Renault Clio 1998–2002 car dimensions: 3773 mm long, 1640 mm wide and 1417 mm high. Unladen weight is 900 kg. Braked towing is 1,100 kg.
The cabin has a rounded dashboard with clear instruments and storage spaces. Air conditioning is standard on mid and higher trims like Alize, RXE and Initiale, with automatic climate control on top models after the 2001 facelift. Cruise control appears on luxury grades such as Initiale. Driver aids are limited to basic items like airbags and ABS on higher specs. Radios are cassette or CD based with optional navigation screens on premium versions.
Boot holds 255 litres with seats up and expands to 1037 litres seats down. It takes weekly shopping or weekend bags easily.
Braked towing reaches 1100 kg and unbraked 500 kg on typical versions. Payload sits near 540 kg based on kerb and gross weights. The car suits light loads and occasional trailer use.
Cloth seats are standard across the range with a height-adjustable driver's seat on most trims. Air conditioning comes standard on mid and higher grades or as an option on base models. Front electric windows and a manual or electric sunroof appear on upper trims. The cabin feels practical and roomy for a supermini, with folding rear seats and straightforward controls.
Four-star Euro NCAP rating on 2000 models
Driver's airbag and side impact bars standard from launch
Passenger airbag standard from 2000. side airbags optional
ABS standard on all cars from 2000
Engine oil change every 15 000 km or 1 year
Fuel tank holds 50 litres
Petrol engines range from the 1.2 offering a combined figure of 6.2 l/100 km to the 1.4 at 6.8 l/100 km and 1.6 variants around 7.2 l/100 km. Diesel options such as the 1.9 return combined figures near 6 l/100 km or lower on later dTi units.
Oil and filter changes fall due every 15 000 km or once a year. Timing belt replacement is specified at 60 000 km on some engines and up to 120 000 km or five years on others. Brake fluid is renewed every two years.
The car scored four stars in the 2000 Euro NCAP test. Standard kit includes a driver's airbag and side-impact bars from 1998, with the passenger airbag becoming standard in 2000 along with ABS on every model. Side airbags remained optional on most grades.
Routine servicing and attention to the timing belt keep the car reliable over high mileages. Parts remain widely available and the simple mechanical layout makes day-to-day upkeep straightforward.
Length 3773 mm, Width 1640 mm, Height 1417 mm, Wheelbase 2472 mm (Clio 1998–2002)
Sources: manufacturer data, auto-data.net, vehiclesizes.com for, Wikipedia and automoli.com.