Renault Clio Initiale Paris 1.3 TCe EDC review

Last summer, we tested the new Clio R.S. Line with precisely the same engine and gearbox as the Clio Initiale Paris featured here: the 130 hp 1.3 TCe and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, or EDC.

As many of you pointed out, the just-over-€25,000 asking price of the R.S. Line, including options, was steep. This Initiale Paris goes further still: with its extras included - and there are not many of them - it exceeds the €30,000 mark. Can that figure really be justified?

Even allowing for its generous standard specification, the Clio Initiale Paris is difficult to justify at this price. For the same money, performance enthusiasts could buy cars such as the Ford Fiesta ST, a small but hugely entertaining 200 hp hot hatch.

Even within Renault’s own range, models from the segment above are available for similar sums, namely the Mégane GT Line and Bose Edition. Both also use the 1.3 TCe, although with more power: 140 hp in the GT Line and 160 hp in the Bose Edition. The difference is that they can be specified with a six-speed manual gearbox, an option not offered on this Clio.

Looking beyond the price

Put the price to one side, however, and there is plenty to like about the Clio Initiale Paris. Its appearance is more polished, with touches of refinement and elegance visible in the chrome detailing and exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels. The best of this Initiale Paris, though, is found inside.

Particular mention should go to the substantial heated leather seats, which have manual adjustment and are every bit as comfortable as they look. The additional care taken over the cabin’s presentation and materials also raises the sense of wellbeing on board to a higher level.

This is backed up by an impressively comprehensive standard equipment list. It includes Easy Link with the largest available 9.3-inch screen, a BOSE sound system, wireless smartphone charging, a heated leather steering wheel, the Multi-Sense system, ambient lighting and a range of driver-assistance systems. There are few notable omissions, although the lack of a USB port for rear-seat passengers is one of them.

Where the Clio Initiale Paris falls short

The Clio Initiale Paris sets itself apart from other Clios through its presentation and equipment. Yet, as the range-topping model - and one aimed towards luxury - it still disappoints in a few areas.

One such issue is interior build quality. On rougher road surfaces, several unwanted noises can be heard, and they are more noticeable than in some rivals, including the Volkswagen Polo and its French compatriot, the Peugeot 208.

There is also room for greater refinement on the move. The 17-inch wheels and 45-profile tyres generate a noticeable amount of road noise, while wind noise could be better suppressed too.

What else does it offer?

Otherwise, this is the Clio we know and appreciate. It remains one of the segment’s most engaging cars to drive, combining comfort with dynamic ability in the finest Gallic tradition. The “driver” in me only regrets being unable to switch off the ESP and explore the behaviour of the rear axle more fully - it is more entertaining than the 208’s, for example.

Personally, I would prefer controls with a little more weight to them, particularly the steering, which remains rather light even in Sport mode. That said, the steering gains weight as speed rises, helping to reinforce both the Clio’s perceived and genuine motorway stability.

The engine and gearbox pairing also deserves praise. Regardless of the model in which it appears - whether Renault, Nissan or Mercedes-Benz - the 1.3 TCe is characterised by its eager nature and feels comfortable across the rev range. The EDC works effectively alongside it, proving such a good partner that it makes manual mode easy to forget - and with the “tiny paddles” behind the steering wheel, it really is best forgotten.

Performance is strong, especially in-gear acceleration, while fuel consumption is far from excessive. I managed figures I had thought only possible with our “low-consumption master”: averages below 4.5 l/100 km are achievable at moderate speeds. Shorter urban journeys are the exception, where consumption rose to 7.5 l/100 km.

The Clio Initiale Paris remains hard to recommend

The additional “treats” it brings over other Clios struggle to justify its high asking price. Equipped with the 1.3 TCe, this is actually the most affordable Initiale Paris version; it is also offered with the 115 hp 1.5 Blue dCi and the 140 hp E-Tech hybrid, both of which cost more.

That said, the Clio still combines a great many impressive qualities, making it very easy to appreciate. The problem is that those qualities can be had for less money.