RENAULT CLIO

Dry January? Don't know about that, but it certainly is warm

- KRIS CULMER

MILEAGE 4152

WHY WE'RE RUNNING IT

To see if the Clio is the heir apparent to the Ford Fiesta's 'default buy' throne.

Oh, am I glad to have an Esprit Alpine version of the Clio. Not because it means I can enjoy back roads to a higher degree, though.

Actually, the 'sporty' one handles no more sharply than the others, and nor does it have a more powerful engine. Instead, I'm rosy-cheeked as this trim adds heated seats and a heated steering wheel (which aren't even options lower down the range).

In deepest winter, even when I'm wearing my coat that makes people think I'm off to audition for a Michelin advert, I'm always delighted to be warmed by elements rather than engine-cooked air.