BACK WHEN I was 17, I learnt to drive in a Renault Clio. And like most other people who love cars, I've always had something of a soft spot for my first set of wheels.
Specifically, the car was an early fourth-generation Clio - a model that seemed to be very popular with driving instructors at the time. Looking back now, it's easy to see why; it provided new drivers like myself with a soft landing when being introduced to the open road. Its small size made it unintimidating, and its light yet precise controls made it comparatively easy to manoeuvre.
Fast forward to earlier this year, when I was filming a video review of the latest model for What Car?'s YouTube channel, and it was clear that the Clio is now better than ever. So much so, in fact, that we named it our Small Car of the Year at the 2024 What Car? Awards. As a result, I've decided to revisit my youth by picking the latest Clio as my new company car.
After poring over what you get with each of the three trim levels offered by Renault, I decided to go for Evolution. It may be the cheapest, but it's still packed with kit, including a 7.0in touchscreen that runs smartphone mirroring wirelessly (and flawlessly, so far), plus cruise control and rear parking sensors.
Bu hikaye What Car? UK dergisinin Ocotber 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye What Car? UK dergisinin Ocotber 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Lexus RZ 450e+ Takumi Bi-tone
Greater stamina and a lower price would have enhanced our opinion of this upmarket electric SUV
Audi A6 Avant 45 TFSI quattro Sport
Our new posh estate has to deal with a mega-miles commute and an older sibling. How will it get on?
Renault Clio 1.0 TCe 90 Evolution
It's our reigning Small Car of the Year, but will the latest Clio continue to impress in daily use? We're finding out
ALL POSHED UP
Looking to buy an upmarket SUV? For around £35,000, you could have a new Lexus LBX or a used BMW X1. Let's see where your money should go
JOINING UP THE TOTS
Small, cheap cars bring numerous benefits, especially if most of your driving is around town. We take three leading examples on a road trip to see which of them paints the most complete picture
GRIPPING STUFF
Tyre choice can make a huge difference to how your car behaves in changeable weather. We search for the best
Audi A6 e-tron
BMW i5 rival uses the same tech as the Q6 e-tron SUV for serious pace and range On sale Late 2024 Price from £62,000 (est)
Renault Symbioz
Slightly smaller than Renault's existing Austral, this new hybrid family SUV has its sights set firmly on the popular Nissan Qashqai On sale Now Price from £29,295
Volkswagen Golf
Family car celebrates its 50th birthday with an update, including much-improved infotainment On sale Now Price from £27,035
Hyundai Tucson
Update for Hyundai's family SUV includes a redesigned interior and a revised engine line-up On sale Now Price from £32,000