On The Road
With its maximum half-tonne-plus gross payload aboard, the Clio appears to sink dramatically at the rear – to the point where the interior mirror keeps readjusting to lose the view of the road immediately astern. But apart from the steering lightening up a bit there are no adverse effects on its dynamic behaviour.
The ride at full weight deteriorates slightly from its excellent unladen quality but never becomes unforgettable. It’s debatable whether a vehicle of the Clio’s size actually needs power steering other than in the show-room, but its electrically powered variable-rate system works without undue intrusion into the sharp handling.
The Clio Van’s performance is lively without being irresponsible; its virtues lie chiefly in its flexibility and its quiet, refined manners. Although you can tell the engine is working harder below 1,500rpm it copes perfectly well and never becomes harsh. One reason for that refinement is hinted at by the gear lever, which moves around considerably, revealing softer-than-average engine mounts. Not a problem, apart from the usual distraction, and it does cure drivers of keeping their left hands on the gear lever. The lever itself is well placed and incorporates a lift-up collar to prevent inadvertent selection of reverse (which is located next to first).
We were able to give the EBD system a good workout at the proving ground. After getting the Clio to around 40mph on the (damp) circular steering pad we stood on the brakes in a “don’t try this at home” manoeuvre that should have had it spinning into the imaginary scenery. Instead it simply maintained its line and stopped…boring, but distinctly impressive.
Although we were unable to measure the braking performance on the track there are absolutely no issues over its stopping power. Although the parking brake coped easily with the 33% (1-in-3) test hill the centre of gravity was far enough below the spinning front wheels to rule out a restart.
Cab Comfort
One of the more pleasant side effects of the modern, cost-controlled motor industry benefits these relatively small (sales) volume CDVs: it’s simply cheaper to leave the car-quality interior trim in place than to take it out. In the whole of the Clio Van’s interior the only painted metal on show is the rear side window blanking panels.
The Authentique trim may be entry-level for a car, but for a working vehicle it’s nothing less than sumptuous. The shapely grey cloth-trimmed driving seat is positioned rather high for tall drivers, and the backrests are rather short (although lots of headrest travel compensates rather well), but there’s more fore-and-aft adjustment than you might expect.
The large matching speedo and rev counter, reading to a highly unlikely 7,000rpm-plus, dominate the instrument panel and flank the fuel and temperature gauges. The digital odometer doubles up as an oil level check on start-up. Renault’s own-brand RDS radio-cassette features four speakers with satellite controls on the steering column, where two more stalks control most minor functions.
Above the radio are switches for the hazard lights, heated rear window and central locking override; below it are the heater controls, a bin with a pair of cupholder recesses and the usual smoking facilities. The glove-box lid is equipped with assorted holders for pens, tickets, glasses and the like; there are also good-sized pockets in the doors, a handy shelf beneath the passenger seat and a non-slip oddments tray on top of the dash.
Four airbags (with an isolator switch for the passenger side) come as standard, as do tinted glass, electric windows and a height adjustable steering column. Our example also came with the optional “Sports Kit” comprising spoilers at each end, side skirts, body-coloured mirrors, fog lamps and OZ alloy wheels.
Although the windscreen wipers have not been converted to right-hand drive, a pantograph mechanism pushes the driver’s wiper up into the corner so there’s no significant loss of swept area. Thanks to the curved glass in the hatch the interior view suffers from a “hall of mirrors” effect, giving rise to some bizarrely shaped vehicles coming into sight.
