The extensive Renault Clio range includes eight different engines. Both diesels are 1.5-litre units but tuned to develop 86bhp and 106bhp. The highest powered 1.5 dCi diesel offers 118mph performance and 61.4mpg fuel economy. The 86bhp 1.5 dCi is the most fuel-efficient engine in the line-up with a combined average of 64.2mpg but it is also capable of 108mph.
The most economical petrol engine is the 100bhp turbocharged 1.2-litre TCE, which offers an average of 48.7mpg and 114mph performance. There’s also a normally-aspirated 75bhp 1.2 16v model that has similar fuel economy (47.9mpg) and 104mph pace.
A 111bhp 1.6-litre engine employs variable valve timing to maximise engine response and efficiency across a wide range of revs. It’s available with a choice of five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic, which is the only auto in the Renault Clio line-up. As an auto it has 37.7mpg economy and 116mph performance.
The 2.0-litre petrol engines also use variable valve timing but have six-speed manual gearboxes. The 138bhp version can reach 127mph yet its fuel economy is rated at 38.7mpg.
The 197bhp 2.0-litre engine is reserved for the high-performance RenaultSport models. Its sprinting pace allows it to reach 60mph from standstill in just 6.9 seconds on its way to a maximum speed of 134mph. Given such performance, its average economy of 33.6mpg is commendable.
