Used Renault Clio 2019-2023 review

If you're looking for a sensible used small car, you'll be expecting us to recommend something German and probably named after a certain round sweet. However, the Renault Clio has long been a safe choice and a classy alternative to its key rivals that is also, usefully, a fair bit cheaper to buy.

Engine options begin with an underpowered 73bhp 1.0 SCe petrol, followed by two turbocharged versions of the same engine in 89bhp TCe and 99bhp TCe forms. Above these are a 128bhp 1.3 TCe engine that comes exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, or a 138bhp 1.6 E-TECH hybrid that was added to the range in late 2020.

For 2023, Renault updated the Clio with an all-new model. It gained revised styling and went hybrid-only, offering only the E-TECH unit.

The entry-level Play trim level has LED headlights, cruise control, automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assistance and traffic sign recognition as standard. Iconic is a little smarter looking with 16in alloy wheels, along with rear parking sensors and a 7in touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

S Edition gives you bigger 17in wheels, climate control, front parking sensors and the largest 9.3in touchscreen that includes a reversing camera. You also get a 7in digital instrument cluster. Topping the range is a sportier-looking with more aggressive exterior styling and plenty of red stitching in the interior.

Your best bet is to avoid the 1.0 SCe and go for the 1.0 TCe instead because even the more muscular 99bhp version requires a fair bit of stoking to make progress. The 1.3 TCe on the other hand is far more urgent and is paired remarkably well with its auto 'box.

While the latter engine is more than a match for what's available in a Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo, the Clio can't topple its rivals to drive. The steering is pleasant enough but too vague and not quick enough to best the Fiesta for engagement, nor can the suspension cushion you from the sharp shocks of potholes or ridges in the road like a Polo can, and the Clio tends to feel choppy and fidgety at speed in comparison. The Clio also isn't as well isolated from wind noise as its latter rival, either.

Still, at least the Clio (apart from the basic Play model) is quite plush inside thanks to an abundance of soft touch materials. The driving position has plenty of adjustment and S Edition and above get more supportive, heavily bolstered sports seats.

The rear seat leg and head room isn't as generous as the Polo, but it is far better than in a Fiesta. Also, the boot in the Clio is noticeably bigger than that of either rival, even if the high lip makes loading items awkward.

If you're interested in finding a used Renault Clio or any of the other small cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Used pricing for the latest Clio starts at around £8000. Expect an entry-level Play model. Our preferred Iconic is only a little bit more at £8500.

Spend between £8000 and £12,000 on a good Clio from 2020 or 2021, and between £13,000 and £17,000 on cars from 2022 and 2023.

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MPG

The most economical Clio so far is the 1.5 diesel at 67.2mpg, followed closely by the hybrid at 64.2mpg. There isn't a whole lot of difference between the 1.0 SCe and 1.0 TCe at 52.3mpg and 54.3mpg, respectively.

Opting for the 1.3 TCe does drop efficiency down to 48.7mpg, but then it is lumbered with an automatic gearbox.

Road tax (VED)

Every Clio will be subject to the current flat rate fee for road tax – currently £180 for all petrol and diesel vehicles, and £170 for all hybrid cars – and none will fall foul of the additional surcharge for cars that cost more than £40,000 when new.

Insurance and servicing

Insurance groups range from three to 16 (and that's out of 50).

A three-year/30,000 miles service plan costs £499 upfront of £9.99 per month, or you can go for a longer four-year/40,000 mile policy at £749 upfront or £13.99 per month.

Engine

For most people's needs, the 99bhp 1.0 TCe will offer the best blend of performance and fuel economy. The hybrid has only just been launched and will take some time to filter through to used car forecourts.

An 84bhp diesel is the only option if you cover big mileages, but you really need to be covering huge distances annually to justify the expense over the 1.0 TCe petrol.

Specification

While entry-level Play has plenty of standard safety technology, we'd recommend going for the next rung up (Iconic) because that has some useful added luxuries and an infotainment system you can utilise smartphone mirroring with.

Our favourite Renault Clio: 1.0 100 TCe Iconic

If the Clio is a touch too tame in the handling department, consider a Ford Fiesta. It has a smaller boot and isn't as spacious in the back, but it is one of the most engaging small cars to drive and some updates in 2020 introduced some very efficient mild-hybrid engine options.

For unsurpassed comfort without having to resort to the expense of an Audi A1, try a Volkswagen Polo. Ride comfort is hugely impressive for a car in this class, plus all the controls have that extra layer of slickness to justify the additional expense of the Polo.

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If you're interested in finding a used Renault Clio or any of the other small cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.