Renault Clio Expression 2014 Long-term review - 1

Long-Term Tests
motoring.com.au aims to make your choice of vehicle easier. Our Editorial section does this via our mix of news, international and local launch reviews as well as our seven-day tests.

From time to time we also take the opportunity to spend more time in a vehicle. These longer term tests can be as short as a couple of weeks, but more recently we've settled on a six-month period as indicative of 'normal' ownership.

Long-term tests give our staff writers and contributors a chance to get to know a car as an owner would. While the car is with us, we pay for fuel, pay for the servicing and generally use and live with the car as a new owner would.

We believe long-term tests give car buyers an added insight into the vehicle on test, but also the qualities behind the brand and nameplate. The extended period also allows us to touch base with the dealer networks in question.

No surprise manufacturers tend to have a love-hate relationship with long-term tests ... Six months is plenty long enough to fall out of love with the latest and greatest, and start to nitpick -- just like real owners do.

We were excited to see how a car that has impressed many with its updated styling and advertised value for money would fare over a longer test period of approximately three months.

As it seems to have been the year of the new hatch in 2013, we have plenty to compare it to and were eager to see if it would be up there in our top picks.

The exterior certainly garnered gasps of admiration from those who hadn’t seen the car in the flesh. The modern, sleek lines of the new Clio continued to turn heads as I took it on its first drive in peak hour traffic.

Renault certainly spared no expense in ensuring that the car made an incredibly positive first impression, with attention to detail evident from the glimmering paint to the unique black alloys. If you’re after looks under $25k, this is one to consider.

The interior impresses with its piano black accents and large, accessible centre display. The upholstery has its own unique flair steering clear of boring black instead adding a metallic finish throughout the fabric weave.

I did find the finish a touch on the plasticky side, which is a shame considering how magnificent this hatch looks outside. It is clear that in order to keep the Clio at a certain price point Renault has had to compromise.

It is worth noting that some the ergonomics are a little left of centre. The cruise control is split across the steering wheel and the centreconsole which did not make a great deal of sense in terms of user friendliness. It is a bit tricky when you’ve hit speed on the freeway and you’re trying to set it, however, over a few drives I caught on and was able to use it without much of an issue.

In terms of accommodation, Renault has ensured that the Clio can comfortably seat four adults. My passengers said that it was almost TARDIS-like in that it seemed much bigger on the inside. For the size of this car, space is ample -- including the boot. I was able to easily transport several bulky Christmas gifts using this space alone.

The majority of my time with the Clio was spent driving in the city. My only complaint was that there was sizeable step-off lag when moving from a standing start, and a momentary pause between ratios on-the-hop. For a car that is designed for city driving it felt as though it was surging slightly when being driven under 50km/h.

In spite of this, the 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine is rather zippy once you get going.

Parking wasn’t a really problem; however, I did find the visibility an issue when attempting cramped parking tight city spots where the rear window hampered visibility. While there isn’t an obvious blind spot, the shape and contour of the Clio’s rear saw me swivelling more than I usually do when attempting a parallel park.

On balance, the Clio was a pleasure to drive out on the open road, the handling around corners was smooth and solid and the road noise kept itself to a minimum. The fuel economy certainly lends itself to long distance driving, with the range dropping continually the further I drove. After a week at the wheel, I managed an impressive 5.4L/100km according to the trip computer.

First impressions of our new long-termer suggest that those on the hunt for a fantastic looking car that is economical and practical should most certainly consider the Clio. And if you’re the type that likes their research thorough, then watch this space over the coming months...

Related reading:
Renault Clio International Launch
Renault Clio Local Launch
Renault Clio Road Test
Renault Clio vs. Ford Fiesta Comparison
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