1. Exterior
The transformation from five-door hatchback to estate doesn’t make one of the prettiest estate cars on the market, instead making the Renault Clio Sport Tourer look rather bulbous and overweight. The facelift in 2009 didn’t help either, transforming the supermini from a rather stylish hatch into a gawky looking, ill-proportioned small car.
2. Interior
The inside of the Clio is relatively stylish, but it is showing its age compared with more modern rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo. The silver appliqués and trim lift the cabin considerably and break up the swathes of grey plastic. The dials are clear, and all of the controls logically arranged around the cabin. The audio system is located too far down on the centre console though, but there are steering wheel controls standard on all models. The TomTom sat-nav that comes on top models is extremely easy to use and is a major selling point.
3. Practicality
There’s considerably more space inside than the Clio hatchback, with 439 litres of luggage room with the seats up. Fold them down, and there’s 1,277 litres of space. This compares well with the SEAT Ibiza ST and Skoda Fabiaestate. There’s a decent amount of space for four, with ample head and legroom. And the seats are just about right, combining the right level of support and comfort in equal measure, while offering plenty of adjustment. Disappointingly, the steering column is only adjustable for rake, and not for reach. Though not necessarily important in this size of car, all Clio Sport Tourers can tow up to 1,200kg.
