The Renault Clio: As good as it gets

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

This is the updated Renault Clio, due in New Zealand in September.

The French car gets a new-look front end, an all-new interior and an updated suspension system.

It is said to be quieter than the existing model as well.

Renault sent the industry in New Zealand into a spin a couple of years ago when it launched the present Clio, at $23,990 the best value-for-money small car on the market.

It is powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine, which drives the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.

The car comes with dual front airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes and air-conditioning - class-leading standard equipment.

The four-speed automatic version arrived a couple of months ago. It has four airbags and is priced at $27,990.

The Clio range also includes the Sport model, a lickety-split performer using a two-litre 124kW engine built by Renault's motorsport division. It costs $33,990, a performance/price ratio that is as good as it gets in a hatchback.