Renault Clio II (Phase I) 3-door 1.2 (58 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.9 / 10
Safety 3.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

II (Phase I) 3-door Overview:

Renault Clio (II (Phase I) 3-door). With 93 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.9 l/100km). Weighing only 880 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 15 s). The top speed reaches 160 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 (58 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 2 stars

Performance Verdict

Entry-level engine, primarily for city use. Struggles on inclines and at higher speeds, requiring patience from the driver.

Fuel Economy

Good fuel economy for urban driving, making it a cost-effective option for short commutes.

Best Use Case: City

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Comfortable ride quality
  • • Stylish and distinctive design
  • • Spacious interior for its class
  • • Wide range of engine options
  • • Good handling characteristics

Cons:

  • • Some engines feel underpowered with automatic transmission
  • • Mixed reliability reputation (especially electrical)
  • • Rear passenger space can be tight for adults
  • • Dated safety features by modern standards
  • • Interior plastics can feel cheap on lower trims

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (Phase I): 1996 - 1998).

General:
Brand:Renault
Model:Clio
Generation:II (Phase I) 3-door
Modification (Engine):1.2 (58 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:2001
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:58 Hp @ 5250 rpm.
Power per litre:50.5 Hp/l
Torque:93 Nm @ 2500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:D7F [Same engine] More details about the engine D7F
Engine displacement:1149
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:3.7 l
Coolant:5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:69 mm
Piston Stroke:76.8 mm
Compression ratio:9.65:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:7.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.2 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 3
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:15 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:15 sec
Maximum speed:160 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:15.2 kg/Hp, 65.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.5 kg/Nm, 105.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:14.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:880
Max. weight:1420
Max. roof load:60 kg
Max load:540
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1035 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:255 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):800 kg
Fuel tank capacity:50 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:475 kg
Permitted towbar download:75 kg
Size:
Length:3773 mm [64mm more]
Width:1640 mm [24mm more]
Height:1417 mm [22mm more]
Wheelbase:2472 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:1940 mm
Front track:1406 mm
Rear (Back) track:1385 mm
Front overhang:714 mm
Rear overhang:587 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.7 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size165/65 R14
Wheel rims size5.5J x 14
Front suspensionSpring Strut, Independent type McPherson
Rear suspensionCoil spring, Torsion

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