Since its original launch in 1990, the Renault Clio has consistently been one of Britain’s best selling cars and it’s easy to see why. Here, the Auto Trader team celebrates some of the best models to grace our garages.
Genesis – Renault 5
The Clio had to come from somewhere, and that somewhere was the humble Renault 5. Born in 1972, it cemented Renault’s reputation for building small, practical and fun cars for an affordable price. The 5 saw several changes over the years, but largely remained the same iconic car until it was retired in 1996 – by which time it had been sold alongside the Clio for 5 years. When retirement came though, the Clio had successfully taken over from where the 5 had left off, securing its future as one of our favourite small cars.
The First Generation Clio
Hitting the streets of Europe in 1990 and the UK in 1991, the Clio was a winner from the start. The range of small-capacity engines as well as frugal diesel options meant there was something for every buyer. There were more trim options too, including a sporty 1.8RSi and 16 Valve versions for those looking for a more ‘spirited’ drive, though there were plenty of choices for those simply looking for a comfortable and practical hatchback. Comfy, economical and versatile, the Clio was bought by thousands, securing its future in the process. The Clio’s success was also recognised on a grand scale, too, as it won the prestigious European Car of the Year award in 1991. Yet again, Renault had hit the nail on the head.
Spotlight – Clio Williams
While there was a 1.8 16 Valve version available, Renault decided to celebrate their Formula 1 involvement with Williams by releasing a limited run of dedicated ‘hot’ cars branded the ‘Clio Williams’. Fitted with a 150bhp 2.0 16 valve engine, gold Speedline alloys, uprated brakes and suspension as well as improved interior trim and the all-important build-plaque on the dash, the ‘Williams’ really was something special. Available only in ‘449 Sports Blue’, it was car that was coveted to such an extent that Renault had to build over 1500 more than the original 3800 it said it would! There were three generations of ‘Williams’ Clio, though it’s the first which is still to this day, regarded as one of the best ever cars to drive.
The Second Generation Clio
Something of a wild departure from the more restrained styling of its predecessor, the 1998 phase 2 Clio was bolder and braver in terms of both aesthetics and ergonomics. It was a design that paid off though, because yet again it sold in hugely impressive numbers. Customers responded well to the adventurous and curvy styling, while the incredibly comfortable and user friendly interior simply sweetened the prospect of Clio ownership. Again, economy was a big selling point, so 1.2, 1.4 and revised diesel engines all appeared in the brochure. However, much like the first generation, Renault offered a selection of ‘sport’ options including a 16 Valve version. For those looking for real power though, it had to be the Clio Renaultsport 172, of which the number hints towards the 2.0 16 valve engine’s power output.
Spotlight – Clio Renaultsport
Just like every Clio before it, the Third Generation car has a mean and aggressive version available in the line-up too, most notably the Clio Renaultsport. Powered by a 197bhp 2.0 16 valve engine it certainly maintains the ethos of past, fast Clios, and with impressive levels of trim and equipment it certainly shines when compared to some of its rivals. Quick, safe and rewarding to drive thanks to a perfectly tuned chassis, the Clio Renaultsport is every bit the contemporary driver’s car the ‘Williams’ was back in the 90s. With its wide arches, swish alloys, sports seats and re-worked gearbox it really is something that can remind you of the pure fun that can be extracted from a simple B-road blast!
Genesis – Renault 5
The Clio had to come from somewhere, and that somewhere was the humble Renault 5. Born in 1972, it cemented Renault’s reputation for building small, practical and fun cars for an affordable price. The 5 saw several changes over the years, but largely remained the same iconic car until it was retired in 1996 – by which time it had been sold alongside the Clio for 5 years. When retirement came though, the Clio had successfully taken over from where the 5 had left off, securing its future as one of our favourite small cars.
The First Generation Clio
Spotlight – Clio Williams
The Second Generation Clio
Something of a wild departure from the more restrained styling of its predecessor, the 1998 phase 2 Clio was bolder and braver in terms of both aesthetics and ergonomics. It was a design that paid off though, because yet again it sold in hugely impressive numbers. Customers responded well to the adventurous and curvy styling, while the incredibly comfortable and user friendly interior simply sweetened the prospect of Clio ownership. Again, economy was a big selling point, so 1.2, 1.4 and revised diesel engines all appeared in the brochure. However, much like the first generation, Renault offered a selection of ‘sport’ options including a 16 Valve version. For those looking for real power though, it had to be the Clio Renaultsport 172, of which the number hints towards the 2.0 16 valve engine’s power output.
Spotlight – Clio Renaultsport
Just like every Clio before it, the Third Generation car has a mean and aggressive version available in the line-up too, most notably the Clio Renaultsport. Powered by a 197bhp 2.0 16 valve engine it certainly maintains the ethos of past, fast Clios, and with impressive levels of trim and equipment it certainly shines when compared to some of its rivals. Quick, safe and rewarding to drive thanks to a perfectly tuned chassis, the Clio Renaultsport is every bit the contemporary driver’s car the ‘Williams’ was back in the 90s. With its wide arches, swish alloys, sports seats and re-worked gearbox it really is something that can remind you of the pure fun that can be extracted from a simple B-road blast!
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