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Renault Clio 1.0 TCe 90 Techno 5dr Review

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The TCe 90 has a similar amount of power to the VW Polo 1.0 TSI 95 but doesn’t feel as punchy. With a lower torque output, it doesn’t perform as well from low revs, and requires you to work the engine hard to make progress. Get it spinning past 5000rpm and A-road overtakes are possible, but the Seat Ibiza and VW Polo are far more flexible and therefore easier to drive. With that in mind, we’d avoid the less powerful non-turbocharged SCe 65.

1.0 TCe 90

Hatchback

Hatchbacks, SUVs, fast cars, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of them all is the design, with its cars now having a distinctive look that has won the firm a legion of fans for its flair and charm.

To drive and to own, the line-up is typically decent rather than outstanding. Best of the cars when they are rated against rivals are the Kadjar SUV, the fast RS models and the electric Zoe.

With new and used pricing also keen – and Target Price discounts through our New Car Buying marketplace usually more generous than most – there is the opportunity to negotiate an appealing price.

RENAULT

CLIO

Techno

1.0 TCe 90 Techno 5dr

10-tce-90-techno-5dr

ESC - Electronic Stability Control + traction control

Full LED front and rear headlamps integrating daytime running lights at the front and rear

Auto light control and rain sensing wiper

Remote central locking with thatcham approved immobiliser

Renault Clio

It might not be the most fun or comfortable small car, but the Clio continues to be a great all-rounder. The frugal E-Tech hybrid version will appeal to company car users, but the TCe 100 petrol is our pick. Stick with the mid-range Iconic trim and you’ll have yourself a very well-priced and practical family car, although interior quality and the infotainment system can’t compete with its german Volkswagen Polo rival. 

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

The Fiesta remains a star of the class, thanks to its strong Ecoboost petrol engines and suspension settings that are beautifully judged for British roads. However, the latest Volkswagen offers even more practicality, decent performance and a classy interior that has the edge on the Ford’s for quality.

Any of these models will be a competent commuter car – especially if fitted with one of the increasingly popular small turbocharged petrol engines – but just remember that while you’ll be able to carry two adults and two children, it might still be a struggle to get all of their luggage into the boot.

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Renault Clio 1.0 TCe 90 Techno 5dr Review

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