Renault Clio 1.6 VVT 128 : PERSONAL SHOPPER

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Coming from the upper end of the Clio range, the 1.6-litre VVT model might be right up your street. Steve Walker takes a look

Not quite a hot hatchback and not particularly economical, the Renault Clio 1.6 VVT 128 doesn't operate at the extremes of the supermini market where the big business is done. It's a compromise within the Clio range but a satisfying one with its mix of equipment, pace and manageable costs.

Stuff like fuel economy, exhaust emissions and running costs has never had a higher profile in the minds of car manufacturers and it isn't hard to understand why. If we're talking about small cars, issues of efficiency and price become even more central to the typical buying decision with the greenest option regularly getting the sale. Of course, minimising costs isn't the only motivation for the modern motorist and there's still room for affordable cars that can raise a smile for other reasons. Renault hopes its 1.6 VVT engined Clio is just such a product. The 1.6-litre engine forms a bridge in the Renault Clio range, acting as a link between the smaller economy-focused options and the high performance Renaultsport hot hatchbacks. It's the car for the Renaultsport buyers who can't quite stomach the insurance and fuel costs associated with a 200bhp supermini or customers eyeing conventional Clios who want some extra pizzazz. In common automotive parlance, the Clio 1.6 VVT is a warm hatchback and that's nothing to be ashamed of. Think of it as a healthy compromise between fun and frugality. In Renault-speak, VVT stands for variable valve timing, a process through which the engine adapts to the demands being placed upon it to improve performance and efficiency. The 1.6-litre VVT engine offered in the Clio uses this technology to achieve its 128bhp peak power and torque of 145Nm. Peak power is achieved at a relatively high 6,750rpm and that torque rating is dwarfed by the 240Nm generated by the Clio's 1.5-litre dCi 106 diesel, so owners will need to work the engine quite hard to get the best from it. Many will see regular trips into the vicinity of the rev-limiter as all part of the fun and with some well-judged use of the six-speed manual gearbox, a 0-60mph time of 9.3s is attainable. With a top speed of 122mph, this 1.6-litre Clio is well worthy of warm hatchback status.

"A Clio with a bit of extra pizzazzâ€¦."

The Clio is one of the most comfortable superminis to spend time in and without the tooth-chattering sports suspension of the Renaultsport models, the 1.6-litre VVT versions will retain that composure. That's not to say that these cars can't cut the mustard on a twisty back road because the Clio also grips and corners with high levels of control and tenacity. The car feels very substantial for a supermini and some of the lightweight liveliness of its sportier rivals is lost as a result. Despite this most customers will agree that Renault has got the balance just about right. The Clio Mk III was always a big car in the supermini class but this facelifted model is even bigger. At 4,027mm, it's 41mm longer than the pre-facelift model and that extra length is utilised in making the Clio appear lower, leaner and more streamlined. This isn't one of those facelifts that leaves everyone at a loss as to what exactly has changed. The front end of the Clio is markedly more aggressive with the sharp lines of the air-intake and the headlights combined with the thin, smirking grille. It's a look that debuted on the Megane family hatch and it gives the Clio a far more purposeful appearance, even in its non-sporting forms. The interior was also upgraded with some relocating of the minor controls to increase user-friendliness. Higher spec models like this one now get a soft touch dash with the satellite navigation screen integrated into it. Beneath the skin, Renault's focus has been on increasing refinement on the Clio and today's model features upgraded sound-deadening measures to combat engine, transmission and wind noise. The occupants should have a pretty cushy time of it because the Clio also continues to set the standard for supermini cabin space with its impressive rear head and leg room along with a generously proportioned boot of 288 litres. It's just the two trim levels for the 1.6-litre VVT Clio but the plush Privilege and the sporty GT should satisfy most tastes. The GT is the car that stands out most readily, largely thanks to its front and rear spoilers, side skirts and double exhaust pipes. It's available as a three-door only and to the untrained eye, it has the look of the acclaimed Clio Renaultsport. That alone will be enough to persuade many punters that it's the model for them. Other highlights include the tinted rear windows and a series of sporty interior upgrades. In Privilege guise, the Clio takes on a more sober air and the five-door bodystyle. There's climate control, Renault's keyless entry system and part-leather trim. Partly because of the opulence of its trim levels, the 1.6-litre VVT Clio is on the expensive side. It's a car for those less concerned with saving pennies than driving a small car that feels resolutely large and sophisticated. Safety remains a key priority of the Clio, which gained a full five-star rating at the Euro NCAP crash tests. Safety equipment includes ABS brakes with brakefore distribution, brake assist and a full complement of airbags. For a supermini packing close to 130bhp, the Clio 1.6 is quite light on its fuel reserves. The combined cycle reveals economy of just under 41mpg and emissions are measured at 160g/km. This might not look great compared to the smaller Clio engines but think of the extra fun you'll have with this car's performance. Just don't get carried away because constantly revving the engine to its limits will see economy go down like Cristiano Ronaldo in an opposition penalty area. Nobody would deny that fuel economy and emissions are important, particularly in small cars but there has to be room for a little fun in our motoring lives as well. The 1.6-litre VVT engine in the latest Renault Clio isn't the best unit out there if we're talking mpg and CO2 but it's far from shabby from a costs perspective and it should have the verve to raise a smile. This isn't the cleanest, greenest or cheapest Clio and it isn't the fastest or plushest either. What it does offer is an attractive balance of qualities. With lots of kit thanks to the generous trim levels offered, plus comfort, space and fun, plenty of customers should be persuaded.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Renault Clio 1.6 VVT 128
PRICES: £13,495-£14,445 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 9 [est]
CO2 EMISSIONS: 160g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 122mph / 0-60mph 9.3s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 31.7mpg / (extra urban) 50.4mpg / (combined) 40.9mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Six airbags, ABS, brakeforce distribution WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE ?: [3dr] Length/Width/Height: 3986/1707/1497mm