Materials are said to have been passed down from more premium models, meaning they're of higher quality. As well as some new materials, Renault has also changed a couple of its design cues - there's a slightly different grille and the LED daytime running lights are now C-shaped on higher-end trim levels, in keeping with the latest Renault models.
Inside, the steering wheel, gear lever and door panels have all been tastefully redesigned in favour of a classier cabin. The seats are more supportive and also feature better quality upholstery.
In terms of in-car tech, the R&GO® infotainment system is now available right across the range, even on entry level models, meaning you needn't opt for an unnecessarily high trim level. A smartphone-based app connects to the car in 4 key areas - navigation, phone, multimedia and vehicle data. Media Nav Evolution adds the 7-inch touchscreen.
The Clio has always had a reputation of being easy to drive both in towns and out on the motorway. The story is no different today thanks to the availability of front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and even hands-free parking. Obviously you'll have to pay more for these types of luxuries.
There are many other luxuries that you can add to your Clio, such as LED headlights, illuminated vanity mirrors, an auto-dimming electro-chromatic rear-view mirror and door mirrors that automatically fold in upon locking the car.
If you're into your music, which is quite likely considering the Clio's demographics, you can specify a BOSE ® sound system with 7 speakers.
In terms of power, the new Energy dCi 110 engine offers adequate power with no compromise when it comes to running costs. The 1.5-litre engine makes 110 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque, the latter at just 1,750 rpm. It will average a claimed 80 mpg and emit 90 g/km making it free to tax.
Also available is the dCi 90 which will average up to 88 mpg (so they say), the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol and the turbo-petrols, in the form of the TCe 90 and TCe 120. The worst engine you can opt for is the 1.2-litre petrol which averages 50 mpg and emits 127 g/km of CO2. As well as manual transmissions, some engines come with Renault's 'EDC' dual-clutch gearbox.
Expression, Play, Dynamique Nav and Dynamique S Nav are the four choices you'll have. Whatever you pick, you'll have cruise control with a speed limiter, electric front windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, central locking and a start/stop button.
Play introduces front fog lights, air conditioning and 16-inch alloy wheels. Dynamique Nav includes features such as the 7-inch touchscreen, automatic lights and wipers and body-coloured door mirrors, while Dynamique S Nav adds full LED front and rear lights, 17-inch alloys, rear electric windows and rear parking sensors.
Sitting above these are the RenaultSport models - the Clio RS 200 EDC and the Clio RS 220 Trophy. Both use a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and Renault's dual-clutch transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddles, producing 200 and 220 horsepower respectively.
It takes 6.6 seconds for the 220 Trophy to reach 62 mph, and it goes on to a top speed of 146 mph. It's the worst for the environment, yet still promises 48 mpg and 135 g/km.
For comparison, the VW Polo GTI produces 192 horsepower from a 1.8-litre turbo-petrol, however it takes 0.1 s more to reach 62 mph. The story's the same for the SEAT Ibiza Cupra. The Vauxhall Corsa's 1.6-litre turbo-petrol gets it there in 0.1 s quicker than the Clio RS 220, whilst producing just 205 horsepower. Ford's way behind with a sprint time of 6.9 seconds from its 182 horsepower 1.6-litre turbo-petrol fitted to the Fiesta ST.
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