Renault Clio GT 2014 Review

A sensuous sculpture that stimulates desire; voluptuous curves that make you want to reach out and caress. It's not a line from a Hollywood romance blockbuster, but a quote from the chap who designed the new Renault Clio.

In the case of the just-arrived Clio GT, the object of desire is more of a warm number than a serious hottie, but with the coolest of looks. And a lot of very nice equipment. The GT is an interesting mix. It looks just like the high-performance RS model, but has a cleverly-engineered 1.2-litre turbo motor that's more attuned to economy than performance.

PRICE / FEATURES

The GT perched about midway between the three-cylinder Clio and the fiery RS, starting from $25,290 for the standard version and $28,790 for the Premium. Both have the 88kW/190Nm four-pot 1.2 engine which drives the front wheels through a superb EDC six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission from Getrag.

The Clio GT also has a chassis specially designed for keener handling, with stiffer springs and dampers than in the standard Clio range and it rides on 17-inch alloys shod with lo-pro Michelin Primacys.

Standard gear includes cruise control, rear parking sensors, twin exhausts, tinted glass, keyless entry and start, automatic climate control, auto-on wipers and headlights, Renault's Media nav system with Bluetooth connectivity and RS Drive with Normal and Sport modes. Plus an advanced speaker system. The RS button instantly adjusts the steering, accelerator and transmission settings for a sportier drive. For the extra $3500 the GT Premium adds R-Link entertainment system, reversing camera, a fixed glass sunroof and leather upholstery.

DRIVING

We squirted the Clio GT through the ups, downs and curves of the Great Dividing Range around Victoria's King Lake district, and enjoyed its quick steering and confident road manners. The EDC changes cogs in milliseconds when in RS mode and there's a choice of gearstick or paddleshift. The nicely-bolstered seats gave good support, the steering wheel is fully adjustable, visibility was fine and the car handled road imperfections very well.

The direct-injection engine is not the most powerful in its class, but the handling package makes the GT a pretty quick point-to-point machine, and in RS mode, the revs run into outer space. Zero to 100km/h comes up in 9.5 seconds and the top end is good for just on 200km/h. More importantly, fuel consumption is a very impressive 5.2L/100km, with CO2 emissions rated at 120g/km.

The voluptuous curves and minute shutlines also give it a dynamic coupe appearance, although it's really a practical five-door hatch with proper adult-sized back seat accommodation. Renault reckons it's got the measure of class rivals like Peugeot 208 Allure, Citroen's DS3, the Fiesta Ecoboost and Suzuki Swift Sport.

VERDICT

The Clio GT is quite pricey, but you do get a lot for your money built into a classy, sexy little number with big headlights and other features that make you want to reach out and caress.

Renault Clio GT
Price: from $25,290
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol, 88kW/190Nm
Transmission: 6 speed dual clutch auto, FWD
Thirst: 5.2L/100km