Renault Clio Dynamique S 1.2 Turbo 100 TCE Review
Telephone: +44 (0)800 072 3372
It's a very big name for a relatively small car, but then this particular Clio packs an extra punch. First off, it has a turbocharged engine built for efficiency rather than outright speed. By using a small turbine it delivers a wide and broad band of torque as well as increased power and drives at 47.9 mpg.
Renault says it delivers comparable torque to its 1.6-litre petrol and power similar to the 1.4-litre petrol, but with economy and emissions very close to the non-turbo version. It is one of the first examples of Renault's Eco-2 initiative, which is a range of cars that emit less than 140g/km of C02, that are made from five per cent recycled materials and that are manufactured in an ISO 14001-certified plant. This is a car that can wear its credentials with pride -- under ISO 14001, the manufacturing facility must show continuous improvement in reducing its environmental impact. Also, the car is made from ten per cent recycled plastic, and 95 per cent of it can be recycled, so Renault claims.
It's worth mentioning that in February 2007 a Renault worker committed suicide and left a note behind blaming pressures at work -- he was the third to commit suicide within a year. It has been reported that French work inspectors claimed the suicides were connected to tough working conditions at the Renault plants. Of course, it's difficult for us to draw parallels not knowing the full details, but we did raise an eyebrow when Renault didn't give us any information on its labour conditions at factories.
However, to drive, the car looks great on paper and is equally impressive in reality. The 1.2 Turbo does feel like a larger capacity regular petrol engine, but it's offering the kind of performance that most people are looking for in a small car. Given its impressive blend of characteristics, it leaves you wondering why you would choose any other engine option.
The basic Clio is a shape that everyone should be familiar with by now: since its launch in 2005 it has captured the hearts and the wallets of supermini buyers, and is one of the most popular choices when it comes to small yet practical transport. Since then, Renault has added further variants to the range, from budget specials to the fire-breathing Renaultsport 197 editions.
The car is composed and comfortable, and rides impressively well, coping with city streets and lumpy motorways. With an engine that's keen to rev and has plenty of grip, the Clio offers enough fun to make taking the back roads a worthwhile choice. It feels like a grown-up car rather than shopping cart with ideas above its station.
In Dynamique S form the Clio also has a subtle sporty feel to it. The smart alloy wheels and body coloured detailing elevate it above regular superminis, and the level of standard equipment is also good, with air conditioning, electric front windows and a powerful CD/tuner. The dashboard on Dynamique S versions is high quality, with a soft-touch finish and logical layout.
Financially speaking, the 1.2 Turbo makes a lot of sense: compared to the non-turbo 1.2-litre petrol it costs around £700 more, depending on the model. But that extra money gets you the performance of a bigger engine, without the penalties of insurance, emissions or fuel economy. And by being more efficient, it is a greener car to boot.
Edited by Marian Smith
Quality
Value
Ethics
Green
