Renault Clio

FIRST DRIVE New look brings Clio into line with bigger Renaults

- Alastair Crooks

LIKE every car Renault makes, the Clio electrification. But now it's been facelifted in the hope of increasing its sales.

This fifth-generation Renault Clio was launched in 2019, but since then we've seen the arrival of facelifted versions of the VW Polo and SEAT Ibiza, an all-new Toyota Yaris, plus plenty of new competition from pure-electric superminis. The Clio has its work cut out more than ever, then, and to help it stand out, it's received a fairly comprehensive visual refresh.

The front end is now far more in keeping with the new Austral and Rafale, especially in top-spec esprit Alpine trim. This replaces R.S. Line and gets a contrasting-coloured 'F1 Blade' in the front bumper, 17-inch diamond-cut alloys and unique badging.

Inside, the updated Clio's layout is similar to before, although the esprit Alpine has a lot of special touches to distinguish it from the rest of the range. The Alpine-branded seats look surprisingly sporty and offer plenty of support. The Clio really does feel premium inside, thanks to the French tricolour details dotted around, and touches such as aluminium pedal caps. However, a few areas of hard-to-the-touch plastic do let the cabin down a little.