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Renault models, news & reviews
4
Handling
Performance
3
Usability
Feelgood factor
Readers' rating
By Ben Barry
First Drives
09 May 2009 16:00
Good point, the Fiesta Zetec S is the Clio’s toughest opposition and, sadly for Renault, just nicks top honours. At £13,895, the Ford is £400 more expensive, but it edges out the Clio because it looks a little fresher, handles with similar verve, pollutes less and boasts a much nicer interior.
Not that the GT is a bad place to be, and we were particularly impressed by the Renault’s seats, which managed to be both aggressively bolstered and incredibly comfortable, reminding us of the chairs in the Clio Williams. There’s also some decent head- and kneeroom in the rear, and the squidgy dash plastics that are so bound up with that premium feel.
If you can’t stretch to a Clio 200, don’t despair. The Clio GT is still entertaining to drive, much cheaper to buy and run, and more comfortable too. In fact, as an everyday proposition it makes much more sense.
This is a good car, then, and one that’s only just beaten by the brilliant Fiesta.
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Renault Clio GT (2009) CAR review
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Robby1977 says
RE: Renault Clio GT (2009) CAR review
To give a reality check, yeah, it's not that hot, or that fast BUT there are many (read under 23 yrs) who stand no chance of insuring something faster. £13.5K is very poor value though.
11 May 2009 23:13
JohnnyBimmer says
Doesn't look too bad but 9.3sec 0-62mph is so slow (MG of 30 years ago anyone?) it drags the GT badge down to 'Grinding Tubster' rather than Grand Turismo!
11 May 2009 09:16
Stevieboy1 says
Agree with you entirely about the front bumper - the GT DOES look better - as aggressive but better integrated than the 200 (its only failing?)
10 May 2009 14:30
livc44411 says
What goes up must come down and what goes down must come up Georgios1976....Every manufacturer goes through a phase where they have to find themselves design-wise (Renault is on par with its competitors technically I believe),BMW with the first Bangles inspired models,Ford Europe in the mid 90s,Citroen at the turn of the century etc... I am confident that the next generation of passenger cars from Renault will be a marked improvement so lets look forward to that shall we? As for the Grande Punto (lovely looking motor I must say) I have read many reviews on the internet and in various magazines stating of various major reliability issues...in true late 90s Fiat tradition...
What goes up must come down and what goes down must come up Georgios1976....Every manufacturer goes through a phase where they have to find themselves design-wise (Renault is on par with its competitors technically I believe),BMW with the first Bangles inspired models,Ford Europe in the mid 90s,Citroen at the turn of the century etc... I am confident that the next generation of passenger cars from Renault will be a marked improvement so lets look forward to that shall we?
As for the Grande Punto (lovely looking motor I must say) I have read many reviews on the internet and in various magazines stating of various major reliability issues...in true late 90s Fiat tradition...
10 May 2009 10:47
georgios1976 says
At that money, a Grande Punto T-Jet sounds a much better proposition, let alone a Fiesta. I can hardly figure out what customer profile did Renault have when marketing the vehicle. Some really clueless ones I guess... Renault is such a let down lately, Laguna, Megane, Twingo, now the facelifted clio, all runners up (at a push in most cases) in their respective sectors, shame....
09 May 2009 23:03
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