Renault Clio EDC driven in South Africa 2016
What is it?
Renault received some flak for the dual clutch EDC in the Clio RS but in the Renault Clio Expression model that vertical wand marked R-D is a sight for sore eyes. Renault says it has done its homework and identified a gap in the model range and is understandably eager to give buyers less of a reason to shop elsewhere. We say, ‘what took them so long?’
Automatic transmissions in the small car segment are on the rise, currently they account for around 20 per cent of the market. They’re easier in traffic and according to Renault safer too, although we argue the converse. Still if you’re finding it difficult to juggle between checking facebook and driving, the Renault Clio EDC is just the car for you.
A price-winning Renault Clio Blaze model was introduced to the media at the same time with a smaller output 66kW 150Nm (70kW overboost) engine and manual gearbox.
What’s it like?
Only the Volkswagen Polo offers a similarly advanced dual clutch system in this segment so already the Renault Clio has the ascendency over its peers. Once inside it’s easy to adjust to the idea of an automatic Renault Clio, it feels so natural that it’s hard to imagine going back to a manual. Performance is more eager in the Renault Clio EDC than in the Captur – perhaps because of a leaner mass – so for now Clio remains the best marriage of engine and EDC gearbox in the Renault family.
Slot it across and you can shift gears by nudging the lever forwards or backwards and that works as well as you’d expect it to. Crucially the automatic doesn’t seem too detrimental to the little 1.2-litre turbo engine with claimed economy of 5.2l/100km and carbon emissions of 120g/km. Pedal down and the 88kW 190Nm pairing dispatches 100km/h in 9.4 seconds with a top speed just shy of 200km/h.
Renault Clio Blaze
We didn’t drive the Clio Blaze but poked our head around its brightly coloured interior, rubbed the leather covered wheel and gearknob and concurred that for its price, packed a lot of specification (Bluetooth, USB and cruise control) into a vibrant set of newly-styled wheels.
Should I buy one?
The EDC takes a lot of the ache out of motoring and transforms the Renault Clio into a more grown up and accomplished car fit for modern times. The Volkswagen DSG unit edges it slightly but then the Clio EDC Expression offers better equipment for the price, not forgetting that it ships with navigation as standard. These two models are a logical step from the French automaker at both ends of Clio range and come with leading 5-yr/150 000km warranty and 3-yr/45 000km service plan.
Pricing:
Renault Clio Blaze R179 900
Renault Clio Expression EDC R234 900
