Renault’s ever-popular Clio is celebrating its 25th birthday this year, and is still as in demand as ever, with UK sales in the first six months of this year reaching 12,589.

This phenomenal number is little surpise, however, considering the 13 million units sold worldwide since it was launched in 1991, over one million of which were in Britain.

Renault is soon to release an updated version of the Clio IV, which was first released in 2012, but there is still much to love about this version of the supermini.

Thinking of a Renault Clio, but can’t decide which is for you? Fear not! Here at Motors.co.uk we have looked in depth at three different spec levels, so that you don’t have to.
 

The smart choice for saving money – Renault Clio Expression

Starting at a wallet-friendly £11,145, its hard not to love Renault’s Clio Expression.

It may be basic but its selection of standard equipment is more than adequate for the everyday commuter.

The 1.2-litre petrol engine is coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox, which puts out 74bhp to the road. This means the model takes 14.5 seconds to reach 60mph, and boasts a top speed of 104mph.

Fifteen-inch steel wheels and LED running lights come as standard on the Expression, while carbon trim and black upholstery with red detail features in the stylish cabin.

The model’s keyless entry meanwhile is a bonus that not all basic-spec B-segment vehicles offer.

The smart choice for value – Renault Clio Dynamique S Nav

The Clio Dynamique S Nav is the best you can get without entering Renault Sport territory. And truth be told, it is pretty good.

The stylish hatch features a host of extras on top of the Expression, and with only £4,530 between the pair, it is is more than worthwhile.

A 0.9-litre petrol engine puts out 88bhp through a 5-speed manual gearbox, propelling the model to 60mph in 12.2secs, before it tops out at 113mph. And while performance isn’t anything to compare with the Renault Sport Nav Trophy (see below), economy certainly is, with the Dynamique S Nav returning an impressive 60.1mpg, while emitting just 105g/km CO2.

Buyers of the model can chose from a selection of attractive alloy wheels, while the interior is upholstered in dark carbon cloth with grey piping.

Alongside the model’s standard spec, a panoramic sunroof can be specified to give the cabin a brighter appearance.

Renault’s Media Nav system with UK mapping and traffic updates features alongside a 3D sound systemby Arkamys with Bluetooth,USB & AUX connectivity.

The smart choice for technophiles – Renault Clio Renault Sport Nav Trophy

Want a Clio that catches the eye and has the performance to boot? Then the range-topping Renault Sport Nav Trophy is for you.

It may cost over £10,000 more than the basic Expression – starting at £21,780 – but the host of extra equipment, including its Trophy chassis, make it well worth the money.

The 1.6-litre Renault Sport 220 Trophy powertrain is coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox, which puts out 217bhp and 260Nm of torque via the models front wheels.

Thanks to this power, the RS can accelerate to 60mph from a standstill in just 6.6 seconds, continuing to power all the way to 146mph. It returns 40.7mpg, while emitting 135g of CO2.

But enough facts and figures. The Clio Renault Sport Nav Trophy comes with a selection of standard equipment – more than enough to whet the appetite of a true technophile.

Eighteen-inch Renault Sport Radical Diamond alloy wheels feature, while the cabin is decked out in Renault Sport-badged dark carbon cloth.

Creature comforts are extensive, but it is the infotainment and navigation systems where the RS really comes into its own.

Renault’s R-Link system with voice control function features as standard, and the driver can relax while listening to 3D sound by Arkamys with Bluetooth, USB & AUX connectivity.