Renault Clio (2005 – 2009) Review

March 2005

All new, very chic Clio on same floorpan as new Micra, with Renault look but much more restrained styling than Megane and Vel Satis. 3,991mm x 1,768mm (2,025mm inc mirrors) x 1,484mm.

Ultra low CO2 and very economical 1.5 litre diesel engines. 5 Star NCAP occupant crash safety rating. 4 Star child safety rating. European car of the year 2006. Petrol engines 1.2 litres to 2.0 litres. Combined cruise control and speed limiter extra cost option. Passenger airbag can be deactivated by key switch.

RenaultSport Clio 197 launched Spring 2006 does 0-60 in 6.6, top speed 134, 31.7mpg, 209g/km CO2. Price £15,995.

December 2006

Dynamique S 138 launched at £12,180. Has 2.0 VVT 138 hp petrol engine. Offers refinement and comfort of a large car in a supermini sized package without compromising on power. Launched as three-door only, but new 138hp engine available as a five-door Clio in Privilège and Initiale trims, as well as a Clio 138hp auto, in the first half of 2007.

January 2007

Entry-level Clio Freeway priced at just £7,488 on the road. Three-door only and one engine, the 1.2 16V 75. Based on Authentique entry-level trim. Has multi-function trip computer, R.A.I.D. (Renault Anti-Intruder Device) linked into the remote central-locking, six airbags, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and Brake Assist, Clio Freeway, 2 x 15W radio single CD with two speakers, two tweeters and fingertip remote control. Four colours – non-metallic, Pacific Blue and metallic, Mercury, Pearl Black and Flame Red. Insurance Group 2E.

May 2007

All-new 1.2 Turbo 100 TCE (Turbo Control Efficiency) engine. Based on existing 1.2 16V 75, features a turbo which provides the torque of the 1.6 VVT 111 engine, the power of the 1.4 16V and the economy and emissions of the 1.2 16V 75.

October 2007

Renaultsport Clio 197 Cup launched. Offers same chassis set-up as limited-edition 197 F1 Team R27 with its reduced ride height of 7mm and stiffer springs and dampers. White available as an option for the first time. Renaultsport wheels in anthracite are standard whilst satin black Speedline wheels are optional. Air conditioning is moved to the options list for those who want to reduce the car’s weight as much as is possible. Lightweight Renaultsport Recaro seats are also available as an option.

August 2008

Entire range overhauled. Clio three-door range now consists of four trims - Extreme, Rip Curl, Dynamique and Dynamique S.

Clio five-door range now has five trim levels available – Expression, Rip Curl, Dynamique, Dynamique S and Initiale.

Extreme is now the entry-level point for Clio three-door. It gains front fog lights and extra-tinted windows as standard. Extreme is available with a choice of two engines, the 1.2 16V 75 and dCi 86, priced at £9,495 and £11,145 respectively.

Entry-level point for the Clio five-door, Expression now benefits from cruise control, speed limiter and automatic headlights and wipers. Expression is available in a choice of four engines, the 1.2 16V 75, 1.2 TCe Turbo 100, 1.6 VVT Automatic and the dCi 86. Prices start from £10,365, rising to £12,565 for the five-door whilst the Sport Tourer starts from £11,215

Rip Curl version already came packed with a huge list of standard equipment and is available with two engine choices, 1.2 16V 75 and dCi 86. Prices range from £10,195 to £11,845 for the three-door, and £10,795 to £12,445 for the five-door.

Dynamique has been significantly enhanced to include 16” ‘Canasta’ alloy wheels, extended front wings, air conditioning, automatic headlights, automatic wipers and a 4x15w RDS radio CD. Dynamique is available in three engine choices, 1.2 16V 75, 1.2 TCe Turbo 100 and the dCi 86. Prices range from £10,695 to £12,345 for the three-door and £11,295 to £12,945 for the five-door.

Dynamique S which incorporates a revised interior with stunning features which reflect its sporty exterior. ,A stylish zinc grey centre console, dashboard inserts and air vent surrounds, white instrument dials, 16” ‘Lyria’ alloy wheels, part leather upholstery and carpet mats are now additional standard features to an already long list of equipment. Dynamique S has a choice of four engines, 1.2 TCe Turbo 100, 2.0 VVT 138 six-speed, dCi 86 and dCi 106 six-speed. Prices range from £11,980 to £13,680 for the three-door and £12,580 to £14,280 for the five-door.

Initiale is available in five-door only and already includes an impressive list of standard equipment including leather upholstery. Clio Initiale is priced at £15,700 for the 1.6 VVT 111 Automatic and £16,050 for the dCi 106 six-speed.

October 2016

Haynes manual now available for Renault Clio 2005 - 2009, price £22.95. More here.