The Clio scored a maximum five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests and there are driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags and anti-submarining airbags at the base of the seat cushion. There’s also electronic brakeforce distribution, ESP traction and stability control and Isofix child seat mountings on the front passenger and rear seats.

The roomy interior offers excellent storage, with a huge glove compartment (more than nine litres) and long bins in the doors. The boot is wide and deep but access to the rear seats can be tricky as the Renaultsport Clio only comes in three-door guise. The rear seats fold flat in a 60/40 split, offering luggage space of 288 litres in standard format or up to 1,038 litres with the rear seats folded flat and the boot is big enough to hold the luggage for a weekend away.