Renault, Clio

The Renault Clio is a supermini car produced by French automobile manufacturer Renault. The first generation of the Clio was launched in 1990 and was based on the same platform as the Nissan Micra. It was designed to replace the Renault 5 and was intended to compete with other popular superminis such as the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo.

The original Clio was powered by a range of petrol engines, including a 1.4-liter inline-four producing 55 horsepower and a 1.7-liter inline-four producing 75 horsepower. It featured a front-wheel drive layout and a five-speed manual transmission, although an automatic transmission was also available.

In 1995, the second generation of the Clio was introduced, which brought with it a number of improvements, including a more aerodynamic body design and improved interior space. The engine range was also expanded to include a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 90 horsepower, as well as a 1.7-liter inline-four producing 86 horsepower.

The third generation of the Clio, launched in 2005, brought with it significant improvements, including a new platform and improved safety features such as electronic stability control and six airbags. The engine range was also expanded to include a range of petrol engines, including a 1.4-liter inline-four producing 75 horsepower and a 2.0-liter inline-four producing 130 horsepower.

In 2013, the fourth generation of the Clio was introduced, which brought with it significant improvements in terms of safety and interior space. The new Clio featured a range of petrol engines, including a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 98 horsepower, as well as an electric version called the Renault Clio Electric.

In 2020, the fifth generation of the Clio was launched, which brought with it significant improvements in terms of design and technology. The new Clio features a range of petrol engines, including a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 115 horsepower, as well as an improved safety package featuring a range of advanced driver assistance systems.

Throughout its production run, the Renault Clio has been known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice among supermini buyers. It has also been praised for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, as well as its impressive safety credentials.

The Clio has undergone significant updates over the years, including improvements to its exterior design, infotainment system, and driver assistance systems. In 2020, Renault introduced an updated version of the Clio, which features a new front grille and revised bumpers, as well as improved interior materials and a larger touchscreen display.

In terms of sales, the Renault Clio has been highly successful in Europe, where it is one of the best-selling superminis. It has also been popular in other markets, including South America and Asia, where it has been sold under the name Nissan Platina.

The Clio has a long-standing reputation for being a fun-to-drive car, with a range of trim levels available to suit different driving styles and budgets. The GT Line model is particularly sporty, featuring a more aggressive exterior design and revised suspension settings, while the Iconic TCe 100 model offers a more practical and affordable option.

Throughout its history, the Renault Clio has been praised for its reliability and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice among supermini buyers. It has also been known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, as well as its impressive safety credentials.

In terms of awards, the Clio has received numerous accolades over the years, including being named European Car of the Year in 1991 and World Car Design of the Year in 2020.