If there's one thing a potential Renault Clio buyer doesn't lack, it's choice. From petrol and diesel versions to a hybrid option, there is a little of everything, including the LPG variant that we bring you here today.
So, after having already tested the most luxurious version of the Gallic SUV, the Initiale Paris, and the sportier, the RS Line, this time we “go down to earth” and put the Clio to the test with a LPG engine in the intermediate version. Intens.
The goal? Simple. Understand how far the Clio powered by LPG is a good option within the range of the French utility vehicle and if it is even capable of establishing itself as the right choice.
simply clio
Both on the outside and inside, this LPG Renault Clio is identical to the rest of the Clio, the only difference being the presence of the LPG tank filler next to the petrol tank and, inside, the switch that allows you to select which one the fuel we turn to.
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Interestingly, the main differences compared to its “range brothers” are motivated by the level of Intens equipment, with the Clio that we tested being much closer to the one that, most likely, most people end up purchasing.
Equipment in the right dose
Therefore, it is simpler and more discreet than the Renault Clios that we usually test. For example, this unit lacked alloy wheels, while inside the huge 9.3″ screen gave way to a more modest 7” one and the digital instrument panel was replaced by an analogue one with a 4 TFT screen. .2” instead of 7”.
The most interesting thing is that despite all this, we never feel that we are lacking anything, with Clio Intens offering everything we normally need in a utility. Basically, this version reminds me of a maxim I mentioned when I tested Dacia Duster: we only have what we need (and there's no harm in that).
Otherwise let's see. Rear parking sensors? Yes, we did. Air conditioner? Too. Electric rear windows? Check. And besides, all the safety equipment and driving aids were there, including the cruise control (although it wasn't adaptive) or the traffic sign reader.
As for the rest, instead of some alloy wheels, this Clio has some beautifying wheels that disguise its origins well. And let's be honest, after taking away the inevitable touches that rims are mostly subjected to, beautifiers are a lot cheaper to replace.
The values intrinsic to the Clio, regardless of the version, such as the build quality (in good plan, revealing the evolution of Renault in this chapter) or the living space, continue to be present, with the French utility vehicle even managing to maintain the excellent 391 liters of boot capacity — more than many C-segments — even with the LPG tank in place of the spare tyre.
And behind the wheel, what changes?
Well, behind the wheel of this LPG version of the Renault Clio we are faced with the typical qualities of a good utility vehicle. Easy to drive, in this version the controls seemed a little lighter than in the R.S. Line variant I tested before, but nothing that makes it less pleasant to accumulate kilometers at the wheel, with the little Frenchman turning out to be a good roadster.
Dynamically, we continue to have a well-constructed chassis in which cornering forces are supported by the chassis/suspension set and not by the tyres, which in this variant are more modest in size, and environmentally and wallet-friendly when replacing (they have the measure 195/55 R16).
For the rest, the Clio continues to be a reference in terms of comfort and manages to combine it very well with refined dynamics, although in this version everything invites us to adopt calmer rhythms.
Despite being quick and helpful, the engine with its 100 hp and 160 Nm prefers intermediate rhythms in which it presents us with a pleasant operating smoothness and good consumption (gasoline and LPG), although these are not easily confirmed due to the absence of the on-board computer and partial mileage.
As for the five-speed manual gearbox, it has a short stroke and despite having a stepping to the long one (all in the name of consumption and emissions) it does not overcast the engine, something that the “Eco” driving mode does. the only one available, cannot be accused of doing either.
Is the car right for me?
After having spent a week and having driven long kilometers driving the LPG Renault Clio in the Intens version I must admit that not only do I consider this a good option, but perhaps the best option within the range of the French utility vehicle.
The qualities already recognized by Clio, such as good behavior or habitability, all continue to be present and with the adoption of the LPG engine, we have achieved economy of use at the level of Diesel, while maintaining the pleasantness of a gasoline engine and without having to pay the cost additional of this engine.
As for the level of equipment, it's true that it doesn't offer the Clio the chic or sporty look of others that are available, but for just over 20 thousand euros we have a practical, economical, easy-to-drive utility vehicle with an already remarkable equipment offer. . After all, isn't that what we're looking for in this segment?
That said, if you are looking for a utility vehicle that lives up to its name, the LPG Renault Clio may well be the answer to your “prayers”.