Whatever happened to Nicole?

It’s a question that, perhaps a little bizarrely, often enters my head when I review a Renault, particularly the Clio, and that just happens to be the subject of my scrutiny this week in understated Tce90 configuration.

That means that, under the bonnet, is an 898cc three-cylinder petrol engine with 90hp and 140Nm of twisting force on tap. It’s a pleasantly perky performer and is particularly well-suited to urban driving. It’s certainly responsive enough to let you nip into those elusive gaps helped, of course, by the Clio’s compact - but not quite as compact as most in this class – dimensions.

It’ll dispatch shorter commutes with very little fuss too, but longer journeys at motorway speeds will expose you to the constant thrum of the little three-cylinder motor which has the potential to become a little irritating. Steeper inclines also expose its relative lack of grunt, so the Goodwood hill climb is probably not on the agenda.

The steering is light which takes the effort out of manoeuvring in our congested towns and cities but the five-speed manual gearbox is a little loose and imprecise. The suspension errs towards comfort rather than handling so you get a car that does a good job of broken surfaces transmitting unwelcome wobbles and shudders into the cabin but that also leans a bit in corners.

It’s hard to imagine that being an issue, however, because enthusiastic drivers are unlikely to be chomping at the bit to get their hands on this particular machine. Though there is, it should be noted, good grip in corners, the vague steering, soft suspension, notchy gearbox and simple lack of outright power means that this car will attract a very different demographic.

Equipment levels are decent. The Iconic trim that I tested was fitted with cruise control and speed limiter, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, handsfree entry and engine start/stop, a seven-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth handsfree calling and audio streaming and electric front windows.

My test car was also equipped with full LED headlights (£300), Convenience Pack (£300) that includes automatic headlights and wipers, automatic climate control and electric rear windows plus the Techno Pack (£600) which adds Renault’s R-Link with front parking sensors, rear camera, TomTom sat nav and an improved audio system.

The Clio rides on the same platform at the previous model but has been lowered and widened to improve the amount of space inside. There’s plenty of room for front seat passengers and, thanks to the five-door layout – there’s no three-door or estate – access to the rear accommodation is easy.

Once you’ve slid onto the rear bench, however, you’ll find that the combination of a sloping roofline, high-set seat position and small rear windows combine to leave you feeling slightly claustrophobic. Taller passengers will be aware of their heads brushing against the roof and, while there is provision for seating three, it’ll prove a bit of a squeeze so good friends only.

Storage space is decent, with reasonably sized door pockets and trays in the centre console for your sunglasses or phone. The glovebox, however, is another matter, because there’s barely room for much more than the owner’s manual.

The boot is among the largest in its class with a capacity of 300 litres. That grows to a maximum of 1,146 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats stowed away. The boot opening is nice and wide making it easier to load bulky items although there is a bit of a lip.

The latest incarnation of the Clio is the most stylish to date with a contemporary, premium appearance. It might be handicapped by the lack of a three-door option but concealing the handles in the door pillars certainly gives it a sleeker profile than it would otherwise have.

There’s a decent amount of space and build quality is generally robust but it is occasionally let down by some cheaper-feeling plastics around the cabin, although that is also true of a number of its rivals.

Overall it’s fair to say that the Clio does little wrong. The trouble is, looks aside, it doesn’t do a great deal to raise the bar either.

Renault Clio Iconic TCe90

Price: £15,180

As tested: £17,140

Engine: 898cc three-cylinder petrol

Transmission: five-speed manual

Max power: 90hp

Max torque: 140Nm @ 2,250rpm

Max speed: 110mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 12.1sec

Combined: 56.5mpg

Emissions (CO2): 114g/km

For more information visit www.renault.co.uk