Life with a Renault Clio Hybrid: Final Report
After spending an extended period of time with the Renault Clio hybrid, it has become one of my favorite long-termers in my eight years of reviewing cars. Despite a few minor flaws like dashboard rattles and occasional glitches with the stereo volume controls and Apple CarPlay integration, the overall experience has been extremely positive. One of the standout features of the Clio is its fuel efficiency, thanks to Renault’s E-Tech Full Hybrid powertrain. Over the course of 10,000 miles, the car achieved an impressive 53.5mpg, even on unrestricted stretches of autobahn. The Clio also impressed in terms of practicality, comfortably accommodating two passengers over 6ft tall and their luggage. The lack of separate air vents and cupholders in the rear seats was a minor inconvenience, but did not detract from the overall functionality of the car. In terms of driving experience, the Clio’s handling was sharp and rewarding, making it one of the most fun superminis on the market. The firm ride was not unpleasant, and the powertrain seamlessly transitioned between EV mode and petrol power to optimize both economy and performance. Additionally, the Clio’s touchscreen and physical controls were intuitive and user-friendly. Overall, the Clio hybrid is a well-rounded and polished offering that could potentially become the new default super mini purchase in the absence of the Ford Fiesta.
Life with a Renault Clio Hybrid: Month 6
During a trip to Spa, Belgium, with two friends, the Clio hybrid once again showcased its impressive performance and practicality. Despite carrying three passengers and their luggage, the car had no major issues with space or comfort. The wireless Apple CarPlay made navigation and entertainment easily accessible, while the lack of separate air vents and cupholders in the rear seats was a minor inconvenience for my passengers. The journey to Spa revealed the cost-effectiveness of the Clio hybrid compared to attending major motorsport events like the British Grand Prix. The trip to Spa, including tickets, parking, and fuel expenses, cost significantly less than attending the Formula 1 race at Silverstone. The racing at Spa was also more exciting and featured a greater variety of cars. Overall, the Clio hybrid proved to be a reliable and enjoyable companion for long journeys.
Life with a Renault Clio Hybrid: Month 5
A reader’s letter revealed another satisfied owner of the Clio hybrid, highlighting the larger touchscreen as a major advantage. The letter also mentioned that the hybrid model performs well on short journeys but may struggle on the highway. However, my personal experience contradicted this, as I found the Clio hybrid to be capable and efficient even at higher speeds. In a comparison with the entry-level petrol manual version, I discovered that while the hybrid offered superior fuel economy, the petrol version was more engaging to drive. The compromise in fuel economy was a minor trade-off for the enjoyable driving experience of the petrol model. Overall, the Clio hybrid continues to impress with its fuel efficiency and practicality.
Life with a Renault Clio Hybrid: Month 4
The Clio hybrid experienced a few minor glitches, including a failure to detect the end of phone calls and continuous beeping from the parking sensors. Despite these hiccups, the overall experience with the car remained positive.
Life with a Renault Clio Hybrid: Month 3
Initially dismissive of the Clio’s sporting credentials, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance and handling. While the Alpine badging may seem gratuitous, the Clio proved to be sporty enough to justify the branding. The hybrid powertrain provided quick acceleration and nimble handling, making it a fun and enjoyable car to drive. The interior design and ergonomics were also impressive, with a user-friendly touchscreen and physical controls. Overall, the Clio hybrid offers a well-rounded and engaging driving experience.
Life with a Renault Clio Hybrid: Month 2
The Clio’s auto-hold feature proved to be a convenient and practical addition, allowing for easier driving in traffic. The feature eliminates the need to constantly shift between park and drive, providing a smoother and more efficient driving experience. Despite accidentally turning off the auto-hold feature, it was easy to locate and reactivate.
Life with a Renault Clio Hybrid: Month 1
The Renault Clio hybrid emerged as a strong contender to replace the Ford Fiesta as the new default affordable small hatchback. With its innovative E-Tech Full Hybrid powertrain, the Clio offers impressive fuel efficiency and a dynamic driving experience. The interior design and touchscreen controls were intuitive and user-friendly, while the addition of heated seats and a heated steering wheel in the Esprit Alpine trim level added an extra level of comfort. Despite some minor flaws, such as dashboard rattles and limited color options, the Clio proved to be a well-rounded and polished offering in the supermini segment. Overall, the Clio hybrid is a compelling choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient and enjoyable small hatchback.
