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Renault Clio II (Phase I) 5-door 1.6 (90 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)
II (Phase I) 5-door Overview:
Renault Clio (II (Phase I) 5-door). With 131 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.6 l/100km). Weighing only 985 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.6 s). The top speed reaches 181 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.
1.6 (90 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A well-balanced engine offering good power and brisk acceleration, making it a capable all-rounder for various driving conditions.
Fuel Economy
Expected to have reasonable fuel economy, though slightly less efficient than the 1.4 16V manual due to its larger displacement. Specific data not provided.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Comfortable ride quality for its class
- • Practical and spacious interior for a supermini
- • Good Euro NCAP safety rating for its time
- • Affordable to buy and run (especially diesel models)
- • Agile handling in urban environments
Cons:
- • Some engines can feel underpowered (especially lower-spec automatics)
- • Interior plastics can feel cheap in places
- • Automatic transmissions can be sluggish
- • Older models may suffer from electrical issues
- • Rear drum brakes on some models
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (Phase I): 1996 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Renault |
| Model: | Clio |
| Generation: | II (Phase I) 5-door |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 (90 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 90 Hp @ 5250 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 56.3 Hp/l [64mm more] |
| Torque: | 131 Nm @ 2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | K7M More details about the engine K7M |
| Engine displacement: | 1598 |
| 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: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.7 l |
| Coolant: | 5.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79.5 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.5 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.8 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 2 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 181 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.9 kg/Hp, 91.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.5 kg/Nm, 133 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 985 |
| Max. weight: | 1515 |
| Max. roof load: | 70 kg |
| Max load: | 530 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1035 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 255 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 900 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 530 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 75 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3773 mm [64mm more] |
| Width: | 1640 mm [24mm more] |
| Height: | 1417 mm [22mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2472 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1940 mm |
| Front track: | 1406 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1385 mm |
| Front overhang: | 714 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 587 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.7 m [above average] |
| 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 | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 165/60 R14; 165/65 R14; 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14; 6J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut, Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring, Torsion |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Renault Clio?