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Renault Clio I (Phase I) 1.8 i RSi (109 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 155 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 955 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.9 s). The top speed reaches 195 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 RSi (109 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A sporty variant delivering engaging performance and quick acceleration, making it fun to drive.
Fuel Economy
Higher fuel consumption is expected given its performance focus, but still acceptable for a warm hatch.
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:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (Phase I): 1993 - 1997).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Renault |
| Model: | Clio |
| Generation: | I (Phase I) |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 i RSi (109 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1994 |
| End of production: | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3/5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 109 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 60.8 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 155 Nm @ 4250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | F3P More details about the engine F3P |
| Engine displacement: | 1794 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.3 l |
| Coolant: | 6.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82.7 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 83.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 195 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.8 kg/Hp, 114.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.2 kg/Nm, 162.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 955 |
| Max. weight: | 1400 |
| Max load: | 445 |
| 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: | 1358 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1324 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/60 R14 H |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
What’s the best feature of the Renault Clio? Tell us in the comments!