In three decades of existence, the Clio has been inseparable from the history of Renault. Full of ambition since its beginnings, this tricolor city car has a reputation for looking like… itself. It would be interesting to compare the first of the sorority, released in 94, with the 2012 version.
Like a family reunion
To find out for sure, we decided to compare THE Clio 1 with its goddaughter. A car registered in 1994 represented the vintage category. Despite its updated grille and reworked rear lights, it is an authentic phase 1 of the Clio Baccara. This 3-door with 14-inch alloy wheels intends to be the versatile city vehicle it should be. At 27 years old, this “grandma” is doing wonderfully.
Regarding the Clio IV, the emphasis is visibly placed on the interior finish. This was the main shortcoming of the city cars of the 90s. With the exception of the Austin Mini and other Lancia Y10s, the small cars of the time were much more austere. Renault has understood this flaw and is reviewing its copy with its X98 model. For this intergenerational face-to-face, we set our sights on a red 5-door with sporty intentions.
That was the introductions, let’s get down to business.
The two Clios are commercial successes
When it was released in 1994, the first Clio of the name was announced as the one that replaced the supercharged Super cinq. In all, Renault sold 12 million of this legendary model assembled in the Billancourt assembly lines until 1998. At the time, this rather feminine city car had some difficulty competing with the sulphurous Peugeot 205. That said, it overshadowed the Citroën AX. On the other side of the Rhine, the aging Volkswagen Polo also had concerns.
Produced from 2012 to 2020, the Clio IV sold 4 million copies. Most of the orders were fulfilled by Turkish assembly lines. This made it possible to lower prices and attract international customers not wealthy enough to afford a VW Golf. Using the chassis of the Nissan Cube, it was announced as the main rival of the Peugeot 208. Obviously, the diamond brand is ahead of its adversaries thanks to its greater reliability.
Clio I: 1 — Clio IV: 1
A bigger city car is not necessarily better
Placed next to Baccarat, the Clio 4 gives the impression of finding an ancestor. This feeling of déjà vu is confirmed since the lines of “grandma” have been taken up by her descendants. 18 years separate the two cars, but the shapes evoke the same DNA. The resemblance is especially found at the level of the wings. In terms of dimensions, Baccarat is 35 cm shorter. It is definitely a coupe, but its large windows also give it more presence.
The generous measurements of the Clio 4 make it much less maneuverable than its big sister. The thickness of the side uprights causes a slight problem with visibility. It becomes more difficult for the driver to park, especially if the surrounding vehicles are very close together. At first glance, the materials used for this model seem less resistant to time. The Clio IV is clearly part of an era where cars are starting to have an expiration date.
Clio I: 2 — Clio IV: 1
The serious things begin in the passenger compartment
3 decades after its release, the interior of a Clio 1 remains what it was, that is to say obsolete. The dashboard has a slightly empty appearance, but is limited to the essentials. The driver can know the water temperature, oil level and time when the instruments are working. A small innovation for its time, the car radio control on the steering wheel is a real plus. The diamond brand has clearly realized the need to take care of ergonomics. That said, it is difficult to control the headlights and other electrical equipment on the Baccara.
For its part, the Clio 4 wants to appear more dynamic and modern with on-board electronics. The Media Nav multimedia console works in its favor. Then, this Renault also has the merit of having more interior space. It offers 5 real, firm seats like in a Golf. The central bench seat is suitable for an adult. Then, the 300-liter trunk far exceeds that of the Baccara. The latter has the disadvantage of having plastic almost everywhere. Unlike her contemporaries, she was obviously not keen on wood, even less on leather.
Clio I: 2 — Clio IV: 2
Unrivaled technologies under the hood
The Clio 1 still starts like clockwork. Its 1.8 liter engine has an announced power of 95 hp. You have to look for the maximum torque of 142 Nm at 2,750 rpm. This good old atmospheric at least has the merit of being not very capricious for its age. Things become much more delicate if its single injection point has just become clogged. Either way, its 4 cylinders offer everything you need to get around town. On a national, this granny can still be nervous. The progressive clutch avoids putting too much strain on the left leg. There is raw performance, but also a lot of noise: fans take note!
With the Clio 4, pure mechanics is combined with the automotive technologies of the time. Using the principle of downsizing, Renault reduces the cylinder capacity without sacrificing power. The 898 cm3 of the 0.9 TCE block provide 90 hp thanks to the turbocharger. It is not necessary to climb the towers to obtain velocity. This engine has the particularity of being flexible, more efficient and above all less fuel intensive. It reaches 0 to 100 km/h in 12.2 seconds. The Clio 1 accelerates more efficiently because it weighs 925 kg compared to 1,009 kg for its little sister.
Clio I: 3 — Clio IV: 3
Choosing between handling and sportiness
The management of the Renault Clio 1 is without any assistance. Heavier in town, this organ becomes lighter when the car is started. The driver fully feels the vibrations in his arms. This intoxication disappears with the young city dweller. Purists will say that it offers superficial sensations. This observation changes with the suspension. The Clio 4 faithfully reproduces the terrain with rather firm shock absorbers. Which confirms her sporting temperaments in keeping with the times. It has a certain rigor which will not be to the taste of all drivers at high revs. In any case, you have to upgrade to the Clio RS for truly dynamic handling.
For its part, the Clio Une is a city car designed for all types of tracks. Its plush suspension makes it slightly more difficult to tame in turns. However, this detail remains an advantage on a paved road. In addition, drivers have the option of opting for a sports engine from Williams. The Renault preparer promises great sensations with a 4-cylinder without turbo of 150 hp.
Clio I: 4 — Clio IV: 4
Balance sheet
The Clio 1 and 4 are obviously not part of the same category. These city cars are aimed at very distinct targets. One advocates pure pragmatism while the other favors interior comfort. However, the two cars have in common this touch of nervousness which will have to be looked for in the laps. Baccarat releases more CO2 and will pose some administrative problems to take it to Paris for example. In addition, it is becoming difficult to find 94 models still in good condition. That said, the Clio 4 is also a deal with vehicles that can be used on a daily basis. In short, everyone must choose according to their priorities.
