The super green supermini

Road Test

Renault’s least polluting production car ever, the Clio dCi 86 eco², is a fun and punchy drive that goes the extra mile, finds Angela Pisanu

A series of enhancements to the Clio’s engine and bodywork has enabled the new 1.5-litre dCi 86 eco2 model to reduce its CO2 level by 17g CO2 to just 98g/km compared to the current model. Fuel consumption has also improved 19 per cent, or 12.1 mpg to 76.3 on the combined cycle.

But despite its low CO2 level, the new Clio eco2 does not compromise on performance or driving pleasure. It’s 1.5 litre 86bhp engine combined with its lightweight body makes it quick of the mark and incredibly fun and easy to drive. At the same time, the car stays firmly on the road and handles and responds well. It is also very comfortable and spacious on the inside.

The Renault Clio dCi 86 falls under the manufacturer’s eco2 lable. To qualify, models must emit less than 140g CO2/km or operate on biofuel, be manufactured in a plant certified to ISO 14001 and be 95 per cent recyclable at its end of life. Models must also include at least five per cent recycled plastics in its plastic mass.

FUEL SIPPING
The Clio gets top marks for its fuel economy. The official combined figure is 76.3mpg and the manufacturer gives a theoretical range of 923 miles, enough to get you the 456 miles from London to Lyon and back again, with fuel to spare. On a 200 mile round trip including lots of traffic, I achieved an impressive average fuel consumption of 66mpg and the fuel gauge had barely gone down.

The Clio has a high standard of safety features, including numerous airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, engine torque overrun control and automatic door locking.

It also has a built in Tom Tom sat nav with a wide screen giving a clear picture. It is operated by remote control which I found better than other fiddly touch-screen models.

Having such low emissions, the Clio eco2 has no Vehicle Excise Duty, attracts a 100 per cent capital write-down allowance and low 13 per cent benefit-in-kind (BIK) rating. This will make the Clio eco2 very attractive to fleet buyers looking at whole-life costs as well as their environmental footprint.

What’s more, while some other manufactures increase the price of their green models, the eco2 Clio is exactly the same price of the current dCi 86 engine emitting 115 grams CO2 per kilometre.

INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
Model price range: from £13,255
Engine: 1,461 cc
MPG: 76.3 mpg (combined)
CO2 g/km: 98g/km
RFL: £0
P11d: £12,635 (3 door)
P11d: £13,235 (5 door)
BIK: 13%
0-62mph: 12.7 seconds