Renault Clio II (Phase III, 2003) 3-door 2.0 16V Sport (179 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.9 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 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 III, 2003) 3-door Overview:

Renault Clio (II (Phase III, 2003) 3-door). With 200 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.3 l/100km). Weighing only 1110 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.1 s). The top speed reaches 222 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.

2.0 16V Sport (179 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

An exhilarating hot hatch, offering strong acceleration and a thrilling driving experience, truly a performance standout.

Fuel Economy

Higher fuel consumption is expected given its performance focus, but still reasonable for a car of this caliber.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast Driving / Weekend Fun

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) 5-door: 2001 - 2003).

General:
Brand:Renault
Model:Clio
Generation:II (Phase III, 2003) 3-door
Modification (Engine):2.0 16V Sport (179 Hp)
Start of production:2003
End of production:2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:179 Hp @ 6500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:89.6 Hp/l [38mm more]
Torque:200 Nm @ 5250 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:F4R More details about the engine F4R
Engine displacement:1998
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:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:5.1 l
Coolant:7 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:82.7 mm mm
Piston Stroke:93 mm mm
Compression ratio:11:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.1 l/100 km
Emission standard:EURO 3
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.1 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.1 sec
Maximum speed:222 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:6.2 kg/Hp, 161.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.6 kg/Nm, 180.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:6.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1110
Max. roof load:60 kg
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1037 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:255 l
Fuel tank capacity:50 l
Size:
Length:3811 mm mm [38mm more]
Width:1639 mm mm [301mm less]
Height:1409 mm mm [8mm less]
Wheelbase:2471 mm mm [1mm less]
Width including mirrors:1911 mm
Front track:1418 mm
Rear (Back) track:1392 mm
Front overhang:739 mm
Rear overhang:600 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.3 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 brakesVentilated discs, 280 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc, 228 mm [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/55 R15
Wheel rims size6J x 15
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionSemi-dependent beam with stabilizer lateral stability

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