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Renault Clio II (Phase III, 2003) 3-door 1.2 16V (75 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 III, 2003) 3-door Overview:
Renault Clio (II (Phase III, 2003) 3-door). With 105 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.8 l/100km). Weighing only 945 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13 s). The top speed reaches 170 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.
1.2 16V (75 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A noticeable improvement over the 60hp variant, offering more responsive performance for city and occasional highway use.
Fuel Economy
Very good fuel economy, making it an economical choice for urban and light suburban driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Wide range of efficient and powerful engines, including excellent diesels and a potent Sport model.
- • Agile handling and comfortable ride for a supermini.
- • Good interior space and practical boot for its class.
- • Strong Euro NCAP safety rating for its time.
- • Excellent value on the used car market.
Cons:
- • Interior plastics can feel cheap and dated compared to rivals.
- • Some common reliability issues, particularly with electrics and certain engine components.
- • Older automatic transmissions can be slow and impact performance/economy.
- • Ride can be firm on sportier models, impacting comfort.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (Phase II, 2001) 5-door: 2001 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Renault |
| Model: | Clio |
| Generation: | II (Phase III, 2003) 3-door |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.2 16V (75 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 75 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 65.3 Hp/l [38mm more] |
| Torque: | 105 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | D4F More details about the engine D4F |
| Engine displacement: | 1149 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 69 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 76.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 5.9 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 D4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 13 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 170 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.6 kg/Hp, 79.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9 kg/Nm, 111.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 945 |
| Max. weight: | 1490 |
| Max. roof load: | 60 kg |
| Max load: | 545 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1037 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 255 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1150 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 510 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 75 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3811 mm mm [38mm more] |
| Width: | 1639 mm mm [301mm less] |
| Height: | 1417 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2471 mm mm [1mm less] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1911 mm |
| Front track: | 1406 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1386 mm |
| Front overhang: | 739 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 600 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 120 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.3 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 | Ventilated discs [Best 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 | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-dependent beam with stabilizer lateral stability |
Does the Renault Clio live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!