Renault Clio GT 1.6

Sep 27 2009 John Scantlebury

YOU could always turn to a Renault Clio for a bit of motoring fun and the new GT version happily fits into the tradition.

It is not as hot as some of its predecessors but there are compensations for the lack of out-and-out punch from the new 128bhp 1.6-litre VVT engine, reflected in the leisurely 9.3 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint.

The power is well within the comfort zone of the three-door, where the chassis tuning was put in the hands of Renaultsport engineers. The stiffening of dampers and springing, by 15 per cent, is well-judged so that progress is sure and confident without being unsettling, while the recalibrated steering earns similar good marks.

The front anti-roll bar is increased in diameter, with the rear suspension bushes taken from the new Clio Renaultsport 200, and it is the certainty of the GT that delivers the pleasure.

The car also looks the part. Externally it carries an extended front spoiler, black surrounds to further kick the bold headlights, side skirts, 16in alloys with low-profile tyres, twin exhausts and a small tailgate spoiler, while cabin features include the traditional sporty white dials and aluminium pedals. The sports seats are deep and gripping, offer height and lumbar adjustment and boast a GT logo, as does the leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Given all this dressing-up, it's a shame Renault didn't give the GT a tad more firepower, although I acknowledge that the range-topping Renaultsport 200 is available for thrill-seekers. Here you need to stoke up the revs to get the best of the power and pull, which also pushes up the noise levels, but at least you get to work the nicely-ratioed six-speed manual gearbox, and there is the considerable reward of getting 50mpg on the open road. A relatively clean 160g/km of CO2 emissions is another financial benefit.

No complaints about equipment levels, either. The GT takes its foundations from the Clio Dynamique, whose features include air conditioning, a full set of airbags and automatic lights and wipers, and adds the likes of cruise control/speed limiter, extra-tinted rear windows and tailgate, silver door mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, and a satin grey centre console and highlights amid ordinary-looking but soft-touch plastics, as well as the special features I mentioned earlier.

The good seat adjustment is teamed with reach and rake variation of the steering wheel, so an ideal driving position is easily reached, while an abundance of glass allows for fine frontal and side vision. The over-the-shoulder outlook, however, is hindered by a swiftly-rising waistline and a lowering roof.

That also means a very contained feel for those sat at the back, but the extra length of the 2009 Clio means there is generous legroom here so that it accommodates even adults with ease. Access and exit is reasonably comfortable, a power point is within easy reach and there's also a drinks holder and small side pockets.

Stowage space at the front is moderate but the Clio does offer fair boot space, swelling to over 1,000 litres if you fold down the rear seats.

Fitted in the test car was the new Carminat TomTom integrated satnav system, which was launched by Renault in the new Grand Scenic and is now being run out as a £450 option elsewhere. With a 5.8in.screen built into the top of the dash, it is operated by a zapper and is linked to traffic information so it can direct you direct you around hold-ups.

The GT may not be a hot hatch but, with its fine driving manners and sparky looks, it is very easy to warm to it.

FAST FACTS

Renault Clio GT 1.6 VVT 3dr

Price: £13,620

Mechanical: 128bhp, 1,558cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 122mph

0-62mph: 9.3 seconds

Insurance group: 7

Combined mpg: 40.9

CO2 emissions: 160g/km

BIK rating: 20%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles