The Renault Clio GT Line Is Equal Parts Functional and Sporty

Renault recently introduced its GT-Line to the South African market. This offshoot of the 3-cylinder Renault Clio boasts a range of additions to offer more sportiness, gaiety and drivability. The new Clio has a 6-speed manual transmission and is powered by a 1.2-liter turbo-charged engine, which produces a minimum of 88 kW and 205 Nm of torque.

Charming and Enticing Exterior

This Renault shows off a fresher and more tenacious appearance. The exterior features take a step away from the other Clio models, towards an attractive and sportier look with a range of new and exciting gear.

The new Clio GT models enjoy a distinguished new bumper design - with frisky sporty hollows, impressive LED headlights and curved daytime running lights. Another great feature is the 17-inch alloy rims, with a titanium grey finish - carried through to the titanium grey door-protectors and rear diffuser; a chrome exhaust pipe and mirror furnishings that suit the vehicle's body colour. Renault has truly found an excellent balance between an active 'curb appeal' and a refined, attractive design - something very few mid-spec hatchback B-segment vehicles can boast.

Well-designed and realised interior design

The Clio GT-Line has a pleasing-to-the-eye interior design - with well-crafted and distinct air vent borders and blue trimmings.

The GT's active appeal is visible even in the vehicle's cabin - with generously reinforced sports seats, consisting of a cloth material and leather, with the recognizable embroidery. The seats are comfortable and tactfully stitched leather gear lever, handbrake and RS steering wheel with blue to compliment the contrasting monochromatic scheme of the rest of the interior.

The standard tech-features include a 7-inch infotainment MediaNav touchscreen system -which offers ease and usefulness, USB and auxiliary capabilities and Bluetooth smartphone connect-ability. The touchscreen display can monitor your driving manner and offer helpful fuel-saving advice. The Clio GT-Line also comes with a height-adjustable driver's seat; cruise control; electric windows in the front and back; a multi-function steering wheel; electric-folding side mirrors and manual air-conditioning. Lastly, it has an Eco-button, which can help reduce your fuel consumption through prioritizing fuel efficiency.

Regarding the GT-Line's safety features - it comes with 4 airbags, Hill-Start Assist, ABS brakes with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (with traction control) and Emergency Brake Assist. A Rear-park-Distance-Control is also fitted, as well as mounts on the back seats for ISOfix child seats.

Useful and practical additions

The GT-Line is pragmatic - offering convenient utility with a 300-liter luggage compartment. Letting down the rear seats, which have a 60:40 division, can increase the packing space. With great loading capacity comes a small sacrifice - the larger load area leaves less legroom in the back. The slightly confined rear legroom isn't too concerning and well worth the Clio GT-Line's increased packing space - which is more than both the Opel Corsa, at 285-liters, and the Ford Fiesta, at 276-liters.

Additional storage offered includes bottle holders in all four the door castings, as well as two cup holders in the front of the vehicle; an extra storage compartment 'behind' the gearshift; and an open dashboard nook, just above the glove compartment.

Excellent performance and an exciting drive

The Clio GT-Line sees notable melioration in its performance, in comparison to the previous GT-Line derivative. The 1.2-liter turbocharged engine puts out 205 Nm of torque and 88 kW of power, thus it certainly provides enough power to live up the Clio GT-Line 'sporty look.' It can swiftly gain pace, when driven purposefully, and has great manoeuvrability, with minimal downshifting required.

The driving experience of the new Clio GT-Line is enjoyable and satisfying. The cabin lets in minimal engine and road noise, even on rougher surfaces. To add even more to the pleasant ride quality - the new GT-Line an outstanding steering feeling and confident handling. The Clio GT-Line is not only powerful, fun and thrilling to drive on the highway or a winding road - it is also proficient at delivering a well-to-do day-to-day driving experience.

Concluding remarks

The Clio GT-Line is a delightful, yet punchy and energetic, alternative to the run-of-the-mill of 1.0-litre 3-cylinder vehicles on the market. It offers great performance, ride quality, an overall satisfactory driving experience and an opulent, well-designed and well-fitted interior.