Renault Clio II (Phase I) 5-door 1.6 (90 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 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)

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 (~10.5 l/100km). Weighing only 1000 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.9 s). The top speed reaches 175 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) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

The 90 Hp engine provides decent power, but the automatic gearbox limits its responsiveness and acceleration.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy will be moderate, likely similar to or slightly worse than the 1.4 16V automatic due to the larger engine and automatic transmission. Specific data not provided.

Best Use Case: City / Mixed Driving

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) Automatic
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 mm
Piston Stroke:80.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 2
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12.9 sec
Maximum speed:175 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11.1 kg/Hp, 90 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.6 kg/Nm, 131 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1000
Max. weight:1540
Max. roof load:70 kg
Max load:540
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1035 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:255 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1200 kg
Fuel tank capacity:50 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:535 kg
Permitted towbar download:75 kg
Size:
Length:3773 mm mm [64mm more]
Width:1640 mm mm [24mm more]
Height:1417 mm mm [22mm more]
Wheelbase:2472 mm 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 ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size165/60 R14; 165/65 R14; 175/65 R14
Wheel rims size5.5J x 14; 6J x 14
Front suspensionSpring Strut, Independent type McPherson
Rear suspensionCoil spring, Torsion

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