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Used Car Expert Rating

Renault Clio (2012 to 2019)

Expert Rating

Used car score:

63
%
C

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

64
%
D

Safety Rating:

50
%
D

Eco Rating:

-

Reliability Rating:

92
%
A

Running Costs:

-

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

Used car score:

63
%
C

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

64
%
D

Safety Rating:

50
%
D

Eco Rating:

-

Reliability Rating:

92
%
A

Running Costs:

-

Summary


On sale in the UK from the end of 2012 to early 2019, the fourth-generation Renault Clio was a compact five-door hatchback built on the same platform as the smaller Renault Zoe. It was replaced by the current fifth-generation Clio in 2019.

Rivalling other mainstream superminis like the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo, the fourth-generation Clio was available as a petrol, diesel or hybrid model, with both manual and automatic gearboxes available.

This iteration of the Clio had a more spacious cabin than its predecessor thanks to a longer wheelbase. The hatchback was given a mild mid-life facelift in the middle of 2016, consisting of exterior styling tweaks, new interior trim details and functions, infotainment updates and the addition of LED headlights.

There was a performance-tuned version called the Renault Clio R.S., but that’s not covered here. The Renault Clio was also sold as an estate elsewhere in Europe, but this version was not sold in the UK.

Throughout its lifespan, the fourth-generation Clio received average to very good reviews scores from the British media – affordable, well-equipped and comfortable, Parkers concluded that the Clio didn’t have “any particular weaknesses” when it was on sale. However, now off sale, many reviewers comment that the Clio’s interior is now looking dated.

Carwow explained that “newer models have simpler designs, bigger screens and better infotainment systems”, while Carbuyer said that the Clio’s cheap interior plastics meant that the car’s interior build quality was somewhat inferior to the likes of the Volkswagen Polo.

What Car? added that the Skoda Fabia had more interior space than the Clio, and that the Ford Fiesta offered the best performance and handling in the Supermini class. That said, most reviewers agreed that the Clio was a stylish hatchback and a good value-for-money package – a great all-rounder that proved to be a capable alternative to the supermini class leaders during its tenure.

Now no longer on sale, the fourth-generation Renault Clio holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 65%. It scores top marks for its excellent reliability record and also gets good grades for its low running costs. However, its media review scores were poor and its safety rating has long expired due to age.

Clio highlights

  • Distinctive styling still looks modern
  • Value-for-money package with plenty of tech
  • Efficient engines
  • Wide range of models to choose from
  • Comfortable drive

Clio lowlights

  • Cheap interior plastics and dated tech
  • Newer rivals have more boot space
  • Optional extras can get pricey
  • Slow entry-level models
  • Slightly cramped rear seating

Key specifications


Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines:
petrol, diesel
Price when new:
From £13,870 on-road

Launched: Winter 2012/13
Last updated: Summer 2016
Replaced: Spring 2019


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Autocar

+

Business Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Daily Mirror

+

Eurekar

+

Evo

+

Fleetworld

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Motoring Research

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: August 2012
Date expired: January 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 88%
Child protection: 89%
Vulnerable road users: 66%
Safety assist: 99%

Note on safety rating

The fourth-generation Renault Clio was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2012 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2018 and is no longer valid. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used Clio to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The fourth-generation Renault Clio was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of May 2024, the Renault Clio has an excellent reliability score of 82%, according to workshop and extended warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score covers not only this generation of Clio, but also newer (2019 onwards) and older (pre-2012) models.

Average repairs costs for the Clio are very reasonable at less than £300. The only thing to really watch out for is gearbox issues, as the average repair bill for these is nearly £1,200 to date.

If you are looking to buy a used Clio, make sure any used car warranty you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas shown above.

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Renault Clio, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi A1 | Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Hyundai i20 | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | MG 3 | Mini hatch | Mitsubishi Mirage | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo


More news, reviews and information about the Renault Clio at The Car Expert

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Affordable pricing and unique exterior looks made the fourth-generation Renault Clio a popular supermini, though it is rather dated inside.Renault Clio (2012 to 2019)