Mat’s Car of the Day: the Renault Clio is one of the best cars you can buy for less than £20,000
Car changing is a big deal
Mat Watson says the Renault Clio is great to drive, practical and posh inside, and you can get the top-spec model for under £20,000 thanks to Carwow discounts.
The current Renault Clio may have been around for a while, but I still reckon it’s one of the best small cars you can buy. There are also some great deals to be had right now, so here are three reasons I think you should buy this car – as well as three annoying things to consider before you pull the trigger.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Three good things about the Renault Clio
1. It’s got a lovely interior
Considering this is a small, affordable car, the Renault Clio has a really posh-feeling cabin. You get nice fabric on the dashboard and doors, and everything feels solidly built. I also love the Google-based infotainment system you get in mid-spec cars and up, because it’s really easy to use.
2. The hybrid is super-efficient
The 1.6-litre petrol hybrid version of the Renault Clio is a real gem. It’ll do more than 60mpg, offers plenty of power and it’s smooth and quiet. You can waft along in traffic without the engine on at all, and it’s more economical than the Chery Tiggo 4.
3. It looks great
Compared to other sub-£20,000 cars, such as the MG3 or the Chery Tiggo 4, the Clio is the most stylish. I love the sleek headlights and checkerboard grille, and the sporty upgrades you get on the Esprit Alpine version really lift things.
Renault Clio deals
The Renault Clio starts from £21,000, but right now though Carwow you can get one for as little as £15,100. However, the best deal is on the top-spec Iconic Esprit Alpine.
It has adaptive cruise control, heated seats, a heated steering wheel and a 360-degree camera system, as well as sports seats and a more aggressive-looking bodykit. It usually costs £25,000, but through Carwow you can save £5,500 on this model.
Three annoying things about the Renault Clio
1. The boot isn’t massive in the hybrid model
If you get the standard petrol engine, the Clio has a 391-litre boot. That’s one of the biggest in its class, but the hybrid model drops to 301 litres. That’s smaller than a Volkswagen Polo or Peugeot 208.
2. The rear seats are tight
If you’re after a £20,000 hybrid car with roomy back seats, a Chery Tiggo 4 is a better choice. The Clio is rather cramped in the rear, and the small windows make it feel a bit dark. Kids will be fine, but lanky teenagers will be moaning on a long trip.
3. Other small cars are more comfortable
The Clio is quite quiet on the motorway, but it’s a bit firm over bumps. It’s not a dealbreaker, and the trade-off is that this car is quite good fun on a twisty road, but a Toyota Yaris is also fun to drive and it’s more comfortable.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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