The Intens derivative makes use of chrome detailing.
Putting the city slicker through its paces on some Western Cape roads.
5 speed is as good as it gets for the Clio V, for now at least.
The highly customisable Multi-Sense drive mode which is configurable on the central display screen.
The signature headlamps that are familiar to the Mégane and Koleos.
An exterior revolution from the fourth generation Clio.
The recessed rear door handles give the compact hatchback a sporty aesthetic.
The Clio V is available in 6 colour variants including Metallic Flame Red, Metallic Mercury, Metallic Titanium Grey, Metallic Diamond Black, Glacier White and Urban Grey.
An all new 3-cylinder 1.0-litre TCe 100 petrol engine.
The Clio IV placed Top 3 for the “Most Beautiful Car of 2012” Awards so we are glad that not too much has changed on the outside.
The highly anticipated and Covid-19 delayed Renault Clio V has finally launched on South African shores and we got to spend the day cruising along some serene Western Cape roads to determine if it was worth the wait or not…
Putting the city slicker through its paces on some Western Cape roads.
The Clio is by far the most iconic model in Renault’s portfolio, evolving over 5 generations in a time period of 32 years and selling a total of 15 million units across 100 countries over this time. It is the definitive French B segment hatchback and if the fourth generation was anything to go by, the newcomer has big shoes to fill.
An exterior revolution from the fourth generation Clio.
South Africa’s story with the star city car only started with the second generation in the year 2000 but with over 76,700 units sold until now, it is safe to say that it has a sizable chunk of market share. More remarkably, almost half of this number is that of the Clio IV, which has sold 34,800 units since sales commenced in 2013.
The question then stands, how can you improve a pretty, popular product for a new generation? Since the Clio IV was already a dominant achiever in global automotive awards as well as sales, the French brand opted to build on the existing successful formula claiming that the Renault Clio V boasts an exterior evolution and interior revolution.
The Clio IV placed Top 3 for the “Most Beautiful Car of 2012” Awards so we are glad that not too much has changed on the outside.
What this means is that the newcomer has refined what its predecessor was into an even better balanced and complete hatchback than it was before with the aesthetically pleasing exterior being complimented by a plush interior and comfortable drive. It shares many similarities to its predecessor but as with the completely renewed exterior design that is an evolution from before, so is the chassis that has been modified and tweaked for the fifth generation.
The recessed rear door handles give the compact hatchback a sporty aesthetic.
It is difficult to grapple with the fact that the new chassis which is responsive and nimble in cornering while being comfortable and firm on the open road is only an evolution from the Clio IV which is essentially a decade old. We spent the day with the top of the range Intens version which has disk brakes all round that are well suited to its small sub-ton stature. Other derivatives make use of drum brakes at the rear.
The Intens derivative makes use of chrome detailing.
The Renault Clio V offers a 1.0-litre TCe 100 turbocharged petrol engine across the range and while this may sound like exactly the same from before, the French brand states that the fifth generation city slicker boasts an entirely new motor. The quiet 3-cylinder is good for 74 kW of power and 160 N.m of torque which is 8 kW and 20 N.m superior to its forerunner. It also has a better fuel consumption of 5,7L/ 100km for a combined fuel cycle although we saw 6,9L/100km after putting it through its paces for a few hundred kilometres.
An all new 3-cylinder 1.0-litre TCe 100 petrol engine.
A new Multi-Sense drive mode is one of the standout features on the updated interior which allows the driver to customise settings of the driving characteristics as well as displayed information on the 7” TFT driver display. An updated dashboard with new seats host the driver and passenger while an Easy Link system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is accessible via a USB cable. Wireless charging can be done in the centre console which sits just in front of the gear lever which is in convenient range of the steering wheel.
The highly customisable Multi-Sense drive mode which is configurable on the central display screen.
The newcomer has exterior dimensions that are slightly more compact than its predecessors yet it has managed to achieve best in class for storage with a total of 26L in all compartments while the boot capacity has grown 61L more than before bringing the total volume to 361L.
The Clio V is available in 6 colour variants including Metallic Flame Red, Metallic Mercury, Metallic Titanium Grey, Metallic Diamond Black, Glacier White and Urban Grey.
The Clio will only be available with a 5-speed automatic gearbox, for now at least and this is one of the gripes with what is otherwise a fantastic little car. On the open road, another gear ratio could help make the motor cope better, not to mitigate an engine whine that intrudes into the cabin but purely for better fuel economy with lower rpms at the national speed limit. An automatic could be on the cards in the future if using the clutch pedal isn’t your thing.
5 speed is as good as it gets for the Clio V, for now at least.
New trim names have also been introduced as has been seen with other new models in Renault’s portfolio, we no longer get Authentique, Expression and Dynamique but instead Life, Zen and Intens.
The signature headlamps that are familiar to the Mégane and Koleos.
Since Covid-19 and the semiconductor shortage threw the automotive industry on its head, the Renault Clio V is equally as much a victim and has had its local introduction delayed significantly. Originally making global debut in 2019, this model is essentially already in its third year of production. A facelift is therefore expected by 2023 so if having the latest goodies is a priority for your buying decisions and the Renault Clio V is the one for you, maybe hold out until next year.
Overall, Renault hopes to sell 200 units per month in our local market and continue to wrestle for market share from the likes of the Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai i20, Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2. It remains a quality proposition in a competitive market which is filled with high-tech and cheap interiors.
Pricing and Model Line-up
The Renault Clio V range is available as follows;
Clio V 1.0 Turbo LIFE – R309 900
Clio V 1.0 Turbo ZEN – R324 900
Clio V 1.0 Turbo INTENS – R349 900
All new Renault Clio V’s come with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000km intervals, and a standard 2-year 30 000km service plan applies.
Test Summary
Keyword: Driven: Renault Clio V Intens launch drive in the serene Western Cape