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Renault Clio II (Phase III, 2003) 3-door 1.5 dCi (101 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)
II (Phase III, 2003) 3-door Overview:
Renault Clio (II (Phase III, 2003) 3-door). With 200 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It boasts low fuel consumption (~5.2 l/100km). Weighing only 980 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.6 s). The top speed reaches 185 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.
1.5 dCi (101 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A strong and responsive diesel, offering excellent torque and surprisingly brisk acceleration for its class.
Fuel Economy
Outstanding fuel economy, making it a highly cost-effective choice for long-distance driving and daily commutes.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Wide range of efficient and powerful engines, including excellent diesels and a potent Sport model.
- • Agile handling and comfortable ride for a supermini.
- • Good interior space and practical boot for its class.
- • Strong Euro NCAP safety rating for its time.
- • Excellent value on the used car market.
Cons:
- • Interior plastics can feel cheap and dated compared to rivals.
- • Some common reliability issues, particularly with electrics and certain engine components.
- • Older automatic transmissions can be slow and impact performance/economy.
- • Ride can be firm on sportier models, impacting comfort.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (Phase II, 2001) 3-door: 2001 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Renault |
| Model: | Clio |
| Generation: | II (Phase III, 2003) 3-door |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.5 dCi (101 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 101 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 69.1 Hp/l [38mm more] |
| Torque: | 200 Nm @ 1900 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | K9K More details about the engine K9K |
| Engine displacement: | 1461 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 7.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 76 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.5 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 18.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 5.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 3.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 4.3 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 185 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.7 kg/Hp, 103.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.9 kg/Nm, 204.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 980 |
| Max. weight: | 1535 |
| Max. roof load: | 60 kg |
| Max load: | 555 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1037 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 255 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1200 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 535 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 75 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3811 mm [38mm more] |
| Width: | 1639 mm [301mm less] |
| Height: | 1417 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2471 mm [1mm less] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1911 mm |
| Front track: | 1406 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1386 mm |
| Front overhang: | 739 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 600 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 120 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.3 m [above average] |
| 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 | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-dependent beam with stabilizer lateral stability |
If you could change one thing about the Renault Clio, what would it be?