2017 Renault Clio (Mk4 facelift)

We test: Renault's cheeky Clio GT Line

Like the Volkswagen Polo R-Line and Suzuki’s Swift Sport, Renault’s new Clio GT Line combines go-fast looks with reasonably brisk performance for a lot less money than you’d spend on one of today’s hardcore hot hatches. Kind of like yesteryear’s hot hatches, but with today’s comfort levels.

In its latest, i.e. facelifted, guise, the Clio GT-Line graduates into this warm-performing class thanks to a bigger and perkier engine that finally does the racy styling some justice.

Indeed, the adventurously-styled fourth-generation Clio has always looked the hot hatch part, even in some of its humblest configurations. Whereas rivals such the Polo lean towards a smarter and more presentable kind of design austerity that would suit a wider range of buyers, the Clio is unashamedly youthful, sexy and not intending to grow up any time soon thank you very much.

The GT-Line takes that a step further with its own design package that includes a unique front bumper, chrome tailpipe and 17 inch titanium grey alloy wheels, colour matched by the foglight surrounds, mirrors, door protection strips and diffuser.

Yet unlike the previous Clio GT-Line, the latest version has some go to match the show, ditching the previous 66kW/135kW 898cc three-cylinder turbopetrol for a 1.2-litre four-pot turbo unit that’s good for 88kW and 205Nm. It’s mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed manual gearbox.

The 1.2 engine provides satisfying performance, with no discernable lag off the mark, brisk acceleration through the rev range and effortless overtaking ability.

Granted, this is not a performance car. Yet unless you have the kind of performance hunger that only an RS-badged hottie could satiate, it’s unlikely that this engine is going to leave you wanting. In fact the GT-Line is one of the fastest cars you can buy for the money, that being R264 900 in this car’s case, with Renault claiming a nine-second 0-100km/h sprint and 199km/h top speed.

As for fuel appetite, our car sipped around 8.2 litres per 100km in a reasonably brisk mixture of urban and rural driving. If you’re looking to better that, the Clio does offer an Eco button which toys with the engine management to benefit economy, and the infotainment system has an eco coaching function that scores you for acceleration, gearing and anticipation.

The Clio’s suspension is a tad firm, and while its bump-absorption is still on the comfortable side of the equation, it’s not exactly the softest-riding car in its class. It corners neatly, however, with that typical front-wheel-drive understeer at the limit, and the steering provides adequate feedback.

Perhaps underscoring its positioning as a more emotional than rational choice, the Clio is not the most practical hatch in its class when it comes to rear legroom in that an adult or large teen, behind an average driver, will have their knees digging into the front seat. Yet Renault is not exactly targeting family buyers with big kids here and there’s still lots of space in the boot for your junk, 300 litres to be precise, making it among the biggest in its class.

The interior design is also in keeping with the car’s sporty persona. Front occupants sink into a pair of grippy sports seats with bright stripes and GT-Line embroidery. While the huge bolsters provide plenty of support, larger occupants will find them a bit tight to squeeze into comfortably.

Additional GT-Line decor comes in the form of an RS-style leather steering wheel and alloy gear knob as well as a handbrake lever with blue stitching. Most of the interior materials are of a good quality, but overall it’s still more sporty than classy in here and the design is a little fussy.

Like most of the Clio range, your command centre is the 17.8cm MediaNav touch-screen infotainment system, featuring integrated satnav, Bluetooth connectivity and a four-speaker audio system. The GT-Line is also fitted with cruise control, rear park distance control, auto lights and wipers, ESC stability control and four airbags (front and side, but no curtains).

VERDICT

While others in this class are trying to do the growing up thing, losing some charisma in the process, the Clio is hell-bent on keeping its cap facing backwards and posting saucy selfies on Instagram. If we’re on that page, the upgraded GT-Line hits a sweet-spot with its racy looks, ample features and lively performance for the R264 900 price tag.

FACTS: Renault Clio GT Line

Engine:1.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbopetrol
Gearbox:6-speed Manual
Power:88kW @ 5500rpm
Torque:205Nm @ 2000rpm
0-100km/h (Claimed):9.0 seconds
Top speed (Claimed):199km/h
Price:R264 900
Warranty:5-year/150 000km
Service plan:3-year/45 000km

http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/we-test-renaults-cheeky-clio-gt-line-10155864

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Like most of the Clio range, your command centre is the 17.8cm MediaNav touch-screen infotainment system, featuring integrated satnav, Bluetooth connectivity and a four-speaker audio system. The GT-Line is also fitted with cruise control, rear park distance control, auto lights and wipers, ESC stability control and four airbags (front and side, but no curtains).
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Don't think there are a lot of cars that provide you with all the features the Clio has as standard equipment. :)
 
The Clio GT Line seems to be fantastic bang for your buck @ R264k

Not much else comes close for the price
 
Kind of wish I had gone with a GT Line, I discovered that Renault had some sweet deals on them last month. Been kicking myself for not enquiring when I had the chance.

Ah well, next time I guess.
 
REVIEW: Renault Clio GT-Line

What is it that makes you feel your age? Your kids knowing stuff you don’t? The day you’ve paid off a car? Sure. But nothing on earth has ever made me feel my age like the new Renault Clio GT-Line.

This car is a good exemplar of a new breed of warm, semi-sporty mid-range models. Audi did it with its S models, which come in below the full-fat RS cars. Mercedes have done it with a range of AMG43s, which don’t quite get the full insanity of the 63s. And, here in hot hatch land, people who can’t quite stretch to a Polo GTi can always pop for a TSi R-Line, which is sprightly and swift but not a GTi.

So, not a Clio RS, then, and that’s good for your wallet at least.

Why buy a Clio GT?

The 1.2-turbopetrol motor will zip the little Clio to 100km/h in nine seconds, which isn’t slow but neither is it terribly quick. Eighty-eight kilowatts isn’t going to rip the blacktop to shreds but 205Nm aligned with a fun manual ‘box does combine to create, I think, just enough to make the GT interesting at the lights.

I can categorically tell you, however, that this doesn’t really matter a great deal in the real world, because as a useful urban tool the little GT is wonderfully ferrety little thing, snouting its way round corners with zest. The steering is really great. It’s fast and there’s plenty of feedback. The six-speed manual is fun and easy to use, inviting the driver to blip the throttle and drop the clutch straight into the meat of the torque band. It’s a really fun little car to drive, and on the Cape Town switchback known as De Waal Drive the quality of the engineering in the chassis is there to feel.

The drive

This thing handles. There’s a goodly amount of front-end grip and understeer only really arrives at the point where you’ve crossed that fine line between quick and incompetent. This car has the poise and the grip to make any commute a highly entertaining business.

I think, on reflection, that the Clio GT is a car that’s fun to drive at what feels fast. Speed is about context, after all. Hurtling along at 1000km/h in a passenger jet isn’t usually a hairy experience, whereas riding a bicycle downhill at 50km/h is windy and fun. The Clio GT isn’t a quick car, the numbers tell us. But the smiles tell us a different story. It feels fast and fun, and it scythes through traffic like a champion.

Inside it’s a little four-door hatchback, so space is limited but by no means bad for its class. Up front the plastics and the switchgear isn’t quite of the standard you get in a Volkswagen product but then it is R30k cheaper than the afore-mentioned R-Line and also comes loaded with kit, such as cruise control, keyless entry/start, rain sensors, automatic lights and hill start assist. That’s a lot of adulting from a kid with its baseball cap on backwards.

And age? Well, this thing must have the least comfortable seats in the history of the world. I would literally have been happier sitting on Burj Khalifa. They’re sporty, see, and cling onto you as you barrel though corners. I am a big guy, it is true, just short of 2m tall, but even my wife, whose hips are more millennial than middle-aged, was amazed at the lack of comfort.

And that’s odd. The rest of the car is so beautifully balanced, a sweet spot of being easy to drive and light on fuel and yet fast enough, of having good handling and yet a reasonable ride. But that’s just me. If you’ve got R265 000 burning a hole in your pocket this is absolutely worth test-driving. It’s a fine balance, and perhaps you won’t mind the seats, in which case the Clio GT-Line is a very attractive offering.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/review-renault-clio-gt-line-20170717

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Not the best example ito class of car. Also that Gen Accord is incredibly bland. The previous Gen Euro one was much much better looks wise.

For what it is the GT Line is top value.
 
FiestaST said:
Not the best example ito class of car. Also that Gen Accord is incredibly bland. The previous Gen Euro one was much much better looks wise.

For what it is the GT Line is top value.
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You're missing the point. For the amount of car/kit/whatever way you want to slice it, new car prices are just plain stupid.

I simply used the accord, cause I was trolling auto trader looking for one after looking at the 2018 Accord thread...

Could have been worse, I could have used a Mazda 2 as an exmple, but apparently that's sporty, which is code for pulled through it's own arsehole.
 
That's a captain obvious statement. No one is debating that. That's why when I put my 2c down on value of a car I always say "relatively" .
 
Review: Why the 2017 Renault Clio GT-line is a popular hatchback

The Renault Clio fast became a favourite in the South African market and has grown in popularity through the generations. Clio 4 has been around for a while now but Renault South Africa has not been sitting back on their laurels and has constantly tweaked and updated to ensure continued sales success.

Recently the range was increased with the launch of the GT-line version. Taking the engine up to a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder instead of the 900cc, 3-cylinder version that's become familiar.

GT-Line power

This brings a jump in power from 66 to 88kW plus an excellent 205Nm of torque. It very quickly takes the stylish smaller hatchback’s performance from average to a very warm hatch.

Having recently experienced the smaller engine in Renault’s Sandero Stepway, I found it adequate but certainly no ball of fire. Now along comes the GT-line with the ability to blow my hat off. I was very quickly impressed by the total lack of turbo lag. Power delivery is smooth and even throughout the rev range making overtaking a pleasure while imparting a knowing that the manoeuvre can be completed in safety.

From the outside the Clio GT-line shows its upgraded headlights and daytime running lights. A mild body kit plus a squared off exhaust at the rear hint that there is a bit extra on offer here. The interior also shows its intent very quickly. The obvious sports seats with prominent bolsters look the part and will hold you in place through fast corners.

The striped stitching continues with that theme. However, a word of caution here if you are endowed with a slightly wide body (human, not the car), then you may find the seats to be a tight fit! The steering wheel, with cruise control buttons, plus the familiar volume control behind the wheel, is nice and chunky and fills the hands comfortably.

A really sweet spot of the car is the ultra quick, but smooth and short shifting 6-speed gearbox. Another familiar Renault item is the functional touch screen infotainment system with navigation included. As always, the navigation is easy to operate and program which certainly helped me find my way around Cape Town for the test period.

The standard Renault key card system is a bit clumsy and in my opinion, a simple keyless go system in conjunction with the start button would make far more sense. In the interests of being a sporty version, the suspension and handling are a bit harder but certainly not uncomfortable and create confidence when pushing a bit on a twisty road.

Handling, fuel economy

I would rate the overall handling in the fun category. Fuel economy can always be a moot point when a car provides a fun factor. During 4 days and over 500km with the car, I certainly explored the performance and handling aspects. My overall figure of 8.0-litres/100km is probably approaching the worst consumption that owners could expect. Rear seat space is adequate for the category and the boot measures 256 litres with all seats in place.

Dropping all the rear seats increases this figure to around 730 litres. Rear legroom, using the sit behind self test, is fair and I would be comfortable if I was relegated to the rear. Most importantly, there is more than sufficient headroom even with my hat on.

One last personal criticism is that the neat and attractive rear shape does compromise rearward vision and I would appreciate a reverse camera being added to the infotainment system. The fact that the car has been awarded a 5 -star Euro NCAP rating also needs to be considered. Looking at the Clio GT-line overall, I tip my hat at the package with an emphasis on performance and handling.

Priced at R264 900, including a 3 year or 45 000km service plan there are a number of competitors. These include the Suzuki Swift Sport with 100kW, the Volkswagen Polo with 92kW, and the Hyundai i20 Sport with 85kW. All of these are similarly priced and would bear consideration but the continued popularity of the Clio range generally makes a strong case for this choice.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels...-clio-gt-line-is-a-popular-hatchback-20170811
 
The standard Renault key card system is a bit clumsy and in my opinion, a simple keyless go system in conjunction with the start button would make far more sense.
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I thought keyless entry was a standard feature on all Clio's. :eek:
 
Dan C said:
Think he means where you have to insert the key (card) to start the car. I also find it to be in an awkward place.
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Thanks. Did not know there are different kinds of key cards. :o
 
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