A few balmy days in Sardinia driving the all-new Renault Clio III was convincing enough to prove that this range doesn't just cater for the needs of a buyer seeking a fine small family car.

Reaching South Africa in April or May next year, the new Clio has grown into a car that has enough to allow it to compete with some cars a class above it. Enlarged and even roomier it has many optimised chassis features while still maintaining the frugal fuel habits it had before.

What's impressive is the extra interior space, especially in the rear of the cabin where knee-space is now available in copious amounts after being lengthened to 3.99m. There is now more space for up to five passengers. The other good news is that for the first time in this segment of the market, comfort and safety features such as hands-free locking and an ignition card are also in place.

Renault’s engines have always impressed. But it was the 78kW 1.5 dCi, which at one time hauled four South African occupants around those twisty, hilly Italian roads with aplomb that impressed most with its linear outputs throughout the rev range. The other engines are now all more powerful except the 1.2-petrol version, which remains as before. The new petrol-engine range also includes a more powerful 1.2-litre 16V, a 1.4-litre 16V with 75kW and a 1.6-litre 16V at 82kW.

The surprise comes with the1.5-litre dCi diesel range which, apart from the more powerful unit mentioned above, is also available with two less powerful versions at 52 and 63kW respectively.

When it comes to fuel consumption the 1.2 litre engine consumes around 5.9 litres per 100km, 6.6 for the 1.4 litre and 6.6 for the 1.6 litre. However it’s the 86kW 1.5 dCi that is the most frugal at 4.4 litres per 100km.

The Nissan alliance-connection is there with the B-platform common to some cars in both camps. The suspension is influenced by the one on the Mégane II. Up front the Clio III has MacPherson struts with rectangular lower arms while a torsion beam with programmed reflection on coil springs does duty on the rear.

Naturally, due to Renault’s long history with smaller cars, handling is impeccable and amply demonstrated on those tortuous Sardinian roads along the Costa Smeralda.

Slicker looking than the quirkier and toy-like shapes of the previous Clios, the Clio III is more curvaceous with its swooping shape more in keeping with the times. Particular attention has been paid the aerodynamics that assisted in maintaining those impressive fuel consumption figures. Two body versions will be available: 3-door and 4-door.

The transmission setup is similar to that in the recently-launched Modus and also will soon be fitted with a sport gearbox operated by paddles neatly located behind the steering wheel. Another positive aspect of the Clio III is its 5-star Euro NCAP rating. This also includes the maximum 4-star rating for child protection, the gain no doubt complemented by Renualt’s new seating arrangement for children aged between six and 10, who will now be seated in a central position of the rear seat. A first for any car in this segment are the additional cornering headlamps and double-distance xenon headlamps.

And when you add the up-to eight airbags available, the safety aspects of the Clio III are truly impressive. The set-up also includes two adaptive front airbags with load limiters and double pre-tensioners for the front passengers. Also featured are energy absorbing front seats with headrests that prevent whiplash.

Programmed deformation zones are standard as is ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA). Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with ASR traction control, understeer control and MSR engine torque overrun regulation is optional.

The march of the small, sophisticated cars continues.

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