The onslaught of high-riding crossovers and full-size SUVs paints a special image, however small, B-segment hatchbacks – that’s, superminis – stay the best-selling cars in Europe.
In current years, few vital new fashions have been launched, however there have been a good variety of facelifts, which have shaken up the rankings. And it is one in all these revised automobiles – the Renault Clio – which we deem to be the most effective supermini on sale.
To make our high 10 checklist for 2024, a supermini must be a lot extra than simply able to carrying a few adults, a few youngsters and an honest quantity of baggage relative to its small footprint. It should now even be fascinating, effectively packaged, simple to drive and nice to make use of. A pedigree performer, in different phrases.
Dynamically, the important thing attributes are transparency and good fundamental agility. Superminis needs to be inherently nimble and no less than reasonably enjoyable to drive in all their kinds. Sluggish steering is a worse crime than mushy suspension. Modest energy and 5 doorways are not any impediments to a rewarding driving expertise.
Increasingly, superminis additionally supply a stage of perceived high quality, efficiency and technological sophistication that bears comparability with that of larger hatchbacks. And the easiest mix some or all of that with the agility that solely a small, gentle automotive can supply.
How we examined
Autocar first started testing automobiles in April 1928. Since then, the testing strategies have modified, however the fundamentals stay. Collectively by way of our street take a look at and internet groups, we’ve examined and evaluated each supermini on sale. This consists of drives overseas, within the UK and at specialist services such because the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. For a few of these automobiles, such because the Renault Clio, we’ve lived with them for a number of months at a time. This article takes our wealthy knowledge and skilled opinions and neatly distils them right into a high 10.
The finest superminis
1. Renault Clio
Pros
Interior appears to be like and feels nearly as good as something at school
Real gasoline financial savings with the hybrid
Non-hybrid commendably low cost
Cons
Ride may very well be extra supple
Rear seats uncomfortable for adults on lengthy journeys
Manual gearchange is notchy
Cabin design, ergonomic structure and perceived high quality are all a lot increased than you may think if you have not sat in a Clio for just a few years, whereas worth for cash stays an actual robust swimsuit.
The Clio rides difficult stretches of Tarmac with extra of a stiff-legged, often barely wooden-feeling gait than you count on of a French automotive. It’s removed from uncomfortable however much less supple than it as soon as was.
This extra severe gait doesn’t trigger it to forgo dealing with verve, although. It might not have probably the most communicative steering rack, however its dealing with is intuitive and natural-feeling, and though the automotive rolls a bit greater than some may like, there’s a placing sense of inherent cornering steadiness in its chassis.
Sadly, there gained’t be an RS model. Instead, the quickest Clio is the 138bhp Renault Clio E-Tech hybrid. For a supermini, that makes it fairly costly, however no extra so than hybrid-only rivals just like the Toyota Yaris or Honda Jazz.
The E-Tech powertrain can really feel a bit of underpowered in bigger automobiles, however it’s good for the Clio and makes it faster and extra participating than these two Japanese hybrids.