• Excellent driving position
• High-quality dashboard
• Slick infotainment on top models

How is the quality and layout?

The facelifted Renault Clio’s interior is much the same as before, albeit with a little extra tech. The biggest change is that old model’s analogue gauges have been banished in favour of two new digital dashboards measuring 7.0 inches on Evolution and Techno cars and 10.0 inches on the range-topping Esprit Alpine model. They’re sharp enough, but only offer a minimal amount of information.

The controls are well laid out and Renault gains bonus points for retaining physical controls for the air conditioning system rather than moving them onto the touchscreen. The Clio’s cruise control buttons are now all on the steering wheel rather than being dotted around the cabin, which makes them far easier to use.

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Quality is good, too. The switchgear is solid and the shut lines are tight. We’re particularly fond of the fabric dash panel fitted to the Esprit Alpine model. It’s a little different and it separates the Clio from its rivals, most of which are trimmed exclusively in black plastics. There was a slight rattle coming from the headlining of our test car, but we’ll put that down to it being an early car for now.

Infotainment and tech

The Clio’s choice of infotainment screens hasn’t changed for the facelift. Entry-level and mid-range cars still come with a 7.0-inch screen, while the flagship Esprit Alpine model features the same 9.3-inch screen. Both systems now come as standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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The 9.3-inch screen looks quite crisp considering its age, although we did experience a bit of lag when swapping between menus. The drive mode menu also takes a while to pop up on the screen when you prod the drive mode switch. It isn’t offensive, though.

Comfort

• Soaks up bumps well, even on large wheels
• Supportive and highly adjustable front seats
• Feels refined and grown-up

The Clio is a very comfortable supermini. Its seats and steering column offer enough adjustment to allow even tall drivers to get settled and, because the seats have firm cushions and sculpted bolsters, they offer great support on a long drive.

Esprit Alpine models come with even more figure-hugging seats, but they’re less restrictive than the examples you’d find on something like a MINI Hatch. The top-spec Clio also gets heated seats and a heated steering wheel, the latter of which  is somewhat of a rarity in the class.

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Part of the reason why the Clio is so comfortable over long distances is because you sit low. That means you’re stretched out in the optimal position to relieve pressure on your spine. Our first encounter with the car was a 100-mile motorway drive – and we ended our journey feeling fresh.

Renault worked hard to make the Clio’s cabin quiet, too. When you’re not driving like your hair’s on fire, the hybrid system fades to a whisper – unless you’re driving in town, where it’s silent because it’s running on electric power alone. Road noise is well-managed, although there is a bit of wind noise whipping around the A-pillars. It’s no worse than the Corsa or the Polo, though.