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Renault Clio I (Phase I) 1.2 i (58 Hp)
Overall Rating
Renault Clio:
The Renault Clio is a supermini car, produced by French automobile manufacturer Renault. It was launched in 1990, and entered its sixth generation in 2025. The Clio has had substantial critical and commercial success, being consistently one of Europe's top-selling cars since its launch, and it is largely credited with restoring Renault's reputation and stature after a difficult second half of the 1980s. The Clio is one of only two cars, the other being the Volkswagen Golf, to have been voted European Car of the Year twice: in 1991 and in 2006....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I (Phase I) Overview:
Renault Clio (I (Phase I)). With 84 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8 l/100km). Weighing only 830 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14 s). The top speed reaches 155 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
1.2 i (58 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A slight improvement over the basic 1.2L, offering marginally better responsiveness for city driving.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel economy, enhanced by fuel injection, making it very cost-effective for urban commutes.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Wide range of engines, from economical to high-performance
- • Practical and spacious interior for a supermini
- • Comfortable ride quality for its class
- • Engaging driving dynamics, especially in sportier trims
- • Affordable to buy and run (for lower trims)
Cons:
- • Safety features are basic by modern standards (no Euro NCAP rating)
- • Interior plastics can feel cheap on base models
- • Some early models may suffer from rust issues
- • Older design aesthetics may not appeal to all
- • Reliability can be hit-or-miss on older, less maintained examples
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (Phase I): 1995 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Renault |
| Model: | Clio |
| Generation: | I (Phase I) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.2 i (58 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3/5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 58 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 49.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 84 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | D7F More details about the engine D7F |
| Engine displacement: | 1171 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Single-point injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 5.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 75.8 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 64.9 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 155 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.3 kg/Hp, 69.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.9 kg/Nm, 101.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 830 |
| Max. weight: | 1265 |
| Max load: | 435 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1055 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 265 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 43 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3709 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1616 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1395 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2472 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1336 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1362 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 155/70 R13 S |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
If you could change one thing about the Renault Clio, what would it be?