Used Renault Clio 2019-present review

If you're thinking about buying a sensible used small car, you're likely looking at that German car named after a certain donut-shaped mint, right? Well, there are other cars you should be looking at as well, such as the Renault Clio, because it's also a good choice.

While we're focusing on the 2019-onwards model here, the Clio lineage is long and older versions, like the 2013-2019 Renault Clio and 2005-2013 Renault Clio, are worth considering if you're budget is tighter.

A thorough facelift in 2023 brought in a completely redesigned look and the engine options were reduced to just the one hybrid power unit and the pure petrol TCe 90.

Engines & Performance: Engine options begin with an underpowered 73bhp 1.0 SCe petrol, followed by two turbocharged versions of the same engine in 89bhp TCe and 99bhp TCe forms. Above these are a 128bhp 1.3 TCe engine that comes exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, or a 138bhp 1.6 E-TECH hybrid that was added to the range in late 2020.

Your best bet is to avoid the 1.0 SCe and go for the 1.0 TCe instead because even the more muscular 99bhp version requires a fair bit of stoking to make progress. The 1.3 TCe on the other hand is far more urgent and is paired remarkably well with its auto 'box.

From 2023 onwards only the 1.0 TCe 90 and the 143bhp 1.6-litre engine hybrid were offered. The TCe 90 needs working hard to make good progress but is smooth and quiet, while the hybrid-engined car offers an impressively smooth and linear power delivery.

Ride & Handling: The Clio can't topple its rivals, namely the Ford Fiesta and Skoda Fabia, to drive. The steering is pleasant enough but too vague and not quick enough to best the Fiesta for engagement, nor can the suspension cushion you from the sharp shocks of potholes or ridges in the road like a Fabia can – the Clio tends to feel a tad choppy and fidgety at speed in comparison. The Clio also isn't as well isolated from wind noise as its latter rival, either.

All that said, the Clio's ride and handling balance, while no match for the best of its rivals, is good enough to satisfy. It goes around corners with enough composure, grip and agility to inspire some confidence in its driver, while the suspension (though on the firmer side) has enough give for the ride to prove largely comfortable.

Later, post-facelift Clios had a far superior ride and handling balance, thanks to the changes made under the skin.

Interior & Practicality: The Clio (apart from the basic Play model) is quite plush inside thanks to an abundance of soft touch materials. The driving position has plenty of adjustment and S Edition and above get more supportive, heavily bolstered sports seats.

Rear-seat leg and head room isn't as generous as the VW Polo's, but it is far better than the Fiesta's. Also, the boot in the Clio is noticeably bigger than that of either rival, even if the high lip makes loading items awkward.

Trims & Equipment: The entry-level Play trim level has LED headlights, cruise control, automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assistance and traffic sign recognition as standard. Iconic is a little smarter looking with 16in alloy wheels, along with rear parking sensors and a 7in touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

S Edition gives you bigger 17in wheels, climate control, front parking sensors and the largest 9.3in touchscreen that includes a reversing camera. You also get a 7in digital instrument cluster. Topping the range is a sportier-looking RS Line with more aggressive exterior styling and plenty of red stitching in the interior. As part of a 2023 facelift (that also included a new front-end for the exterior), Esprit Alpine trim debuted and replaced RS Line, though.

Interested in buying a used Renault Clio? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Used pricing for this Renault Clio starts at around £8000. For the money, you can get our preferred trim, Iconic. Spend between £8000 and £12,000 on a good Clio from 2020 or 2021, and between £13,000 and £15,000 on cars from 2022 and 2023. You'll need over £15,000 to buy the post-facelift 2023 and 2024 Clios that we really recommend.

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MPG: The most economical Clio is the 1.5 diesel at 67.2mpg, followed closely by the hybrid at 64.2mpg. There isn't a whole lot of difference between the 1.0 SCe and 1.0 TCe at 52.3mpg and 54.3mpg, respectively.

Opting for the 1.3 TCe does drop efficiency down to 48.7mpg, but then it is lumbered with an automatic gearbox.

The later 143bhp 1.6-litre hybrid claims up to 67.3mpg under the official tests.

Road tax (VED): Every Clio will be subject to the current flat rate fee for road tax – currently £190 for all petrol and diesel vehicles, and £180 for all hybrid cars – and none will fall foul of the additional surcharge for cars that cost more than £40,000 when new.

Insurance and servicing: Insurance groups are low, ranging from three to 16 (and that's out of 50).

A three-year/30,000 miles service plan costs £499 upfront of £9.99 per month, or you can go for a longer four-year/40,000 mile policy at £749 upfront or £13.99 per month.

Reliability

The Renault Clio has demonstrated good general dependability, as highlighted by owner feedback from the What Car? Reliability Survey, covering petrol and hybrid models from 2019 onwards. Most owners reported minimal unscheduled repairs, underscoring the car's reliability.

However, the hybrid models faced criticism for electrical problems that frequently required dealer attention. Owners' experiences with dealership services were mixed, with some praising the responsiveness and professionalism, while others were frustrated by repair delays and poor communication.

Discover more about used Renault Clio reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page.

Engine: For most people's needs, the 99bhp 1.0 TCe will offer the best blend of performance and fuel economy. The hybrid is good at offering that blend too, but its reliability is reportedly mixed.

An 84bhp diesel is the only option if you cover big mileages, but you really need to be covering huge distances annually to justify going for it over the 1.0 TCe petrol.

If you can afford it, we recommend buying the much-improved post-facelift 2023-onwards Clio, which is only available in hybrid or pure petrol 1.0 TCe 90 form. Again, we'd buy the hybrid version if you can.

Specification: While entry-level Play has plenty of standard-from-new safety technology, we'd recommend going for the next rung up (Iconic) because that has some useful added luxuries and an infotainment system you can utilise smartphone mirroring with.

If going for a post-facelift Clio we'd stick with entry-level Evolution, which is well-equipped and the cheapest.

Our favourite Renault Clio: 1.6 E-Tech 145 Evolution

If the Clio is a touch too tame in the handling department, consider a Ford Fiesta. It has a smaller boot and isn't as spacious in the back, but it is one of the most engaging small cars to drive and some updates in 2020 introduced some very efficient mild-hybrid engine options.

For unsurpassed comfort without having to resort to the expense of an Audi A1, try a Volkswagen Polo or, better yet, a Skoda Fabia. Ride comfort is hugely impressive in either option – the Fabia feels a bit more premium inside – plus all the controls have an extra layer of slickness.

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Interested in buying a used Renault Clio? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.