corners quite well, it lacks feeling and dynamism.

 

                  All in all, the 4th generation Clio is a great little supermini. Packed with standard features and designed with a sexy new look, this car is great value for money. And even with all the pros and cons, that is what we as consumers need when our pockets are being emptied quicker than ever before. It is easy to say that the Clio 4 is the new kid on the block. With a little attitude, I might add.

RIVALS:

Kia Rio 1.4                                  

• R 173 995  • 79kW / 135Nm  •  6-speed manual  •  0-100kmph = 11.5sec  •  6.4litre/100km

VW Polo 1.4 Trendline            

• R 162 100  • 63kW / 132Nm  •  5-speed manual  •  0-100kmph = 12.5sec  •  6.1litre/100km

Ford Fiesta 1.4 Trend             

• R 189 900  • 71kW / 128Nm  •  5-speed manual  •  0-100kmph = 12.2sec  •  5.7litre/100km

THE DETAILS:

Engine

• 898cc 3-cylinder turbocharged engine

• 66kW @ 5250rpm

• 135Nm @ 2500rpm

• 5-speed manual

• FWD

 

Standard features (On Dynamique model):

• Remote central locking & immobilizer

• Electric front & rear windows

• Electric side mirrors

• Adjustable seats

• Adjustable power steering

• Cruise control & speed limiter

• Hill Start Assist

• ABS

• Emergency Brake Assist

• ESC (Electronic Stability Control)

• Driver & passenger airbags

• Side impact bars

• Renault Bass Reflex Sound System

• Bluetooth audio & telephone connectivity

• USB & AUX connectivity

• 5-year / 150 000km Warranty

PRICING: 

Clio4 1.2 Authentique             

• R 149 900  • 55kW / 107Nm  •  5-speed manual  •  0-100kmph = 15.4sec  •  5.5litre/100km

Clio4 turbo Expression          

• R 169 900  • 66kW / 135Nm  •  5-speed manual  •  0-100kmph = 12.8sec  •  4.5litre/100km

Clio4 turbo Dynamique (TESTED MODEL)        

• R 179 900  • 66kW / 135Nm  •  5-speed manual  •  0-100kmph = 12.2sec  •  4.5litre/100km

Clio4 RS 200 (1.6 Turbo)      • TBA          

• 147kW / 240Nm  •  dual-clutch auto gearbox  •  0-100kmph = 6.7sec  •  5.2litre/100km (claimed)

For more info go to: Renault SA or visit your nearest Renault dealership.

© 2013 Stiaan Jordaan

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