Renault Clio GT road test
by Stephen Walker
25th September, 2014
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Related story:
Renault Clio GT released
30th April, 2014
With a long history of rather neat hot hatches, Renault is famous for some
extreme hot hatches in the days of old with special editions of the 5 which is the predecessor of the little Clio.
These days Renault offers hot hatches in two 'flavours' with both Clio and Megane championing the cause.
Recently, the Renault Clio range was updated. An interesting version of the new range is the Clio GT. It is a mild
version of a hot hatch, well worthy of those seeking just a little less performance than that expected of a hot hatch.
Test Car particulars
Presented in Malta Blue Metallic, our drive car was the new Renault Clio GT.
Prices*
Renault Clio GT is priced from $25,290*. Optional metallic paint, as per the test car, is an additional $550*.
Renault Clio GT Premium is available for those desiring more standard equipment and it is priced from $28,790*.
On the road in the Clio GT
The Clio GT sits in the Clio range as the top-of-the-line amongst the mainstream models. Performance orientated buyers
are catered for with the highly desired Clio RenaultSport models.
Renault are amongst the very best with vehicle dynamics. So even in the small Clio one gets to experience excellent
steering, very good handling and ride qualities and braking, too. There was a little too much road noise evident and that
is the only shortfall in my opinion.
The Clio GT is an excellent presentation because of its on-road manners but the interior is nicely done as well.
Seating is comfy for the driver. I travelled a total of 460 kilometres behind the wheel of this car and I was always
satisfied. The longest trip I undertook was about 200 kilometres which included freeway, highway, urban and rural roads.
The good thing about being in a car with excellent vehicle dynamics and a comfy interior is that the kilometres disappear
so easily. It is so pleasing to drive a car that is so much in touch with good road behaviour.
The factory indicate the zero to 100km/h acceleration time is 9.4 seconds. I consider this quite reasonable for this
class of car.
Specifications
There is a 1.2 litre turbo-charged four cylinder petrol-fuelled engine with an output of 88kW at 4,900rpm and 190Nm of
torque at 2,000rpm driving this hatchback through the front wheels via a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.
Electric variable power steering is fitted which provides a turning circle of a nifty 10.6 metres.
Braking is by discs at the front and drums at the rear.
Safety
Driver and front passenger airbags; Driver and front seat passenger head and chest side airbags; Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS); Emergency Brake Assist (EBA); Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); and Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) are standard.
There is no reversing camera included in a standard Clio GT.
Fuel and emissions
The Euro5 compliant Clio GT has a 'combined' consumption rating of 5.2 litres/100 kilometres. The urban consumption is
rated at 6.6 litres/100 kms, whilst the extra-urban rating is a mere 4.4l/100km.
Clio GT uses premium unleaded 95RON petrol.
The fuel tank capacity is 45 litres.
Connectivity/Infotainment
A 4-speaker audio system by Arkamys with AM/FM, MP3, auxiliary and USB input with fingertip controls and Renault
Bass Reflex system is standard. There is no CD player which must mean Renault want us all to convert to new technology
whether we're ready or not.
Bluetooth phone pairing with audio streaming is standard (compatible telephone required).
A navigation system is included too.
Dimensions
Length: 4,063 mm
Width: 1,945 mm (including mirrors)
Height: 1,448 mm (excluding aerial)
Wheelbase: 2,589 mm
Kerb weight: 1,104 kg (approximately)
Boot capacity: 300 litres.
After Sales
Renault provide a five year/unlimited kilometre warranty with roadside assistance (conditions apply to both the
warranty and roadside assistance).
Conclusion
It is difficult not to like the little Renault Clio GT. It is a comfortable, neatly packaged little car that borders
on being sporty. The driving experience is particularly pleasant because of the superb vehicle dynamics.
Renault are to be commended for their wise selection of variants for the Clio range, in particular the introduction of
the GT model in the recently updated line-up.
The Clio GT fills a gap in the market for those who desire a mighty fine driving experience together with good
presentation with sporty overtones yet priced at an 'affordable' level.
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices,
fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
E&OE
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