Renault Clio

Nose job brings Renault’s small car into touch with the brand's most recent models On sale August Price from 19,000 est)

- George Hill

IT’S EASY FOR smaller family members to be overshadowed by bigger relatives, and the Renault Clio’s new styling should ensure that it doesn’t come across as the runt of the litter. Freshly updated, the Clio now has a new frontend design that aligns its looks with the brand’s Megane E-Tech electric car and the recently launched Austral family SUV.

The Clio’s engine range remains unchanged: you can have a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine badged TCe 90) or a 1.6-litre hybrid E-Tech Hybrid 145). Renault had previously planned for the Clio to go hybrid-only with the refresh, but because of the current economic climate, the more affordable petrol option has been retained. The Evolution and Techno trims also remain, but the previous range-topping RS Line trim has gone, replaced by Esprit Alpine named for the Renault-owned sports car maker.

Of course, being available with both hybrid and petrol power means the Clio has plenty of rivals to fend off, including the Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo.