Renault Clio Hybrid

I’m an awful man for asking myself: “Why didn’t I think of that?” It’s triggered when I read a short story, for example, or hear about how a business was born, or it could be coming across a particularly insightful suggestion or explanation, a phrase... the list is endless. It happens to me nearly every day. I’m sure you’ve had such moments too.

In my case, I put it down to being not particularly bright and, possibly, a bit afraid of making an even bigger fool of myself by suggesting something. This is not fishing for compliments — I ran out of bait for that a long time ago. No, it is rather a statement of belonging to the real world, where I acknowledge the bright people shine a light for the likes of me.

I imagine something of a similar sensation applies to the occupiers of some motoring manufacturers’ boardrooms. How some big names must lament their lethargy in not thinking of making more electric cars sooner like Tesla did. It is such an obvious thing to have done (now).

Or why didn’t they really ‘go for it’ with hybrid cars as Toyota did?

It is the latter question with which I will consume a few minutes of your time, as I report on Renault’s new hybrid Clio supermini. Driving it made the hybrid concept all the more obvious an option now: you combine engine, battery, motor, fuel tank and off you go.

One of the good things about those breakthrough ideas is that when they take flight, you get variants on the theme.

Under the bonnet of the new Clio hybrid, for example, is a 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors which are driven via an F1-inspired clutchless automatic transmission. There’s something a little bit different. As is the fact that you get a jolly old jolt from the 140bhp generated.

So you won’t blame me for having exploited the power a wee bit and failing to consume as little fuel as official figures claim: 4.4 litres to cover every 100km. Put me down for 6.3litres/100km incurred by my energy drive in a car that also has one of the best chassis in its class.

I don’t often report on a small hybrid car’s handling because it is not a major factor for most when deciding to buy a motor of this nature. But in the Clio hybrid’s case, I’ll make an exception. The chassis is on the right, stiff, side of yielding and I loved how easy but engaging it was to take a few bends at a nice clip. A decent driving car, regardless of size, is always a pleasure to sample.
I agree my weakness goes against the grain of restrained and moderate driving for which the genre so stoutly stands, but hybrid doesn’t always have to be about parsimony. It can translate its latent power to pep too. The Clio is not the first to do that, but it did it well.

Which is what I loved about the car: the ability to take it nice and easy in town and show an admirable fleetness of foot when the open road beckoned.

This was a nice package all round. I know my version had extra spec to burn, but what a super-looking motor it is inside and out. Styling is exceptional. This is a car you can call smart. It’s cute and comfortable with good space for front passengers in particular. And I have no whinge about the touchscreen interface or gear-change.

The boot is small, tiny really, but what do you expect in a compact car such as this? I worried about being able to carry some long, bulky items even with the back seats folded flat but found I could. What a nice surprise.

Of course, there are criticisms. Unlike the boot, there’s nothing small about the price.

All right, the entry-level tab is competitive (you get steel wheels for God’s sake) but nobody is going to buy it. My test car was priced at nearly €30,000. That’s too much, I think, but don’t let me stop you if you have, or can get, the money. My advice is try to stick to mid-range. It is hard to justify €30,000.

So would I buy it? With my fist figuratively clasping a moderate cheque for a mid-price model, I would for sure.

Renault would be justified in trumpeting this little car a bit. No, they may not have reinvented the idea of hybrid, or set the pace. In fact, they are latecomers to the market. But it is plain to see they had a few thoughts of their own to add to the menu of what hybrid can mean.

Facts & Figures: Renault Clio E-Tech hybrid

1.6-litre petrol, auto, 140bhp, 4.4l/100km, 99g/km. Standard spec includes electric/heated mirrors, cruise control, speed limiter, air con, 4.2in driver’s screen. Test car spec had 17in alloys, climate control, 9.3in t/screen, 7in driver display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, front parking sensors, rear-view camera. From €17,195, test car without options €28,795; test car: €29,361.