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Renault Clio Symbol 1.4 i 16V (98 Hp) Automatic
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)
Symbol Overview:
Renault Clio (Symbol). With 127 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10 l/100km). Weighing only 950 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.6 s). The top speed reaches 186 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
Based on the Renault Clio II, the Symbol offered a commendable 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection at the time, indicating a decent level of safety for its class and era.
1.4 i 16V (98 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The automatic gearbox sacrifices acceleration for convenience, making it less sprightly than the manual version, especially from a standstill.
Fuel Economy
Slightly higher fuel consumption than the manual counterpart due to the automatic transmission, but still acceptable for urban driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent boot space for its class (510 liters)
- • Good value for money and affordable to run
- • Comfortable ride quality, especially on longer journeys
- • Decent fuel economy with the 16V manual engine
Cons:
- • Interior design can feel uninspired and basic
- • Some engines can feel underpowered, particularly the 75 Hp unit
- • Potential for electrical issues common in Renaults of this era
- • Basic safety features by modern standards
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (Phase I) 3-door: 1998 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Renault |
| Model: | Clio |
| Generation: | Symbol |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.4 i 16V (98 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 98 Hp @ 5700 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 70.5 Hp/l [377mm more] |
| Torque: | 127 Nm @ 4250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | K4J More details about the engine K4J |
| Engine displacement: | 1390 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.9 l |
| Coolant: | 5.7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 70 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 186 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.7 kg/Hp, 103.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.5 kg/Nm, 133.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 950 |
| Max. weight: | 1475 |
| Max load: | 525 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 510 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4150 mm mm [377mm more] |
| Width: | 1639 mm mm [1mm less] |
| Height: | 1416 mm mm [1mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2472 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1406 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1386 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad 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 | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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