Renault Clio 1.9D RL Review

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Renault Clio 1.9D RL
3 stars
Average rating for this product is: 3 out of 5

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platypus's Review of Renault Clio 1.9D RL

24th Aug 2005

Overall Rating

3.5 stars
  • Value for money
    4.5 stars
  • Length of ownership
    8 Months
  • Performance
    3 stars
  • Reliability
    3.5 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    1994
  • Doors
    5
  • Practicality
    3.5 stars
Good Points

Reliable and tough engine.
Space.
Economy.


Bad Points

Much of the rest of the car is falling apart.


General Comments

Renault Clio 1.9D RL
My old Clio is the RN Liberte model, which means such luxuries as power-steering, front electric windows, manual sunroof, remote central locking, front fog lights and colour-coded bumpers, not mentioning the cheesy "Liberte" decals, which a previous owner had the good taste to remove.
The F8Q Diesel engine is a marvel of poor specific output. 1.9 litres and 65bhp is like something from the 1940s. However torque is decent at around 90lb/ft and it's delivered at very low revs. To be honest the performance never felt all that bad until it got to some very steep hills. The engine took a heap of punishment from me, and the only thing I had to replace was an injector at £30. Economy is good with a typical 45mpg average, even with my frenetic driving. Despite the cramped engine bay, it allows for DIY maintenance, and whenever something's gone wrong, I've been able to fix it simply and cheaply myself thanks to the simplicity of the motor.
The ride is good for a car of this size, and the handling is marvellous, even with the boat anchor of an engine out front, it holds gamely to the road and even wags its tail. The pedals are hilariously spaced out and skewed though, making driving quickly, difficult.
Interior accommodation is surprisingly good with room for four six-footers and enough space in the boot for a week's shopping. Even with the sunroof installed I didn't have trouble fitting inside, and I'm a few inches over 6ft.
Reliability is good. The only problem came when a certain famous British electrical components supplier gave me a dud alternator.
Unfortunately trouble in finding a brake calliper for the car means the car is off the road now. Apparently Girling callipers and carriers for Renault Clio diesels with vented discs are like hen's teeth, and I'm not prepared to pay Renault £250 for a new set.

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