- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.2T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
88kW, 190Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 5.6L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2013)
2017 Renault Clio Zen review
What is it?
The second-tier model in the recently-updated Clio range, which sees a new naming structure in-line with larger models like the Megane and Koleos SUV as well as mild styling changes and additional features within the cabin.
More significantly, the Clio range has come in for a significant price re-alignment with discounts across the line-up.
How much does it cost and what do you get?
The new Clio range now starts at $15,990 for the entry-level Life variant with a manual transmission and 900cc three-cylinder turbo engine, bringing it closer to popular city car rivals such as the Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris.
The Zen model we're testing comes standard with a larger 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo motor and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and costs $19,990, which amounts to a saving of more than $1500 over the previous Expression model it replaces.
Apart from the bigger engine and auto gearbox, you get LED headlights that now feature Renault's signature C-shaped running lights, fog lights, front parking sensors, voice-activated sat nav and larger 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Clio is covered with a five-year warranty and the first three annual services are capped at $299 each.
What's under the bonnet?
The Zen's 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo engine remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, producing 88kW and 190Nm with a claimed average fuel consumption of 5.6L/100km.
Those numbers make it one of the more powerful city cars and yet one of the most frugal, which, in the real world, translates to it being a zippy and fun car to drive that won't cost a heap to run.
It's not quite a hot hatch, a role that is taken by the dedicated Renault Sport Clio RS200, but the turbo motor gives it a decent surge of low-end power that makes it spritely in the city and effortless out on the highway.
What's it like to drive?
Renault is renowned for injecting a degree of playfulness into its small cars, and the latest Clio is no different.
The steering is light but precise and the suspension is stiffer than most of its competitors, giving it a bit more flavour for those that enjoy throwing it through the bends every now and then.
But it does bring some compromises, as it feels a little flighty on its feet - particularly in wet weather - and bumps and lumps in the middle of corners can upset its stance and will crash through into the cabin at any rate.
The auto isn't the best of its kind either, hesitating when engaging reverse or drive and when moving away from a standstill. But it's okay once on the move, shifting without too much intrusion and intuitively finding the right gear for the occasion.
What's it like inside?
Like most French cars, the Clio's cabin has a sense of style about it but also some quirks.
From the driver's seat, it has a good position and enough adjustment to suit most drivers and there's clear instruments and decent vision. There's also good headroom and side support for front seat occupants, but not a lot of useable small item storage while the cupholders seem to be designed for petite French drinks and there's a USB port that strangely didn't seem to fit a USB cable.
Rear-seat passengers will find the bench seat in the back a little flat and cramped with limited knee room, but the 300L boot is pretty spacious for this class.
The dash design is quite funky, with plastics that feature a technical pattern and a centre console with its touch screen mounted at the top, which not only makes it easy to use but also easy to see without taking your eyes off the road for long periods of time.
The interface is colourful and segmented into logical functions, but we experienced a few niggling issues with the Bluetooth connection and there's an annoying beep (for either speed limit changes or speed cameras... it's not obvious) in the nav that I couldn't work out how to turn off or, at the very least, turn down the volume.
Is it safe?
Even though it has a five-star crash test rating, the Clio is behind the times on modern safety features with only airbag protection for front seat occupants and no semi-autonomous driving aids like automated emergency braking.
It does have a reverse camera as standard on every model and Renault defends its decision not to have rear airbags by claiming the basic structure is stronger than most small cars.
Would I buy it?
The appeal of the Clio lies in its European style and cheeky driving character, which plays a big role for younger, fashion conscious buyers at this end of the new car landscape.
It's even more appealing now that it is cheaper than before, but small families can find safer and smoother-driving options out there for the same money.
What else should I consider?
The Mazda2 is our reigning City Car champion in the Drive Car of the Year Awards because of its all-round goodness. It's just as much fun to drive, slightly more efficient, comes with a conventional automatic and can be just as stylish depending on specification. Every model now comes equipped with automated emergency braking too.
The Toyota Yaris, new Suzuki Swift and Kia Rio are other rock-solid city car options, but certainly more conservative ones when it comes to style, while the Honda Jazz is well-suited for families due to its more spacious and flexible rear-seat arrangement.
If fashion is a factor, then the cute-as-a-bubble Fiat 500 or the slightly off-centre Skoda Fabia might not suit everyone but shouldn't be discounted either.
2017 Renault Clio Zen price and specifications
Price: From $19,990 plus on-road costs
Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo
Power: 88kW at 4900rpm
Torque: 190Nm at 2000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive
Fuel use: 5.6L/100km