• One of the largest interiors of its time
• 60:40 split rear seats across the range
• Useful stowage facilities in the cabin

How much space is there?

The Mk4 Renault Clio was one of the largest superminis of its time, so there’s plenty of space in its cabin. Four adults can fit in comfortably – although cramming five into the space would be a game of mobile sardines.

There is a decent amount of head- and legroom and you could easily squeeze two adults in the rear for relatively short journeys. However, those over six-foot may feel a bit cramped if they are hemmed-in for too long.

Boot space and storage

You get 300 litres of boot space, which made the Clio one of the largest superminis in its class when it was new. Plus, all Mk4 Clios have a 60:40 split rear seat – although it doesn’t fold completely flat – that liberates up to 1,146 litres when lowered.

There are a number of useful storage cubbies dotted around the Clio’s cabin. It doesn’t set any standards for either the number of them or the volume of space within them, but you can conceal most of your in-car knick-knacks as well as slotting a 500ml bottle in each of the front doors.

Is it easy to park?

Of course. The Clio is ideally suited to urban environments, being very easy to manoeuvre and control and thanks to its small 10m turning circle. Parking and getting around tight city streets in it is a doddle.

Safety

• Five-star safety rating (in its day)
• Two Isofix points in the rear seats
• No lane assist or blind-spot monitoring

The French marque has been at the forefront of mainstream car safety since the introduction of the Euro NCAP crash testing scheme and the fourth-generation Renault Clio continues this legacy with a full five-star rating.

Clios are well-equipped when it comes to safety-focused gear with all versions featuring hill start assist, traction control and emergency brake assist to exert additional stopping power when scrubbing off speed quickly.

Although there isn’t an autonomous emergency braking system, the Clio will alert the driver when cars ahead are braking heavily, while in the event of an accident the blow will be cushioned by six airbags and anti-whiplash head restraints.

You won’t find blind-spot monitoring or lane-keeping assist either, but all-round parking sensors and a reversing camera are available across the range.

Since the 2016 facelift, all Clios feature LED day-running lights, while high-end models come with full LED head and tail lamps, the latter of which remain on while the car’s running, as on the larger Renault Megane.

There are two Isofix points in the Mk4 Clio, fitted to the outer rear chairs. The front passenger seat has no mounting point option.

Watch the Mk4 Renault Clio Euro NCAP crash test: