Car Reviews > Renault > Clio 1.5 dCi eco > Renault Clio 1.5 dCi eco Car Review
THE eco tuned super-mini
The Renault Clio 1.5 dCi eco is the new eco tuned super-mini that is purported to be capable of driving 950 miles on just one single tank of diesel fuel. Not only that, but the super-mini – which is also tax exempt due to its “green” credentials – is also the cheapest such vehicle on the market today.
The 950 miles per one tank of diesel fuel claim certainly promises very low running costs, and the engine is based on the normal 88 bhp 1.5-litre diesel dCI with the intention of making the Clio even more economical to drive than ever.
The 5-speed manual gearbox has had taller gearing brought to it thanks to the Expression Eco Pack, as well as a roof spoiler, 15-inch Aero wheel trims that have tyres which are resistant to low rolling, and a front splitter, all of which adds only an extra £250 to the cost of the vehicle, which retails at £12,450. There is no denying then that the Renault Clio 1.5 dCi eco therefore represents something of a genuine bargain. The vehicle does lack a stop start system, but on the other hand, Renault is claiming that the combined fuel economy is just 78.4 miles per gallon – as opposed to 70.6 miles per gallon for the ordinary car – so it probably does not even really need one. Likewise, emissions of CO2 of have been cut down a further 12g per kilometre to make a total of just 94g per kilometre, which results in an exemption from both road tax and the £10 Congestion Charge scheme that is running in the city of London.
If all that was not enough on its own, Renault is sticking to its aforementioned claim that the vehicle is capable of travelling no less than 950 miles on just one tank of diesel petrol – the equivalent of driving from London to the city of Nice in France without having to stop for a top up which, if true, is certainly no mean feat.
Therefore, the fact that the Renault Clio 1.5 dCi eco is an economical vehicle can pretty much be taken for granted – but where does it stand on items such as attractiveness and quality of driving? Thankfully, the answers are very much on the positive side for those as well. The wheel trims are smart, the aero tweaks are minor but still attractive little additions, and the traditionally perky Clio engine is not in any way adversely affected by the longer gearing. The torque output of 200 Nm also means the car offers enough good old-fashioned oomph to satisfy anyone, and actually succeeds in feeling even faster than the recorded 0-62 mph figure of 11 seconds. The Renault Clio 1.5 dCi eco also has no issues when it comes to motorways, thanks to gearing which enables a quietly comfortable cruise.
With a well-balanced and agile chassis, and solid grip from the eco-minded tyres, the super-mini is fun too, with the only possible bone of contention being that the steering could use a little more feel. On the other hand, the Ford Fiesta is about the only thing that is superior in this class, and the Clio has the jump on its rival in this area with its excellently affordable pricing.
by Autoweb
Revived Renault Alpine to debut at Monaco grand prix
French carmaker Renault will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the original Alpine A110 by showcasing a stylish new concept at the Monaco grand prix, which will be held this weekend. An image of the car, which was leaked online, shows that the style of new Alpine was heavily influenced by the renowned DeZir concept car that was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The Alpine concept is based on the Megane Trophy race car's tube-framed chassis. It is equipped ...
Peugeot launches two Roland Garros Special Edition cars
French carmaker Peugeot has launched two "Roland Garros" Special Edition Coupé Cabriolet cars. The highly-specified open-top vehicles come with a retractable roof, enabling occupants to enjoy the summer sun and remain dry during the occasional rainfall. The Roland Garros Special Editions are available in 207 CC and 308 CC, with indicative prices ranging from £18,795 for the 207 CC version and rising to £25,845 for the 308 CC. Moreover, all m...