Renault Clio Sport Tourer full 9 point review

  • Performance

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The turbocharged 1.2-litre TCe petrol engine is the one to go for. It’s got a surprising amount of zip for such a small engine, and its running costs are minimal. The 87bhp 1.5 diesel is smooth and flexible, drawing a good balance between performance and economy.

  • Ride & Handling

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Clio Sport Tourer is just as enjoyable to drive as the hatchback. It has superb composure and grip, and there's excellent body control, yet still enough suppleness for use around town. The light, accurate steering makes the Clio easy to park and manoeuvre, but it has an artificial feel that can be unnerving.

  • Refinement

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad This is one area where the Clio really impresses. Thanks to brilliant suppression of road and wind noise, it's a quiet, refined cruiser that makes light of long trips. Most of the engines are hushed and the diesels are especially impressive - they're among the quietest around.

  • Buying & Owning

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Buying a Clio Sport Tourer won't be cheap by supermini standards, but you do get more car for your cash. Discounts are reasonable, too, and resale values are respectable. Most models are impressively frugal, and have low bandings for company car tax.

  • Quality & Reliability

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership For perceived quality (the impression you get when you open the doors and touch or look at the interior) top-specification Clios are as good as small cars come. It's a shame that the cheapest Expression models don't get the soft-touch trim and metallic inserts of the more expensive car, however. The Clio's mechanical reliability was rated as average in the 2011 JD Power survey, but owners reported a fair share of gremlins with the stereo.

  • Safety & Security

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The Clio scored a maximum five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, and the Tourer should perform no differently. All models have at least four airbags, while stability control is an inexpensive option across the range. Deadlocks and anti-drill locks are fitted to serve as barriers to thieves.

  • Behind The Wheel

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin There's plenty of height adjustment for the seat and steering wheel, but none for reach. Despite this, most drivers should find it easy to make themselves comfortable. Chunky rear pillars can hamper your over-the-shoulder visibility.

  • Space & Practicality

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin Being a supermini-based estate, the Clio doesn't have an enormous load area. However, there's enough size to give you an easier life than hatchback buyers get, and there are some clever touches. For example, the removable load cover can be stashed underneath the boot floor, so you don't have to leave it behind when carrying big loads.

  • Equipment

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Like the hatchback, the Sport Tourer is available in Expression, Dynamique TomTom and GT Line TomTom trims. Expression cars are pretty basic, but do have Bluetooth, electric front windows and front foglights. We prefer Dynamique TomTom, which comes with the soft-touch dash that transforms the Clio, plus sat-nav, alloy wheels, automatic headlights and wipers and air-con. Range-topping GT Line TomTom models add climate control, tinted rear windows and a electric rear windows.

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