Review: Renault Gives The Clio a Mid‑life Nip and Tuck

Their solution is an evolution rather than revolution for the fourth-generation of the Clio; no need for wholesale change, just refinement.

Externally it's not an easy prospect identifying what has changed. It's more 'styling cues' than a new design brief. But, subtle as the differences may be, the Clio remains a handsome vehicle. If the styling tweaks aren't enough for you there's even a GT-Line pack, which brings a sporty exhaust tip, fake diffuser and chrome elements, but we'd stick with the original.

Renault's attempt at drawing customers away from the Clio's less-Gallic rivals has been to be load it with tech. Sat nav becomes a standard feature for 2016, with Renault's R&GO system connecting instantly to the users phone to provide infotainment options without the need to spec up to the next levels, which then recieve progressive versions of Renault's system up to the top-end R-Link.

A new engine joins the line-up, in the shape of a 110bhp, 1.5-litre diesel and the 118bhp petrol engine, which previously could only be bought with an automatic transmission, can now be bought with a six-speed manual.

What's it like behind the wheel? Very much like the outgoing model. This is a refresh to keep the Clio at the head of the pack competing with main Fiesta/Corsa rivals. The second-smallest Renault no longer needs to prove itself to the sector. People know exactly what to expect: a reasonably fun ride and, in the current generation, a more grown-up feel.

That second detail is highlighted with the use of much higher quality materials throughout the cabin, a move Renault says is an attempt to bring the comfort and class of a much larger vehicle into the supermini segment. Inside it is exactly what we knew from the first iteration of Clio v4, just a little more polished.

We sampled the new diesel and manual-geared petrol. Although Renault is not expecting either to be the big sellers in the UK, both are excellent additions.

We've already met the 1.6-litre variation of the diesel on our long-term Kadjar and it is excellent, quiet and torquey. The Clio's 1.5-litre version doesn't have the same thrust, but is still more than enough for the small five-door.

For us the 118bhp petrol is the real star. The addition of the manual 'box for this 1.2-litre engine helps the drive feel more engaging, even if it's not the slickest of shifts. Reasonably rev-happy, the petrol unit's power-delivery curve is now broadened rather than dying off, lopping 0.2 seconds off the sprint to 62mph.

As ever, the Clio is blessed with a very good chassis, and although the steering on Bordeaux roads was overly light, that should change for the British version, so we look forward to getting hold of the latest RS on the roads of West Sussex.

On a motorway the Clio is happy to cruise in diesel or petrol guise, although there is a slight wind noise issue which partly spoils the otherwise excellent new cabin experience.

The new Clio is not going to set the world on fire - not many facelifts do - but it blesses Renault's biggest UK seller with the tools to conintue the fight within the crowded segment until the fifth generation arrives in a few years time.