Renault Clio IV (2012 – 2019)

Reliability score : 7.4/10

Renault Clio IV (2012-2019) The Renault Clio IV marked a design revolution for the French brand under the direction of Laurens van den Acker. Available exclusively as a 5-door hatchback (with hidden rear door handles) and an Estate (Grandtour) version, it abandoned the 3-door body style entirely. Generations & Facelifts: * Phase 1 (2012–2016): Striking exterior design but heavily criticized for cheap, scratchy interior plastics, wind noise, and early glitches with the R-Link infotainment system. * Phase 2 (Facelift, 2016–2019): Addressed the main criticisms. The interior received significantly better soft-touch materials, improved sound insulation, and updated technology including optional Full LED 'Pure Vision' headlights. Positioning: A versatile B-segment supermini. It offers excellent

✅ Strengths

Excellent chassis dynamics and road holding
Attractive exterior design that aged very well
0.9 TCe engine is a reliable and economical petrol choice
1.5 dCi engine offers class-leading fuel economy
Availability of a practical Estate (Grandtour) version
Phase 2 (2016+) offers vastly improved interior quality

⚠️ Weaknesses

1.2 TCe engine is a massive reliability liability (Motorgate)
Phase 1 (2012-2016) interior plastics are cheap and prone to rattling
R-Link infotainment system is buggy, slow, and prone to freezing
EDC dual-clutch transmission can be jerky and expensive to repair
Poor rearward visibility (thick C-pillars)
High wind noise at highway speeds on early models

🎯 Verdict

Final Verdict The Renault Clio IV is a stylish, excellent-handling supermini, but it requires careful engine selection. For Petrol Buyers: The 0.9 TCe (90 hp) is the absolute sweet spot—it is reliable, economical, and punchy enough for daily use. The base 1.2 16v (75 hp) is bulletproof but painfully slow, suited only for city driving. CRITICAL WARNING: You must absolutely AVOID the 1.2 TCe (120 hp). It is part of the infamous Renault/Nissan 'Motorgate' scandal and carries a high risk of catastrophic engine failure. For Diesel Buyers: The 1.5 dCi is fantastic and highly reliable, provided you drive enough highway miles to keep the DPF clean. Buying Advice: Always aim for a Phase 2 model (late 2016 onwards). The interior quality improvements, better sound deadening, and updated infotainment make it a significantly better car than the early 2012-2015 models.