The Renault Clio used to be positioned in the fun, fashionable side of the supermini sector, what with all those Papa and Nicole adverts - a touch of Parisian chic in drizzly Leicester. Renault styling has taken something of a dip in recent times, bold looking cars being followed by slightly dull replacements. Ironically the "Va-Va-Voom" adverts just served to remind us that Renault had lost exactly that.
The fading Clio received a major facelift in 2009 that served to freshen it up in the face of ever tougher competition from rival cars. The Clio remains the granddad of them all, not just in its standard guise but also in storming Renaultsport form as well.
The French supermini is larger than it has ever been, the car maker following the false adage that bigger is better, but that's an industry-wide problem and does serve to lend the Clio some big car sophistication. Indeed, the handling feels like something much bigger and more assured, the ride well suited to cruising along the motorways for long distances. The only criticism here is that the steering feels a little too light and over-assisted.
Overall though, the Clio's impression is very positive - it feels capable of performing every task you might ask of it with aplomb, and doesn't ask the usual sacrifices that such small cars invariably demand. Interior space is plentiful, especially in comparison with sector rivals. Four adults can accommodated in comfort and the boot is of a reasonable size too.
The cabin's quality on entry-level models isn't up there with the class best, but it does feel solidly built and there's nothing particularly flimsy inside. The dashboard isn't made of the same soft plastics that you might find in an equivalent Volkswagen Polo though. If you're willing to spend the money on the pricier top of the range models, however, then you'll find that quality is much improved. Such a Clio could turn out to be quite an expensive proposition, though.
Ignore the entry-level 1.2-litre petrol engine and the range on offer is exceedingly capable, each offering enough power for the car. The diesels are as good as you'd expect from Renault and suit the Clio's mature, relaxed feel. Naturally we loved the 2.0-litre 16-valve engine in the epic Renaultsport 200 model, arguably the best hot supermini you can buy.For the money, the Clio doesn't always represent good value - and it's in serious danger of getting left behind by ever more capable competition.