Renault Clio V

The previous fourth-generation Renault Clio was proven to be the automotive equivalent of a glass of orange juice and it was proven to be sporty to drive and easy to live with in the beginning. With the arrival of the fifth-generation Clio, there's still so much work to do for France's answer to any midsize hatchback it can take on, just as it had its hopes up and running in the ever-changing automotive world that picks the winners and losers by a snap.

2020 Renault Clio

The fifth-generation Renault Clio, starting at 14,100 Euros plus OTR, shows that it's all about unfinished business for this French midsize hatchback that delivers the right blend of style and performance in one stylish hatchback fit for young urban professionals.

2020 Renault Clio

Starting with the design, the new model is basically reminiscent of the previous fourth-generation model with the fourth-generation Megane's face plastered in the front view, giving the expression that goes 4+4=5, which is mathematically incorrect but it didn't matter anyway because despite its questionable looks, the new Clio is still worth a charmer in every tangible way and even in R.S Line spec or Initiale Paris spec, there's no hiding from the bizarre looks this French hatchback carries.

2020 Renault Clio interior

The inside now boasts a tablet-sized touchscreen like every other Renault of the present era possesses and although not fit for speedo boys many, it's a yuppie treat and it works like an office desk on wheels, meaning it packs a lot of infotainment to toy around while getting accommodated by its more comfortable interior that is about as spacious as the previous model as well as its decent boot space big enough for just about everything. Not bad for Renault, though.

2020 Renault Clio

The most powerful version at launch is the one with the 1.3 TCe engine that produces 130PS of power and with the 7-speed EDC, it goes from 0-100kph in nine seconds and a top speed of 200kph, faster than the Corolla Sport, which can only do 180kph of course. For those looking for efficiency but don't like diesel like every European does, you can expect a hybrid variant joining the range soon and it promises to be as efficient as any hybrids get but without the stereotypical scenario, most hybrids face.

In terms of dynamics, thanks to its new platform, the new Clio is now more enjoyable to drive than the previous model. It's livelier to drive in the bends and more comfortable to drive in the city center, meaning that it's gone from orange juice with pulp to orange juice with no pulp and that's good news for those looking for a sporty hatchback that does just about everything.

Renault promised that the fifth-generation Clio will be the most advanced Renault to date and with that, they've planted it with the EASY DRIVE driver assistance systems featuring Highway & Traffic Jam Companion, Adaptive Cruise Control, automatic high low beam, active emergency brake, Blind Spot Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition with Speed Alert, Lane Departure Warning System and Lane Keeping Assist, 360 Camera, and many others. Although surprising and annoying, these safety features show that this new model means big business. It's all in the name of becoming the safest French hatchback ever made, although difficult to explain why.

So, with everything sorted out, there's just one more word about the new Clio; should you buy it? With all the tech, dynamics, performance, and comfort working pretty well for the new model, although the styling has a lot of explanation to do, the new Clio is a way forward for Renault and we can expect good things to come from this new version, whatever it means.

Photo: Renault