Renault Clio (2012 – 2019)

Summary

On sale in the UK from the end of 2012 to early 2019, the fourth-generation Renault Clio is a compact five-door hatchback built on the same platform as the smaller Renault Zoe. It was replaced by the current fifth-generation Clio in 2019.

Rivalling other mainstream superminis like the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo, the fourth-generation Clio was available as a petrol, diesel or hybrid model, with both manual and automatic gearboxes available.

This iteration of the Clio has a more spacious cabin than its predecessor thanks to its longer wheelbase. The hatchback was given a mild mid-life facelift in the middle of 2016, consisting of exterior styling tweaks, new interior trim details and functions, infotainment updates and the addition of LED headlights.

There is a performance-tuned version called the Renault Clio R.S., but we will be making a separate page for that model, coming soon. The Renault Clio was also sold as an estate elsewhere in Europe, but this version was not sold in the UK.

Throughout its lifespan, the fourth-generation Clio received average to very good reviews scores from the British media – affordable, well-equipped and comfortable, Parkers concluded that the Clio didn’t have “any particular weaknesses” when it was on sale. However, now off sale, many reviewers comment that the Clio’s interior is now looking dated.

Carwow explains that “newer models have simpler designs, bigger screens and better infotainment systems”, while Carbuyer says that the Clio’s cheap interior plastics means that the car’s interior build quality is somewhat inferior to the likes of the Volkswagen Polo.

What Car? adds that the Skoda Fabia has more interior space than the Clio, and that the Ford Fiesta offers the best performance and handling in the Supermini class. That said, most reviewers agree that the Clio is a stylish hatchback and a good value-for-money package – a great all-rounder that proved to be a capable alternative to the supermini class leaders during its tenure.

Now no longer on sale, the fourth-generation Renault Clio holds an Expert Rating of 63%, based on 42 reviews published by UK media sources.

Clio highlights

Distinctive styling still looks modern
Value-for-money package with plenty of tech
Efficient engines
Wide range of models to choose from
Comfortable drive

Clio lowlights

Cheap interior plastics and dated tech
Newer rivals have more boot space
Optional extras can get pricey
Slow entry-level models
Slightly cramped rear seating

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatch Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £13,870 on-road

Launched: Winter 2012/13Last updated: Summer 2016
Replaced: Spring 2019

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autos, cars, renault, vnex, renault clio (2012 – 2019)

Renault Clio (2016 – 2019)

Renault Clio (2012 – 2016)

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: “The Renault Clio is a stylish supermini that’s relatively cheap to run, but it’s not a class leader.”
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Model reviewed: (2016)Score: 6 / 10“The Renault Clio remains a capable and perfectly recommendable supermini, with this light facelift tweaking the car in several key areas to ensure it keeps pace with the class best.”
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Model reviewed: ExpressionScore: 6 / 10“The Renault Clio Expression cuts back on the standard equipment to keep the price manageable. The interior lacks some essential kit and feels a bit spartan, but practicality is strong and you wouldn’t necessarily know this is the basic model by looking at it from the outside.”
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Model reviewed: GT-Line (2015)Score: 6 / 10“The warmed over Clio looks good on paper and in the showroom, but it fails to live up to its promise.”
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Model reviewed: Dynamique MediaNavScore: 6 / 10“Despite its bold looks, the Renault Clio Dynamique MediaNav can’t match the class leaders. It’s surprisingly fun to drive, but the cheaply trimmed interior already looks dated in some areas, despite having lots of kit.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: (2016)Score: 6.6 / 10“The Renault Clio is a solid contender in the supermini class, if not quite up there with the absolute best. There’s a lot to like, including its style, sophisticated driving manners and some punchy turbocharged engines, not to mention decent equipment and affordability.”
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Model reviewed: Score: 6.2 / 10“The Renault Clio is great to look at, ok to drive and comes with a range of efficient engines. And, being a Renault, it’s also one of the safest superminis around.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: GT-LineScore: 6 / 10“A healthy dose of Renaultsport handling magic can’t overcome the Renault Clio GT-Line 120’s mismatched drivetrain and high price.”
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Model reviewed: 0.9 TCe 90 Dynamique S Nav (2016)Score: 8 / 10“First taste of reskinned Renault Clio on UK roads reveals a car that’s certainly no worse than before but not considerably better.”
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Model reviewed: “The fourth-generation Renault Clio ushers in a new era for Renault. The car feels more mature but no less enjoyable to drive.”
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Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“The Renault Clio is a multi-talented contender that can stand comparison with the best superminis on the roads today, even if it isn’t quite the best.”
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Business Car

