Item: Used Renault Clio Hatchback 2013-2019
Rating: 4
Author: What Car? Team

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/renault">Renault</a> Clio sits in one of the most competitive market sectors of all so there’s no shortage of rivals. If you’re after something with a longer warranty than Renault’s four-year offering you should look to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/rio/hatchback/used-review/n17562">Kia Rio</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/yaris/hatchback/used-review/n782">Toyota Yaris</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i20/hatchback/used-review/n957">Hyundai i20</a>, although none are as satisfying to drive as the Clio.

For those after more space the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/i20/hatchback/used-review/n957">Honda Jazz</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/used-review/n808">Skoda Fabia</a> are worth considering. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/used-review/n17425">Volkswagen Polo</a> is also worth a look if you want a more upmarket feel than the Clio can offer, while for pure driving entertainment it’s impossible to ignore the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/used-review/n952">Ford Fiesta</a>.

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<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/renault/clio?nearlynew=true&amp;used=true&amp;yearFrom=2019">Find a used Renault Clio with What Car? &gt;&gt;</a></h3>

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What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

<h3>Suspension and electrical issues</h3>

The most common problems identified with the car in the What Car? Reliability Index concern axle and suspension and electrical faults so be sure to listen for any knocks or bangs on the test drive and check that items such as the electric windows and touchscreen system work properly.

However, on the whole, this generation of Clio is holding up well as a used buy with no major or consistent faults reported. Even the 1.5 dCi seems to avoid the diesel particulate filter problems than can affect other diesels, so it’s really just a case of insisting on a fully stamped service book and looking for obvious signs of neglect.

While not a fault, the Clio’s automatic gearbox can be rather slow to respond when you accelerate hard so it’s worth doing a decent test drive before committing to purchase. The same goes for the automatic-only Clio Renault Sports.

This generation of&nbsp;Clio had&nbsp;a reasonable reliability record, although it finished only mid-table in the small car class in the last&nbsp;reliability survey it featured in. Renault as a brand finished in a hugely disappointing 30th place out of 31&nbsp;manufacturers.&nbsp;

If you'd&nbsp;like to see the full reliability list, head to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2020-what-car-reliability-survey/n20042">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>&nbsp;pages for more information.

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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

The fourth-generation of the&nbsp;Clio is a grown-up small car that’s also now great value for money

Used Renault Clio Hatchback 2013 - present

<h3>MPG</h3>

If fuel economy if your primary concern the 1.5 diesel engine is a good choice. It returned almost 90mpg in the old NEDC government tests and will easily exceed 60mpg in normal driving. However, with figures of 65mpg in official NEDC tests (since replaced by the tougher WLTP tests) and between 45-50mpg in normal driving the 0.9 petrol is hardly what you’d call thirsty, and thanks to their low CO2 emissions both of these engines qualify for free or £20 annual road tax.

<h3>Car tax</h3>

Cars registered after the tax changes of April 2017 came into force will pay the annual fee (VED) at a flat rate, currently £150&nbsp;a year.&nbsp;

Renault’s fixed price servicing for cars over three years old ranges from £169 to £269, making it cheaper than a Volkswagen Polo, but pricier than a Ford Fiesta. Renault recommends the car is only serviced every other year, but owners might still consider an annual oil change a worthwhile investment.

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<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

Used Renault Clio Hatchback 2013-2019

The fourth-generation of the Clio is a grown-up small car that’s also now great value for money 

You’ll need around&nbsp;£3000 to get into a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/renault">Renault</a> Clio of this generation that hasn’t been classed as a Category C or D insurance write-off (of which there are plenty) and even then you’ll be looking at poorly equipped entry-level models.

Upgrade your budget to £4000 and the choice will be widened significantly, with a good spread of engines. You can buy 0.9-litre petrols and the 1.5 diesel for the same price, and while the diesels tend to have covered higher mileages it’s still rare to find a Clio with much more than 100,000 miles on the clock.

By the time you’re up to £5000 there’s a vast range of low mileage Clios to choose from, while post-2016 facelift cars start from about £6000 if you’re prepared to settle for the lower-powered 1.2 petrol engine. Spend between £7000 and £9000 on good 2017 and 2018 versions, and a fraction more on the last 2019 cars.&nbsp;

Clio Renault Sports cost from £6000 to more than £12,000 for a Trophy.

The 0.9-litre turbocharged engine is both punchy enough and economical, so we'd look for that.

Top-spec Dynamique S Clios have parking sensors and climate control, on top of a whole host of desirable goodies, so we'd try and seek one of those out, as long as the price wasn't prohibitive.

Our favourite Renault Clio: 0.9 TCe Dynamique S

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<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 by single people or couples with no children – but the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen&nbsp;Polo 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.

