This is a 2010 Renault Clio 1.2 tcE Dynamique, which is identical to one I hired in 2010. This facelifted Mk3 version was much, much better than the Mk2 in every possible way. The 1.2 turbocharged petrol engine (the D4FT), albeit distantly related to the one in the previous car, was vastly different in character and developed around 100 bhp. As well as being much more powerful, it was much smoother, produced much more torque, so was vastly easier to drive. The car also had a new gearbox and clutch, which felt much, much better than any previous French car that I had ever tried. The ergonomics seemed better too!
Along with the new mechanicals, the car also had a very different interior, of much higher quality with better ergonomics, and in ten years of development, there was also much more equipment. There was no satellite navigation, but there were automatic lights and wipers, remote controls for the steering wheel, and wonderful air conditioning. I also very much liked the styling, particularly the front end, which on the Dynamique model has a lovely chrome strip underneath the front bumper.
The ride and handling seemed much improved, and the whole thing had a Volkswagen like solidity, which remains to be seen if it could hold up seven years later, but was certainly evident at the time. If a 2010 Clio is in similar shape to a 2010 Polo or Ibiza, then I would say it may well be worth considering. Renault's reliability record of late seems to be improving, particularly given that the new Nissan Micra is built in one of their own factories in France, but clearly, as with all cars, check carefully before you buy. Lesser models without the turbo probably aren't nearly as nice to drive, but this one was a great deal of fun. My grandfather's late cousin, a patriotic native of Normandy and lover of Renaults for many, many years (after all, the company was owned by the French government until 1991), would have absolutely loved it!
