Clio GT-Line is all about the bling

ROAD TEST:

Renault Clio 66kW Turbo GT-Line

Johannesburg - When Renault launched its new Clio with GT-Line trim in South Africa just over a month ago we caught onto the sneaky fact that in Europe this car comes with a 1.2-litre turbo engine and not the 900cc turbo three-cylinder it comes with here.

No biggie really; it’s just that for our market the Clio range doesn’t include a middle-ground model to fill the power gap between this car and the 147kW Clio RS. So now, this GT-Line derivative sits just above two other Clios – Expression and Dynamique – with the same engine. But, to give it some extra perceived punch against its two lower specced siblings, Renault announced that the GT-Line comes with an overboost function to give it an extra 4kW and 15Nm in second and third gear.

Instead of 66kW and 135Nm, the GT-Line’s pumped to 70kW and 150Nm for 20 second bursts. Fantastic. Except for one thing. Renault never told us the Expression and Dynamique also get the same overboost function. Sneaky move number two.

So what does this all mean? Basically, the R224 900 GT-Line benefits only from some aesthetic add ons over and above the R217 900 Clio Dynamique and R199 900 Expression. No mechanical differences whatsoever.

Conspiracy theorists might say that GT-Line press material was cleverly worded in order to garner interest in its sporty new Clio badge. I’ll give Renault the benefit of the doubt and say it was simple miscommunication.

HOT HATCH STYLE

The seven thousand bucks worth of add ons do look great, though. For the money you get special 17” alloys, a unique front bumper with LED running lights, a back bumper with incorporated diffuser, and some dark metal trim bits including mirror caps, door beadings, and sill strips. During my test period I did catch a few previous generation Clio and Mégane RS drivers taking second glances at what they probably thought was a hot new addition to the local Renault line-up.

New addition yes, hot no. This little three-cylinder motor is a brilliant performer for its size but you wouldn’t want to get caught lined up next to an aforementioned RS at the lights. Despite the cheeky GT moniker this car is aimed at style-conscious budget buyers seeking fuel economy over the ability to burn rubber.

When we first experienced this 900cc turbo it was fitted to Renault’s entry-level Sandero hatch, and we came away from that test seriously impressed.

Suffice to say we’re again impressed even if this tiny capacity motor has to lug around a slightly bigger and heavier body with the Clio. Power delivery comes in a very civilised manner, with a relatively quiet rev range and a healthy wave of torque to ride from just under 3 000rpm.

Unfortunately we weren’t able to match Renault’s claims of 4.5 litres per 100km petrol consumption average, and over a week-long test our car drank around 7.5l/100km even with ECO mode and auto start/stop engaged. It might be possible to lower this number if you drive (slowly) under the turbo’s boost point, but to keep up with normal traffic flow you’ll need to keep revs in their (thirstier) happy place at around 3 500rpm and up.

GROWN UP FEEL

Ride quality is a strong point for this Clio, and even with low 45-profile tyres it mops up rough roads in a way unbefitting of a budget hatchback.

Sportier models might be fun to flick-flack through corners when tarmac is pristinely smooth, but the softly-sprung GT-Line is fun to drive no matter what pock-marked surface is beneath it. One of the most comfortable cars in its segment I’d say.

Everything feels very grown up and mature. The cabin is very well insulated from road noise, and interior trimmings are finished with upmarket materials.

The dashboard, and its centre fascia which is covered in classy piano black and chrome plastics, are laid out in a clean and simple style with a vibrantly coloured touchscreen interface and one straightforward volume knob positioned off to the side. I like the fuss-free smartphone connection via USB, and the easy control of music playlists complete with album artwork.

Standard kit is plentiful in the GT-Line, and includes cruise control, Tom Tom-based navigation, a high-end stereo system, hill-start assist, stability-control systems, and driver, passenger and side airbags. But remember, all of these things also come in the cheaper Dynamique model too.

VERDICT

A well made, well sorted and very comfortable B-segment hatch priced competitively among rival VW Polos and Ford Fiestas.

But unless you really need the (frankly unnecessary) exterior GT-Line bling, save some bucks and get the Dynamique. Or the even cheaper Expression. -Star Motoring

Follow me on Twitter: @PoorBoyLtd

FACTS

Renault Clio 66kW Turbo GT-Line

Engine: 898cc, three-cylinder turbopetrol

Gearbox: Five-speed manual

Power: 66kW @ 5250rpm

Torque: 135Nm @ 2500rpm

0-100km/h (claimed): 12.2 seconds

Top speed (claimed): 182km/h

Consumption (claimed): 4.5 litres per 100km

Price: R224 900

Warranty: Five-year/150 000km