Small

With cars as popular as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/renault">Renault</a> Clio there’s really no need to compromise on things such as a lack of service history because if the car you’re looking at doesn’t have it the next one almost certainly will.

You should also pay close attention to the condition of the bodywork because the Clio has always been popular with young drivers who might not be as spatially aware as those with more experience. With rear visibility in particular being tricky look for damage at the rear of the car.

<h3>Timing chains</h3>

Both the 1.2 petrol and 1.5 diesel have a timing chain that needs replacing after five years, so with any car reaching this milestone it’s worth checking it’s been done or factoring the £400 cost into the asking price.

<h3>Brake hoses</h3>

The Clio has been recalled twice over possible issues with how protectors on the brake hoses were fitted. In the worse case scenario this could result in wear to the hoses that causes fluid to leak, ultimately reducing braking performance (you’ll also see a warning light on the dash). This might affect any Mk4 Clio built up until April 2015 so if in doubt ask a Renault dealer if the work’s been carried out.

<h3>Recall</h3>

There’s been one other recall for a potentially loose rear spoiler on cars built up until the end of 2015.

While it might not sell in the same kind of volume as some of its rivals, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/renault">Renault</a> Clio is just as well known to most car buyers. For that, you can thank a certain Nicole and her papa who appeared in a hugely successful advertising campaign to promote the original Clio of 1991.

This fourth-generation car arrived more than twenty years later in 2013 and was&nbsp;a popular choice with small car buyers right up until 2019, when it was replaced by an updated version. That popularity was&nbsp;due mainly to&nbsp;its bold exterior and interior styling (including a dashboard shaped like an aircraft’s wing), competitive pricing and low running costs.&nbsp;

The highlights of the engine line-up are Renault’s smooth 1.5-litre diesel and a turbocharged three-cylinder 0.9-litre petrol engine both with 88bhp. There are also 1.2-litre petrols either with a turbocharger (118bhp) or without (74bhp), but these are rather expensive or rather slow respectively. If you’d prefer an automatic gearbox rather than the slightly notchy manual you’ll need to opt for either the 1.5 diesel or the turbocharged 1.2 petrol, and for speed demons there’s the hot Renault Sport version, with its 1.6-litre turbo.

As for the trim levels, there are five trims for the standard Clio and two for the Clio RS models. Opt for the entry-level trimmed Expression model and you'll find Bluetooth, USB connectivity, cruise control, front electric windows, and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors fitted as standard. Upgrade to Play and the Clio gains 16in alloy wheels and air conditioning. The Dynamique Nav trims include keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers, and Renault's MediaNav infotainment system complete with a 7.0in touchscreen display, DAB radio and sat-nav, while the Dynamique S models add 17in alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, LED headlights, climate control and all-round electric windows.

The range-topping Signature Nav trim adorns the Clio with TomTom-powered sat-nav, more speakers, front parking sensors, reversing camera and part-leather upholstery.

If you are after a bit more power then the RS, as mentioned,&nbsp;comes in two versions - the RS 200 and the RS 220 Trophy.&nbsp;For those after a truly sporty drive the Clio Renault Sport (RS) and in particular its Trophy derivative are very capable cars. The RS 200 comes with RS-designed LED headlights, 17in alloy wheels, a rear diffuser, a F1-styled front blade, a sporty bodykit and chassis set-up and an electronic differential on the outside, while inside there is cruise control, air conditioning, sports seats trimmed in dark cloth with red stitching and Renault's MediaNav infotainment system.

The Clio doesn’t quite match the benchmark set by the Ford Fiesta either in terms of ride comfort or handling. That said, it comes closer than most small cars, with good grip and secure handling that borders on good fun. There's more body lean than some of its newer rivals, but the payback for that is a comfortable ride. Aside from a restricted over-the-shoulder view, it is a doddle to drive, too.

And while the Clio can’t match the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/used-review/n808">Skoda Fabia</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/rio/hatchback/used-review/n17562">Kia Rio</a> for interior space, it at least has a boot the same size as that of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/used-review/n952">Ford Fiesta</a>. That in turn means it will swallow a couple of large cases without fuss, but if you’re buying a Clio with the aim of transporting small children, be prepared to familiarise yourself with their buggy’s wheel-release mechanism.

Space in the rear seats is fine for children but taller adults will find that both leg room and head room is tight. Those in the front will enjoy much more space, but might still rue the shortage of decent cubby holes for phones and the like.

In June 2016 the Clio line-up received upgraded materials for the interior and the addition of a more powerful 110bhp version of the 1.5 diesel complete with a six-speed gearbox.&nbsp;It was eventually replaced by an all-new fifth-generation version in 2019.

If you're interested in buying a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/renault/clio?nearlynew=true&amp;used=true&amp;yearFrom=2019">used Clio</a>, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classified pages <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">here.</a>

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Used Renault Clio Hatchback 2013-2019 review

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