Renault Clio (2009-2013) review
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Quick overview
- Cheap to buy and run
- Good performance from TCe engines
- Impressive ride quality
- Not as enjoyable to drive as a Ford Fiesta
- Electrical faults common
- Diesels models are no ball of fire
The Renault Clio Dynamique TomTom is an attractive vehicle and has a spacious cabin, while its exterior is enhanced with alloy wheels. For its price, the specification is decent enough. The interior might look dated to some but the dashboard has a soft-touch covering that looks and feels plush, though the rest of the cabin is lacklustre. Higher versions have silver trims.
Infotainment, comfort and practicality
The Renault Clio is one of the largest superminis around. It can seat 5 adults but the 3rd rear passenger in the middle seat might be a tad cramped. The 3-door car is designed in such a way that getting in and out of the back is easy.
The boot’s storage space is ample at 288 litres and it could be expanded to hold 1038 litres with the seats down. The split/fold rear seats could have been made easier to fold down however as the bases have to be popped-up before the backrests are dropped.
The Clio has undergone the Euro NCAP crash test and scored a perfect 5 star rating. The range comes fitted with 6 airbags including curtain airbags. The front seatbelts are adjustable for height while the outer seatbelts have pre-tensioners which lock the seatbelt at impact point. The front head restraints are designed in such a way to prevent whiplash in an accident.
Standard security kit includes an immobilizer, remote and central locking and deadlocks.
2009 Renault Clio (2009-2013) engines: how does it drive?
The Renault Clio is an easy drive in and about town, made possible by its accurately light steering. The suspension has a well-balanced comfort and control, and the Clio drives well over uneven surfaces thanks to this. Most road imperfections and potholes are dealt with easily and efficiently.
There’s plenty of grip on the road and handling is not an issue. The Clio is one of the top superminis around. Comfort and control are blended well. The road grip makes for smooth cornering but the light steering fails to weigh up as speed increases. Visibility is good and refinement is fine.
The Clio’s 1149cc, 4 cylinder, 16-valve engine reaches 62 mph in 13.4s. It has a top speed of 104 mph which is good enough for a car this size. The model produces a power of 75 bhp at 5500 rpm and develops a torque of 79 lb-ft at 4250.
Value for money: how much does a 2009 Renault Clio (2009-2013) cost to buy and run?
Priced at £12,405 when new, the Renault Clio Dynamique TomTom 1.2 16v 3dr was competitive for its class. Favourably, dealers tended to give big discounts on the model.
With a combined mpg of 48.7 and a CO2 emissions rating of 135g/km, this version falls under insurance group 8 and Road Tax Band E. As such running costs are attractively low and the model represents decent value for money.
Standard fits are cruise control, electric and heater mirrors, electric front windows, seat height adjustment, air conditioning, power steering, steering adjustment rake, automatic headlights and wipers and a TomTom sat-nav.
Cost options are climate control, electric panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors, ESP and metallic paint.
Verdict: Should I buy a 2009 Renault Clio (2009-2013)?
The Renault Clio still has good reviews and is on par with some of its more popular and expensive rivals. The 1.2 Turbo Dyamique Tom Tom is probably one of the finest Clios around as it’s comfortable, quiet and quite cheap to run. It handles well, with accurate steering and good suspension. As its name suggests, it comes with a Tom Tom satellite navigation system and a decent level of equipment.
