Ever since Nicole’s derrière graced the original Renault Clio, this supermini has had an aura of sassy French chic that eluded its competitors. But Nicole moved on, as did Clio, and when the third generation went on sale in 2005, youthful exuberance made way for middle-aged maturity.

Larger, heavier and costlier than ever, the Clio had grown so much that its role as the Renault family’s baby was taken by the Modus.
 
Built more robustly, and with much-needed additional safety, the new Clio sailed through Euro NCAP crash testing, earning the top five-star score for adult-occupant safety and a creditable four stars for child-occupant safety.
The latest Clio comes with a wide choice of engines: a 1.5 litre diesel available in a range of outputs from 68bhp to 106bhp, and four petrol engines ranging from the 75bhp 1.2 litre to the 197bhp 2 litre Renaultsport.

Which to buy? Fuel economy looms large for buyers, but few do the maths to see if a used diesel will actually recoup its higher purchase price (and the extra cost of diesel) with better economy. Unless you do 12,000 miles a year and keep the car for four years, buying a diesel Clio is likely to be a false economy.

The third-generation Clio added 285lb to the previous model’s weight, and that begs torque to get things moving – something the petrol engines sorely lack. So, if you do 12,000 miles, you’ll find the diesels a better bet.
 
The original Clio’s dynamic, fun-loving character is calmed down in this incarnation, but that’s no bad thing. While it’s not such a laugh on a Broad, it is more comfortable and refined. If you do crave thrills, the 197 Renaultsport’s handling delivers the goods – as long as you can tolerate its lacklustre engine.

As for equipment levels, even the entry-level Extreme gets electric front windows, alloy wheels and a CD player. Pay £200 more for a used Expression and you add air-conditioning. Let the buyer beware, though: step up to Dynamique grade and earlier models forfeit air-con in favour of sporting interior trim. Many owners chose to add air-con as a £500 option, making the Dynamique a desirable used buy.

The Clio scores well for practicality – its boot holds an impressive 288 litres, and insurance starts in group 2. A service is due every 12,000 miles (but some petrol models can be left for half as long again) and parts pricing is average.
If there’s a weakness, it’s the random failure of engine management components, and prematurely tired suspension and brakes. Overall, though, Renault has turned the Clio into an elegant and desirable car – in fact, the best French supermini to date.

CHECK THE FOLLOWING

BRAKES
Antilock brakes are standard, but check for worn brake discs

ENGINE
1.2 litre petrol turbo engine joined lineup in May 2007, producing 100bhp, but with low CO2 emissions

GEARBOX
Check second gear engages smoothly on cars with a high urban mileage
 
PASSENGER AIRBAG
Can be deactivated with a key
 
PERFORMANCE
197 Renaultsport added in spring 2006
 
REAR SEAT
All models come with a 60:40 folding seat, but back doesn’t fold fully flat

SAFETY
Six airbags standard, including two antisubmarine bags in front seat of three-door; five-door has four bags

STEREO
Check steering-mounted controls work
 
SUSPENSION
Listen for creaking and groaning at low speed with steering on full lock
 

Alternative

Or for similar money:

2005 55 Volkswagen Polo 1.4SE TDI
2006 06 Peugeot 207 1.6 HDi Sport
2006 56 Fiat Grande Punto 1.9 Mjet Eleganza
2006 56 Toyota Yaris 1.4 D4D T3
2007 07 Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Style

Figures based on CAP November 2008 edition

 © Bumper Media Limited November 2008