Renault Clio GT-Line 1.2 TCe 120 EDC

What is it?

New ‘warm’ addition to the 4th generation Clio with the looks and dual clutch transmission of its Renaultsport (RS) big bro, but without the running costs or ultimate performance

What’s hot?

• 120bhp engine goes better than the figures suggest and is a sweet unit.
• Looks hot, with body kit, rear diffuser, twin exhausts and larger 17” wheels.
  

  

• Sports seats are a welcome luxury.
• Boasts excellent, Renault R-Link Multimedia system on 7” touch screen.
• 14 E insurance group is attractive and so is the Band C road tax.
• Paddle shifters and dual clutch makes it sporty but also practical in urban congestion, since it operates for practical purposes like an automatic.
• 100kg lighter than previous generation Clio, results in 55mpg versus 44mpg.
• Above average storage such as a four litre glovebox and twin cup holders at the front.
• Excellent chassis enhanced via the two selectable RS (Renaultsport) modes – ‘sport and normal’.
• 4 year warranty helps residual value at the 3 year mark.

What’s not?

•  The 0-62 sprint is slower than the looks and barely cracks the 10 second barrier at 9.9 secs.
• Just £1600 more bags you the real deal Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC, which is OTR from £18,995.
  

  

• Doesn’t include live services from Tom Tom except via separate subscription.
• Why is a DAB radio still a £240 option at this level?
• 300 litre boot is on the small side for the segment.
• Sat nav annoyingly omits European mapping which will annoy the family on the first trip to Calais.
• Desirable metallic paint costs a whopping £595.
• Low-pro tyres don’t help the ride which is firm.
• Fit and finish lower than a Fiesta or Polo.
• The ‘sport’ setting isn’t subtle, it just holds each gear to stratospheric revs.