Issue 546[Melb]

Clio
1.2
DS 39.2 Polo10.8
10
100 /
Clio 1.2
Clio Zen
Clio Zen 16
LED
7
SPECIFICATION
2017 Clio Zen
19,990
1,187cc 1.2
4900rpm 88kW
2000rpm 190Nm
5.6 100
45
5
3 299
With its compact dimensions, distinct
lines and curvaceous sheet metal, the
new Clio is certainly visually striking and
appealing. It combines a cute aesthetic
with some quirky details. It is a car that
definitely wears its fun character on its
sleeve; it is probably one of the few bestlooking
superminis in the market right now.
On the inside there is the usual
European flair with high gloss surfaces
contrasted with some leather and other soft
plastics that many have come to know and
love. Controls are laid out in an obvious
manner that is not difficult to grasp and
within minutes you should be pretty much
aware of how everything works and where
they are.
The Clio is a spacious car for its size,
although you might not expect this at first
glance. With ample head, shoulder and
legroom for front seat passengers, the car
also has largest for this class boot at 300
litres (1,146 litres with 60/40 split back
seats down), much bettering rivals such as
Mazda2 and new Suzuki Swift.
This Clio has a turbocharged 1.2-litre
four-cylinder petrol engine producing 88kW
of power and 190Nm of torque. It is a perky
little unit that makes the car feel much
faster than you might expect. It weighs
1,017kg and is one of the lightest cars in
its class.
On the go, the car feels agile and light
on its feet. It pulls with verve and is actually
quicker to 100km/hr, in less than 10
seconds, than other comparable 1.2-litre
hatchbacks like the DS 3 (9.2 seconds)
or the Volkswagen Polo (10.8 seconds).
It also possesses sharp and composed
handling. It is a very fun car to throw into
corners; it is light yet fluid and allows you
to string a series of corners together with
confidence.
The Clio 1.2-litre engine may be a
little small but definitely has a ton of heart.
When driven normally, the Clio Zen feels
composed and relaxed.
The Clio Zen comes with the standard
16-inch alloys, reversing camera, front and
rear parking sensors, auto LED headlights
and daytime running lights, cruise
control, six-speaker stereo with 7-inch
touchscreen, keyless entry and start, sat
nav, heated powered door mirrors, leather
steering wheel and gear shifter, auto wipers
and a space-saver spare tyre slung under
the car.
50
ISSUE 546
6.10.2017