Most are still wondering whether TC Euro could make its history in promoting Renault here in Malaysia, when it dropped the best selling Kangoo from its list of model, then switched its focus to Renault Sport models, with price ranges that is so far fetch from the normal consumers. It then started adding a few other mass market models such as the Koleos, which did not prove to be the solution, as well as the Fluence, where consumer will prefer getting the original Nissan Slyphy instead. Recently, the Captur was launched, with lukewarm reception, but still hard to beat the ever popular Honda HR-V in the same segment. Now, finally a tame version of the Clio GT Line, makes its appearance in joining the tough fight against the VW Polo, Peugeot 208, Citroen DS3 and Mazda 2.
The Clio GT Line uses the similar 1.2-litre turbocharged engine and 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox as found in the Captur, which is capable of 118hp/190Nm of power. GeTrag dry-clutch again, thus could sound scary to some potential customers. The comfort that the owner will get is the 5-year warranty that comes with the car...thereafter...hopefully it will continue to serve well. As a French car, the moment the registration card has someone name printed on it, the value could have drop so much that most owner will have to give all the tender loving care to ensure it will serve for a lifetime!
The Clio is a small car, with a small engine, and it is not going to be a lightning speed machine, thus drum brake is fitted to the rear, where the front has the usual disc. Not a big concern nor deal breaker. To make more space in the trunk, the spare wheel is fitted to the bottom of the car, instead of inside the trunk. 17" Michelin Premacy as standard, so it will be a comfortable ride. While test driving this car, there is noticeable body roll, but anyhow, this is not a speed demon. The seat is comfortable, but does not hold the driver like the RS edition. If it were to have semi bucket seat, it could be fun to drive...just need to keep reminding oneself, the 1.2-litre launching speed is slow. The Clio GT Line is just another hatch, but not of the hot type, though it does look good. On the safety department, it is equipped with 4-airbag where the seat-airbag is huge to provide protection to the head and chest, but nothing for the rear passengers. As tested by Euro NCAP in 2012, it achieved a 5-star rating still.
No surprise to the interior if you has seen the Captur of the Clio RS, as it is similar in the design, with slight differences in the audio setup. Meter cluster is the common digital speedo, analog RPM meters setup. No paddle shifter in the Clio GT Line, which is a letdown. ECO mode is available for the environment hero. Keyless entry and start are standard, but the thick key card is a hassle to carry. Most will prefer a proper remote fob instead. Looking closely to the door speaker, it has a vented bass reflex system, as if the owner going to pump up the volume so much to start loosening the door card panel. Soft plastic material on the dash is a welcome here, but let's hope it will last in out hot humid weather.
At RM118k (without insurance), the Renault Clio GT Line could be a nice hatch to own if speed is not your priority and second-hand value is not any concern. If you are the conservative type, maybe the cheaper Peugeot 208 (RM86k) will suffice if all you want is a continental hatch. For the adventurous, maybe the Citroen DS3 (RM114k). For those in favour of a German, the VW Polo (RM90k) is the best choice here as it has a very simple engine and gearbox (not the TSI model). For those that want the best resale value, there is only one choice, which is the Mazda 2(RM86k). Oh, by the way, if you love the CLIO GT Line in FLAME RED colour, there could be an additional RM3k to the price, but you could easily get TC Euro to absorb that cost. The Flame Red is a special colour for the Clio RS200, where the Malta Blue is the signature colour for the Clio GT Line.
The Clio is a small car, with a small engine, and it is not going to be a lightning speed machine, thus drum brake is fitted to the rear, where the front has the usual disc. Not a big concern nor deal breaker. To make more space in the trunk, the spare wheel is fitted to the bottom of the car, instead of inside the trunk. 17" Michelin Premacy as standard, so it will be a comfortable ride. While test driving this car, there is noticeable body roll, but anyhow, this is not a speed demon. The seat is comfortable, but does not hold the driver like the RS edition. If it were to have semi bucket seat, it could be fun to drive...just need to keep reminding oneself, the 1.2-litre launching speed is slow. The Clio GT Line is just another hatch, but not of the hot type, though it does look good. On the safety department, it is equipped with 4-airbag where the seat-airbag is huge to provide protection to the head and chest, but nothing for the rear passengers. As tested by Euro NCAP in 2012, it achieved a 5-star rating still.
At RM118k (without insurance), the Renault Clio GT Line could be a nice hatch to own if speed is not your priority and second-hand value is not any concern. If you are the conservative type, maybe the cheaper Peugeot 208 (RM86k) will suffice if all you want is a continental hatch. For the adventurous, maybe the Citroen DS3 (RM114k). For those in favour of a German, the VW Polo (RM90k) is the best choice here as it has a very simple engine and gearbox (not the TSI model). For those that want the best resale value, there is only one choice, which is the Mazda 2(RM86k). Oh, by the way, if you love the CLIO GT Line in FLAME RED colour, there could be an additional RM3k to the price, but you could easily get TC Euro to absorb that cost. The Flame Red is a special colour for the Clio RS200, where the Malta Blue is the signature colour for the Clio GT Line.
| Clio | 208 | DS3 | Polo | M2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length (mm) | 4062 | 3962 | 3948 | 3970 | 4060 |
| Width (mm) | 1732 | 1739 | 1715 | 1682 | 1695 |
| Height (mm) | 1448 | 1460 | 1483 | 1453 | 1470 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2589 | 2538 | 2464 | 2456 | 2570 |
| Airbag | 4 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Engine | 1.2 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.5 |
| Power (hp/Nm) | 118/190 | 120/160 | 120/160 | 103/153 | 114/148 |
| Gearbox (Speed) | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
