1. In brief
The saga Renault Clio continues and is not about to stop. It is far from the time of the first-generation Clio, appeared in 1991. We are now in the fifth generation, which will make its first laps at the end of this spring 2019. But the Clio 4, the one that interests us in this record reliability, is not dead so far. It will continue to be marketed under the name Clio "Generation", in the manner of Clio 2 "Campus" and Clio 3 "Collection" in their time. The right moment to remake a last balance in any case.
The Clio 4 has always been a car quite unanimously praised for its successful aesthetics. Pretty classic, but sexy, it appeals to the public more than its main rival Peugeot 208, which it surpasses from the beginning at the level of the sales. It is also comfortable, spacious with its 4,06 m, and well equipped, while leaving a choice of engines quite wide. It also exists in break version, baptized as usual Estate and turbulent version R.S .. It sins however by a quality of finish clearly behind, both compared to the predecessor but also compared to the competition. Too bad ... But fortunately, the 2016 restyling has greatly improved things, putting it back to the level of competition for the quality of materials. In reliability, we saw worse, but some defects, appeared in the course of career, are to report, and therefore to monitor.
2. Qualities and defect
What can tempt you
- The nice look in the category of city cars (subjective you are granted).
- Trunk volume: with 300 liters, it is above the category average
- The compromise between comfort and behavior: the suspensions are firmer than on the Clio 3 but remain considerate and the dynamism is increased.
- The modern interior presentation: the dashboard design and counters remains in the era of time.
- The Estate Estate Break: longer than the The Initiale Paris finish: it is more luxurious and uses better quality materials (+20 cm) and a 443 liter trunk
What can make you hesitate
- category bass. After the restyling, the Clio enters the rank. Phew.
- The firmness of the suspensions: it is not so firm but those accustomed to the softness of previous generations will find it stiff.
- Soundproofing: she was a little sloppy about rolling noise and air.
- Rear visibility: mediocre.
- Protection: for a city car exposed to the pangs of traffic in the city, the body is poorly protected, only the bottom of the doors is.
- On the R.S. version, no choice is an EDC robotic manual or nothing. No real mechanical box in the catalog.
3. Budget
Buy / Price:
The Clio came out with prices not really given in nine, and higher than those of the Peugeot 208. This is found in occasion, where it discounts a little slower than the average category of general purpose multipurpose city. Very good deals are rare, good ones with patience. The first gas price for an "old" 1.2 16v 75 engine is € 9,000 for 25,000 km. In diesel, it's 8 000 €, but for 1.5 dCi 75 hp models that already have 80 000 to 90 000 km!
Consumption:
No bad surprises. The 1.2 16v petrol does not consume that much. The Tce are sober, unless they are exploited beyond a lambda driving. On the other hand, diesels are not very greedy.
Insurance:
The Clio 4 does not stand out in either direction regarding insurance premiums. She is in the middle pack of versatile city cars. Less expensive to cover than German, but a little more than a Ford. In short, nothing remarkable.
Parts prices:
Good point in this regard. With very reasonable rates on wear and filter parts, and even on heavier bodies like clutch, distribution or shock absorbers, the Clio respects here the purse of the owners.
4. Reliability
Description:
The Clio 4 benefits from mechanics and a platform supposed to be tested, which makes it possible to limit the damage in terms of reliability. However, we will still note some recurring defects. Which seem numerous at first glance, but it is especially the very very wide diffusion of the Clio which provokes this phenomenon. Some appeared in the course of career, with the kilometers. Fortunately, they seem well taken over by the brand and eradicated quite effectively. It's a lesser evil. This suggests that Renault is making efforts to maintain its level of reliability, barely found at the level of the best brands on the market. Today, if the necessary updates and upgrades have been made in the concession, no contraindication, therefore, the purchase of a Clio last generation. But we must remain attentive.
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