Sector: Supermini Price (December 2013): £14,195 Fuel: 62.8mpg CO2: 104g/km

Renault’s fourth-generation Clio may have become the most efficient non-hybrid model in its class, but in a segment where petrol engines still dominate it’s great to see the carmaker isn’t only making big strides with its diesel offerings.

Among its debuts, the Clio was the first car to feature Renault’s new TCe 90 petrol engine. This three-cylinder, turbocharged unit displaces a mere 0.9 litres, but produces almost as much power as the 1.4-litre it replaces. Shedding capacity like this also allows it to slip under 100g/km in certain trim levels.

It’s a great fit for the Clio, which is now 100kg lighter than its predecessor. Performance, as is typical from the latest three-cylinder petrol engines, is lively throughout the rev range and while it can’t match the equivalent diesel on economy it also costs £900 less, and avoids the 3% Benefit in Kind levy applied to oil burners. However good the diesel is, most drivers looking for a car of this size may not need the most efficient engine.

The downside, as is also common with the latest small petrol engines, is that the performance and economy aren’t available at the same time. Making progress means working the engine quite hard, and efficiency dips enormously once the turbocharger is boosting the power output.  

Economy aside, though, the Clio is huge fun to drive. The drop in weight is accompanied by wider track front and rear, with a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, so it continues the model’s reputation for excellent agility. Pushing the wheels out to each corner has also resulted in very pretty proportions, with a chunky shoulderline and aggressive stance. With large wheels, shallow windows and hidden rear door handles, it looks a little like a coupe.

Aesthetically, the interior is a two-generation step forward. Awash with soft-touch plastics and gloss black, silver-edged panels, and with binocular-style instruments, it’s comfortable, spacious and wonderfully well built. Renault also has options allowing certain panels to be replaced with body-coloured alternatives, further lifting the cabin.

The dashboard is also home to a dramatically improved infotainment system. Its eight-inch high-resolution LG touch screen is designed to operate like a smartphone, and it’s stylish and intuitive too. Renault’s new R-Link system, which adds connected services such as social media and live traffic with the option to add more, costs an extra £450.

This remains a Fiesta-dominated segment, but the Clio has traditionally enjoyed huge popularity in the UK and the latest version has all the right qualities to continue this tradition.

Verdict:

Renault’s new petrol engine puts the Clio on the same page as the Ford Fiesta which dominates this segment. It looks great, it’s fun to drive, and for those who don’t need the extraordinary economy of the diesel version it could be the most cost-effective Clio yet.