2022 Renault Clio V builds on the success of the Clio IV

The fifth-generation Renault Clio arrived in South Africa at the start of 2022 after a delay of more than two years due to the Coronavirus pandemic and semiconductor chip shortage. Although the stylish hatchback is late to the party, it still has some prominent features that would help it compete with the new Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai i20, and the Kia Rio. The fourth-generation Clio received lots of accolades around the globe, and the 2022 Renault Clio V builds on that success.

The first non-tangible change for the Clio V is the new trim names. Renault has replaced the old Authentique, Expression, and Dynamique with entry-level Life, mid-level Zen, and range topping Intens. 

The French carmaker gives buyers just one powertrain choice for the 2022 Clio V, i.e., a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol mill mated to 5-speed manual gearbox. While the engine might seem like carried over from the Clio IV, it basically has an entirely new motor producing 74 kW and 160 Nm of torque - 8 kW and 20 Nm more than the previous generation. The new powerplant is more fuel-efficient at 5.7L/100 km (claimed); however, in the real-world testing, the reviewers witnessed around 6.9L/100Km.

Renault won’t want to offend the automatic gearbox lovers, so we expect a new mill and an auto variant sometime this year or for the refreshed 2023 Clio V.

While the overall design of the new Clio V isn’t much different from the previous model, the new C-styled headlights and the new lower bumper give it an up-to-date appeal. Renault has also updated the rear styling with bigger LED rear lights built into the tailgate and a superbly incorporated chrome finish. Let’s not forget the concealed rear door handles that give the new hatchback a sophisticated look.

Renault is famous for its attractive cabin design, and the Clio V is no different. The interior looks upmarket, with most controls focused on the driver. The biggest highlight is the 9.3-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other salient features include two USB ports on the console and the digital instrument cluster that changes themes according to the drive mode.

To make the Clio V more capable, you can opt for the option that includes front parking sensors, a reverse-view camera, 17-inch diamond-cut alloys, a little bigger (9.3- in place of 9.0-inch) display, and a wireless charging pad.

The new 2022 Clio V is a little more compact than its predecessor, but that doesn’t make it less spacious for carrying luggage. In fact, the cargo room has increased by 61 litres to take the total volume to an inspiring 391 litres with the rear seats up. Fold them flat, and the capacity increases to around 1069 litres.   

The 2022 Renault Clio V starts at R309,900 for the entry-level Life and the R324,900 for the mid-level Zen. The flagship Intens model goes for R349,900. All Clio models come with a 5-year/150,000 km warranty and a service plan.

Our most important tip for buying a new car is to do your research to find out which car best suits your needs and your budget. The MotorHappy blog is a good place to start – check out our reviews section to read up on the latest car models available.

Please note the imagery supplied in this blog was taken off www.businesslive.co.za