Renault Clio I (Phase I) 1.8 i (88 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Renault Clio:

The Renault Clio is a supermini car, produced by French automobile manufacturer Renault. It was launched in 1990, and entered its sixth generation in 2025. The Clio has had substantial critical and commercial success, being consistently one of Europe's top-selling cars since its launch, and it is largely credited with restoring Renault's reputation and stature after a difficult second half of the 1980s. The Clio is one of only two cars, the other being the Volkswagen Golf, to have been voted European Car of the Year twice: in 1991 and in 2006....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I (Phase I) Overview:

Renault Clio (I (Phase I)). With 145 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.5 l/100km). Weighing only 950 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.9 s). The top speed reaches 185 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.8 i (88 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers a good balance of power for its time, providing adequate acceleration for both city and highway driving.

Fuel Economy

Acceptable fuel consumption for a 1.8L engine, making it a reasonable choice for mixed use.

Best Use Case: Mixed / Highway

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Wide range of engines, from economical to high-performance
  • • Practical and spacious interior for a supermini
  • • Comfortable ride quality for its class
  • • Engaging driving dynamics, especially in sportier trims
  • • Affordable to buy and run (for lower trims)

Cons:

  • • Safety features are basic by modern standards (no Euro NCAP rating)
  • • Interior plastics can feel cheap on base models
  • • Some early models may suffer from rust issues
  • • Older design aesthetics may not appeal to all
  • • Reliability can be hit-or-miss on older, less maintained examples

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Renault
Model:Clio
Generation:I (Phase I)
Modification (Engine):1.8 i (88 Hp)
Start of production:1990
End of production:1995
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3/5
Engine:
Power:88 Hp @ 5750 rpm.
Power per litre:49.1 Hp/l
Torque:145 Nm @ 2750 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:F3P
Engine displacement:1794
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Single-point injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:3.7 l
Coolant:6.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:82.7 mm mm
Piston Stroke:83.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.7:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.6 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.9 sec
Maximum speed:185 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.8 kg/Hp, 92.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.6 kg/Nm, 152.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:950
Max. weight:1385
Max load:435
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1055 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:265 l
Fuel tank capacity:43 l
Size:
Length:3709 mm mm
Width:1616 mm mm
Height:1395 mm mm
Wheelbase:2472 mm mm
Front track:1336 mm
Rear (Back) track:1362 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDrum
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size165/60 R14
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionTorsion

What’s the best feature of the Renault Clio? Tell us in the comments!