This is really a big car in disguise (Renault Clio 1.2 3-door)

Member Name: smcc

Product:	Renault Clio 1.2 3-door
Date:	27/08/01 (732 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Safe, Fast, Economic

Disadvantages: Just haven't quite got the cash yet, Tacky adverts (come on Renault, do us lads a favour), Definitley can't afford the 2.0!

OK, just for the record, I do not own a Renault Clio, I do not know anyone who owns one (yet), I have no connection with Renault or their franchises.

Now that the disclaimer is over and done with.

I want a Clio. I have written reviews on cars in Dooyoo before (Citroen Saxo, Citroen Picasso, Vauxhall Nova). These cars I have either owned or had use of regularly. However the Clio is not one of them. Reading the reviews in Dooyoo has spurred me on to add my voice to the Clio lovers of the World(UK).

As someone who is in the position of trying to save enough (and earn enough) to own a new car (it is, after all, 12 years since I bought new), I have trawled the lengths of the internet for advice on my future purchase. The answer so far? Get a new Clio.

I once saw the Clio when it was in its infancy, it looked pretty impressive back (circa early 90s).

After a couple of test drives (and non-happening test drives - but that's another story), I noticed the tacky new adverts for the new Clio. Pink flashing lights on the roof? Do they really want us men to buy one? Somewhere along the way, something seems to be working, because several friends and acquaintences agree with the new look and specifications.

The car I test drove was the Dynamique with 1.2 16v engine. As I sat in the driver's seat, I felt like I was in my old Peugeot 405: height adjustment for driver's seat (perfect for runts like me); electric windows (with controls on doors); pollen filter and air recirculation (perfect for hey-fever sufferers...like me). ABS, EBD, EBA, ABC, 123 baby you and me (ignore me, I'm on a roll); Sunroof (no slide tho'); electric power steering (am I boring anyone yet?); all-round headrests and 3-point seat belts; stereo with fingertip controls etc.

Upon turning the ignition key and putting the car into gear, it still felt like a big car. Although I did not put my foot down, I knew from the feel
of the engine that it was raring to go. Performance figures suggest the same result as I concluded. It can apparently reach 106mph (my non-trusty old 405 diesel can only just manage that sort of performance...eventually) and average just under 48mpg! Combine that with low insurance grouping AND bottom group for tax, as well as 18,000/2 year servicing intervals, and I think if Renault reassess their adverts (us macho sterotypes are not impressed with slogans that say va-va-voom) they will be on to a winner.

At the price I personally think the Dynamique with alloys, fog lamps and sports handling or the Expression + with air-conditioning are outstanding value for money. They can only be beaten by the Citroen range (except for performance). My local dealer (Harrats) is now offering the Dynamique at £7979 including 1st year insurance, which is an absolute bargain.

PS although they come with cassette player as standard, it costs just £100 for a CD player!

Summary: