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Renault Clio III (Phase I) 1.4i 16V (98 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)
III (Phase I) Overview:
Renault Clio (III (Phase I)). With 127 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.2 l/100km). Weighing only 1020 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.5 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.
1.4i 16V (98 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers a good balance of power and acceleration for everyday driving needs.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is on the higher side compared to smaller or diesel options in the lineup.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent Euro NCAP safety rating for its time.
- • Comfortable and refined ride quality.
- • Spacious interior and practical boot for a supermini.
- • Wide range of efficient diesel and potent petrol engines.
- • Solid build quality compared to previous Clio generations.
Cons:
- • Some interior plastics feel less premium than rivals.
- • Automatic transmissions can be sluggish and impact fuel economy.
- • Certain engine variants, particularly early diesels, had known reliability issues (e.g., injectors).
- • Higher fuel consumption on some of the larger petrol engines.
- • Steering can feel a bit numb compared to some rivals.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (Phase III, 2003) 3-door: 2003 - 2006).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Renault |
| Model: | Clio |
| Generation: | III (Phase I) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.4i 16V (98 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2005 |
| End of production: | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3/5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 98 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 70.5 Hp/l [7mm more] |
| Torque: | 127 Nm @ 3750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | K4J 780 More details about the engine K4J 780 |
| 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 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 5.5 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: | 9.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 185 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.4 kg/Hp, 96.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8 kg/Nm, 124.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1020 |
| Max. weight: | 1525 |
| Max load: | 505 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1035 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 255 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3818 mm mm [7mm more] |
| Width: | 1639 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1417 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2472 mm mm [1mm more] |
| Front track: | 1370 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1360 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.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Renault Clio!