We tested a supermini that "burns" LPG - from 21,870 euros, 6 euros per 100 km.
This French supermini comes with a dual-fuel version, 100 horsepower, and a manual transmission. Check out our impressions and actual consumption...
While hybrid vehicles are gaining a larger share of the Greek market, Renault is sticking to LPG as an option. It performs very well as it stands out for its low travel costs. The first time we saw the updated Renault Clio was one such version, equipped with a "dual-fuel" that gives a total range of almost 1,000 km, let's get to know it in more detail!
Starting with the exterior, the new Renault Clio comes with an all-new front bumper. As you can see from the pictures, the LED body "extends" downwards, while the design of the mask is completely different. It's also worth noting that the company's new logo is now installed. We continue to look at the back, where we come across the new illuminator and holographic name display. Equally impressive are the "diamond-cut" aluminum wheels of the rich Techno version tested, measuring 16 inches, with 195/55 R16 tires. In terms of dimensions, the new Renault Clio barely measures 4 meters in length (4,053 mm to be exact) and reaches 1,798 mm in width. The height is 1,440 mm.
We're moving to the cabin, where updates come primarily from the user's digital experience. Behind the steering wheel is a new screen that acts as a dashboard, with a size of 10 inches (7 inches for the basic version). As for the central touchscreen, it is positioned vertically, reaching 9.3 inches in the top version (the base version is also 7 inches). The latter included all the comforts of the time, such as a reversing camera, wireless connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a navigation system. The image of the cab at night is also impressive, with the Renault Multi-Sense offering ambient lighting in 9 colors. Since we tested the dual-fuel version, it's worth mentioning that the fuel level is indicated by an indicator light on the left side of the steering wheel (from where the driver chooses which fuel to use), while the range is displayed on the digital screen behind the steering wheel.
The space is satisfactory for passengers and their small belongings, while for luggage, it has a trunk volume of 391 liters (1,069 liters when the seats are folded in a 60:40 ratio), which is the first in its class. It is worth emphasizing that since the 32-liter LPG tank is located in the reserved area, the space for passengers and luggage has not been reduced. As for the build quality, the Renault Clio is "above" the average for its class, with a positive impression on the soft plastic in its upper part. Below we find a surface with a hard texture, but characterized by its good assembly.
Engine: Economical, plenty of torque!
Let's take a look at the dual-fuel engines hidden under the hood of the new Renault Clio, and they don't make any difference. Therefore, we remind you that the three-cylinder engine has a displacement of 999 cc and a power of 100 horsepower (90 horsepower with gasoline). The torque reaches 170 Nm and remains constant from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm. (160 Nm when using gasoline). The front wheels of the dual-fuel version are driven only by a six-speed manual gearbox, and the 1,150kg body is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.8 seconds. (12.5 minutes with gasoline). In any case, the maximum speed is up to 174 km/h.
According to WLTP measurements, the average fuel consumption is 5.4 – 5.5 l/100 km per 100 km (with gasoline) and 7.0 – 7.1 l/100 km with LPG. During the test, we used only LPG (which most owners do) and the average fuel consumption was 7.8 l/100 km. In fact, the average fuel price in Attica is around €0.75 (data from the Ministry of Development). ), which costs 5.85 euros per 100 kilometers. It is also worth mentioning that with a 39-liter fuel tank and a 32-liter fuel tank, it has a range of about 1,000 km.
In practice: it does it all...... And it paid off!
In practice, we are dealing with a motor that works well even at low rpm and has ...... "soul". Thanks to a good mating with a six-speed gearbox, the power is well distributed across the rev range. For a three-cylinder turbo engine, it runs very well. The noise it produces is not a nuisance, and its vibrations are not transmitted to the cab except at full acceleration. The comfort of the suspension is at a very good level (all versions have a semi-rigid rear axle), as well as sound insulation. Despite the drum on the rear axle, the brakes are strong and feel good, and the steering is direct, which is pretty good in its class.
At checkout: from €21,870
The updated Renault Clio with a dual-fuel engine and a six-speed manual transmission starts at €21,870 in Greece. In the case of the rich Techno version that we tested, the acquisition amount rose to 23,680 euros. Finally, let's mention that this French supermini comes with a full factory warranty of up to 5 years or 100,000 km.