Renault Clio
The Renault Clio was launched late in 1990 and was exported to the UK at the start of the following year. It was a huge step forward for the French marque and went straight to the top of the supermini class. A four-door sedan is sold in some markets in Latin America as the Nissan Platina. In markets where the four-door carries a Renault badge, it is known as the Renault Clio Symbol or Renault Thalia, like for example in Hungary.
The Clio set benchmarks for the supermini class in terms of space, comfort, build quality and style. It was also good to drive. The Clio effectively replaced the elderly Renault 5 (which had been around since 1970) but this car hung on until 1996, and the Clio was solidly built so it inherited none of the old car's flimsiness.
Meanwhile, the Clio was making an impact on the market with its completely new design. The engine range was also good, with the 1.2 and 1.4 petrol and 1.9 diesel engines all getting fuel injection. During 1991 a 1.8 16-valve engine capable of 125mph was added to the range.
In 1993, the Clio Williams was launched. It had a 2.0 16-valve engine and had a top speed of more than 130mph. Ride, handling and performance were all excellent and further boosted the Clio's position as leader of the supermini class.
The Clio range received a mild facelift at the end of 1995 but very little appeared to have changed. It still remained one of the best cars in the supermini class even though it was facing stiff competition from the VW Polo and Fiat Punto.
At the end of 1997, the Clio was replaced by an all-new car of the same name with bolder styling and even better value for money. Most of the engines were carried over from the previous range and the interior was still spacious and comfortable. It re-established the Clio as a class leader.
In 1999 Renault launched the Sport Clio 172, with a 2.0 16-valve engine and a top speed of nearly 140mph. But at the same time an even more outrageous Clio was launched. The Sport Clio V6, with a Laguna sourced 3.0 V6 engine and a top speed of around 150mph, had a mid mounted engine and a great driving experience to match its equally amazing looks.
2001 saw the Clio receive a major facelift but the rest of the car was very much the same as the 1997 model. The only other major change was the addition of a super economical 1.5 common rail diesel engine.
The Renault Clio is now seven years old but it is still one of the most viable choices in the supermini sector thanks to its excellent ride and handling, spacious interior, smooth ride and competitive price. Its engine range is the most extensive in this sector, ranging from an economical 1.2 petrol and a 1.5 diesel right the way to a 3.0 V6 which gives supercar performance. Expect the next generation Clio to be even better when it arrives next year.
Renault
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