Model reviewed: Dynamique S TCe 120Score: 8 / 10“The Renault Clio Dynamique S TCe 120 has stylish looks, nippy performance, and generous levels of kit.”
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Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“Although the Renault Clio may not lead the competition when it comes to costs, it’s close enough to be considered, and this 1.2-litre petrol is a good compromise for those drivers looking for added performance at only a little extra cost.”
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Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“The Renault Clio has an all-round appeal across CO2, running costs, looks and interior quality that it has not previously enjoyed, and putting it up around the VW Polo, Ford Fiesta and Peugeot 208.
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 1.5 dCi 90 Dynamique MediaNavScore: 8 / 10“This Renault Clio has a much more serious look, it’s lighter, it has nearly class-leading luggage space, it’s more economical and it has more glass area.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Score: 6.2 / 10“The Renault Clio is good to drive and looks great, but on the inside it’s some way off rivals, which offer more space and are better made.”
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Model reviewed: Dynamique Nav“The Renault Clio does suffer from body lean in the corners, but it is extremely comfortable at motorway speeds.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Score: 6 / 10“The Renault Clio is a stylish small hatchback that’ll prove easy to drive.”
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Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: Trophy (2015)“If you want a new hatch that looks special and is exciting to drive fast, the Renault Clio Trophy won’t fall short.”
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Model reviewed: GT-Line“Like all Clios, the GT-Line looks really good, but the GT-Line feels disappointingly slow.”
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Eurekar

Model reviewed: “The Renault Clio is comfortable and capable, with good roadholding, fine handling and decent economy.”
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Model reviewed: “The Renault Clio is a cracking and stylish not so small supermini with plenty of the latest technology and a high level of equipment straight out of the box.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: GT-LineScore: 6 / 10“Renault’s Clio GT-Line promises Renaultsport influence in a more affordable package – but falls short of the warm hatch sweet spot.”
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Model reviewed: 2016Score: 7 / 10“The chic Renault Clio has verve, but isn’t a class-leader.”
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Fleetworld

Model reviewed: Clio 0.9 TCe Dynamique MediaNav“Renault’s new petrol engine puts the Clio on the same page as the Ford Fiesta. For those who don’t need the extraordinary economy of the diesel version it could be the most cost-effective Clio yet.”
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Model reviewed: “The new Clio is a cracking little car to drive, especially the brilliant new three-cylinder petrol engine. With a vastly improved cabin and some quality touches which will help residual values no end, the new Clio is a huge leap forward and is now up among the best in the sector.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Score: 7 / 10“The Renault Clio really hit its styling stride when the fourth generation model was launched in 2013.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“Bigger and better looking Renault Clio an improvement on previous model’ both 90 TCe petrol and 90 dCi diesel under 100g/km CO2.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“The latest Clio is a car that’s been thoroughly reworked to enable it to rub shoulders with the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo – two of the best cars in the segment.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Score: 7.8 / 10“The Renault Clio is stylish, cheap to run and good to drive.”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: “Renault have got this Clio off to a tee. This sweet drive will undoubtedly give them big sales.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: (2016)Score: 8 / 10“Put the Renault Clio on your supermini shortlist.”
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Model reviewed: Score: 6 / 10“The Renault Clio Mk4 impressed at first but was surpassed by the competition.”
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Model reviewed: Score: 6 / 10“The Renault Clio has five-star looks but three-star space and ride comfort.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“The Renault Clio isn’t as fun to drive as a Ford Fiesta or as classy as a VW Polo, but it should be cheaper than both to run. It also a stylish and safe choice, and it comes with a long warranty.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: “The facelifted Renault Clio is not bad at all. You get six engine choices in non-Renault Sport Clios, but the most interesting of all is the 118hp 1.2-litre turbo in this TCE 120.”
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Model reviewed: Dynamique S (2016)The updated Renault Clio is very nice and the new engine is actually very useful and noticeably less clattery than most small diesels.”
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Model reviewed: Score: 7 / 10“Renault has rediscovered its form with a loveable car in a class that lacks them.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Score: 8 / 10“The Mk4 Renault Clio was popular due mainly to its bold exterior and interior styling (including a dashboard shaped like an aircraft’s wing), competitive pricing and low running costs.”
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Model reviewed: GT-Line (2013)“There are few petrol automatic rivals that can match the Renault Clio’s running costs, and many buyers will see the appeal in its blend of hot hatch looks, sprightly performance and big-car kit list.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: “The Renault Clio is a real head-turner and fun to drive, but compares poorly with rivals thanks to a lack of advanced safety-assistance systems and high particulate emissions in the 1.2 petrol.”
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Safety rating

No safety rating

The fourth-generation Renault Clio was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2012 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2018 and is no longer valid.

Eco rating

No eco rating

As of April 2022, the fourth-generation Renault Clio has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. As it its no longer in production, it is unlikely to have its emissions tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

The Renault Clio has a reliability score of 70%, which is much better than average. This score is based on claims made on this model Clio as well as older models.

Nearly half of all Clio claims are because of engine issues, but these repairs are relatively affordable on average, costing around £190. Suspension repairs are comparatively common, but these also won’t break the bank, costing around £170 on average. The most expensive reported repairs are gearbox issues, which generally cost £1,500, but these are quite rare.

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Keyword: Renault Clio (2012 – 2019)