Renault Clio a cut above the rest

Clio is well built, reliable and so much more pleasant to drive than a Japanese car, particularly if you're an enthusiast.

The first Clio model to come here (in May 2001) was the Renault Sport hot hatch, which combined a big 2.0-litre engine with light weight, big brakes and firm suspension. The more affordable models followed in December that year. They were five-door hatchbacks and sold pretty well.

The back seat of the Clio is larger than average for its class and can cope with two adults; if the front seats aren't set all the way back.

Entry, by way of the front doors in the three-door models, is less awkward than in many similar cars, thanks to clever design. But the five-door cars are still preferable if you are looking for a small family car.

Ride comfort is very good for a car in this class. Handling is sharp and pleasant, even in the standard models, and simply superb in the Sport.

Under the bonnet

As well as the hot 2.0-litre engine already mentioned in the Sport, the Clio is also offered with a 1.4 or a 1.6-litre power plant. Those units have enough power for most people.

Power is to the front wheels only and is delivered by way of a slick-shifting five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic. Somewhat oddly to the Australian way of thinking, the auto option is offered only with the 1.4-litre engine.

We have heard of no real problems in getting hold of spare parts. They are slightly more expensive than similar bits for Asian cars, but not outrageously so.

Insurance on all but the Sport Clio is a little more expensive than average, but some companies will really slug you for the Sport version. When shopping around, check on what's covered and what's not before settling for a lower price.

Several models were discontinued in 2006 and none are presently being imported as a new car, though there are still stocks of new Clios in most Renault dealerships. The third-generation Renault Clio has been shown in Europe, but isn't expected in Australia until the first half of 2008.

Problem areas

Though the Renault Clio lacks Japanese quality control and while the body is generally built to a decent standard, there have been a few rough edges in the cars we have inspected to date.

In particular, check the interior carefully to make sure everything fits correctly. During your test drive, find a decent stretch of rough road and listen for any squeaks or rattles in the cabin.

Not many engines have done a lot of work at this stage, so one that doesn't start easily and idle smoothly should be treated with a lot of suspicion. Similarly, if the gearbox doesn't work close to perfectly, there could be troubles.

Quite a few Sport Clios will have been driven hard. Check the condition of the tyres and be wary of any with severe wear on their outer edges. Also look for big build-ups of brake dust on the insides of the wheels, particularly the fronts, and on the callipersand suspension.