Two years ago Renault pulled the wraps off the latest generation of its top-selling hatchback. The Renault Clio V recently made its South African debut. We were invited to sample the newcomer at its national ride and drive event in the Western Cape.

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The Renault Clio has been a small-car stalwart for all of its 30 years. This hatch has ushered in a number of firsts in its fast-evolving segment across four previous generations. With the competition more fierce than ever before, it’s only fitting that the Clio V is the best the model has ever been.

Range name change

Manufacturers around the world are tightening up their line-ups to offer a model range that focuses on the key points. There’s only one engine available in the local Clio V range and only a manual transmission. There are, however, three specification levels; Life, Zen and Intens. The renamed derivatives replace the outgoing naming conventions of Authentique, Expression and Dynamique.

We drove the range-topping Intens model. Its optional 17-inch alloys set it apart from its siblings. It also features colour-coded exterior trim with contrasting chrome on the grille, and around the side windows. On the safety front, driver assistance programs are standard across the range.

The Intens is definitely the show-off of the bunch, especially with the optional 9,3-inch touchscreen which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An auto-on feature of the electronic parking brake is also a welcome nicety. If your smartphone device allows for it, then you can charge it wirelessly behind the gear lever. This wireless charging shelf is swapped for a deep storage bin tall enough for a water bottle on the two lower-spec levels.

Read our review of the Renault Megane RS Cup by clicking here.

Impressive mid-range oomph

There’s only one engine variant for now; a 1,0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine that sends its 74 kW and 160 N.m of torque to tarmac through the aforementioned five-speed manual gearbox. You start the engine via a button located to the left of the steering column and are greeted by a non-intrusive thrum. This is rather surprising given the off-beat engine note these motors are known for.

Peak power amount is nothing to write home about, and it feels almost silly to wring the tachometer close to the 6 500 r/min redline because acceleration drops off very quickly after 5000 r/min. However, the powertrain offers massive mid-range oomph, which feels more impressive than its 160 N.m suggests. Renault claims that the Clio will consume an average of 5,7 L/100 km. We managed just above 7 L/100 km on our spirited drive along the coast.

Clio V – the most premium-feeling yet

One of the biggest ways that customers and their friends and family, judge a car’s perceived quality is when they sit down in a seat and touch the panels and feel the trim in the cabin. This is the Clio’s most impressive area of improvement. Everything feels substantial, with no massive gaps, and a soft-touch facia, with faux-aluminium looking trim scattered around to contrast the dark upholstery.

In addition, the Clio shines is in its NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) control. Unnecessary noises from the road and wind have been almost eliminated. Perhaps the ride could have been a little more supple. We suspect the low-profile rubber wrapped around the optional 17-inch alloys might be the culprit. Maybe at a later stage, we’ll get to see how the 16-inch wheels with chunky sidewalls differ in ride comfort.

Verdict

The segment the Clio competes in is hotly contested by the likes of the Hyundai i20, Toyota Yaris, and the undoubted sales king – Volkswagen’s Polo. Clio is the best it’s ever been – more refined and comfortable than ever before. It’s up to the buying public to determine if it’s worth it.

Renault Clio V pricing

  • R309 900 – 1,0 Turbo Life
  • R324 900 – 1,0 Turbo Zen
  • R349 900 – 1,0 Turbo Intens