Anyway, I really like how this facelifted, Alpine-spirited Clio looks. Compact, confident, not overly detailed and with cool new LED lighting patterns on the front. It’s just a shame it’s finished in somber Shadow Grey; I would certainly have paid another £100 for the Flame Red, Valencia Orange or especially the Iron Blue.
The interior, I must say, is fantastic in today’s context. Yes, it’s succumbed to the trend of a large infotainment touchscreen completely dominating the environment, but the unusual portrait orientation means you don’t have to stand as far from the steering wheel and, crucially, there’s still plenty of physical switchgear.
Below the screen is a dial for heat, fan speed and air direction, exactly as it should be, as well as buttons for the seat heating, EV mode and driving mode selection. Then on my right is an absolute treat: not only buttons for the heated steering wheel and lane-keeping assistance, but also up-down switches for the angle of the headlights and the brightness of the two screens. (The instruments are of course completely digital and customizable.)
The bar is on the ground these days, but Renault is making a leap anyway. Alpine spec also uses durable fabric on the sports seats, as well as synthetic leather, which is also on the steering wheel, complemented by blue stitching and blue lining on the seat belts – small details that I really like.
I noticed a huge difference in my bank account when I switched from an aging diesel Toyota Land Cruiser to a modern turbo-petrol Peugeot 408 fastback earlier this year, and I’m hoping this innovative hybrid supermini will deliver a similar improvement.
My Clio promises fantastic fuel economy of 65.7mpg (compared to 53.3mpg for the equivalent petrol), and in these times of inflation that’s a prospect that has me really excited.
Second opinion
Yes, I bought myself a new Clio – not the hybrid but the pure petrol model, for just £29 a month. I’ve been a serial buyer of the Ford Fiesta, but now that that’s behind me, the Clio is heir apparent as the best small car you can buy. I look forward to exchanging views with Kris.