@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
@ Renault Group Media
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Ford Focus vs Renault Clio – Which car suits you better?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Ford Focus or Renault Clio?

Focus @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Ford Focus vs Renault Clio: Hatchback Showdown

In the world of hatchbacks, few matchups capture the attention like the Ford Focus and the Renault Clio. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality and performance, but each has its unique appeal. Let's delve into a detailed comparison between these popular models, shedding light on their technical specifications and innovations.

Clio @ Renault Group Media

Exterior and Dimensions

The Ford Focus, with its sleek design, measures between 4382 mm to 4397 mm in length, with a width of 1825 mm or 1844 mm and a height ranging from 1440 mm to 1482 mm. The Renault Clio is more compact, measuring 4053 mm in length, 1798 mm in width, and has a height of 1440 mm. Both cars come with five doors, but the Focus offers slightly more space, making it advantageous for those needing extra room.

Focus @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Engine and Performance

The Ford Focus offers a diverse range of engines, including petrol, diesel, and petrol MHEV options. Its power output ranges from 115 HP to a muscular 280 HP, with the hybrid variant providing a good balance between power and efficiency. The Focus's top speed can reach up to 250 km/h, with the fastest model sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in an impressive 5.7 seconds.

The Renault Clio, on the other hand, focuses on efficiency with its full hybrid, petrol, and LPG engines. Power ranges from 67 HP to 143 HP, with the hybrid variant leading the pack in efficiency. The Clio tops out at 174 km/h and takes 9.3 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint, which is respectable for its class.

Clio @ Renault Group Media

Fuel Efficiency and Emissions

Ford's Focus strikes a balance with its drivetrain options, providing consumption rates between 4.9 L/100km to 8 L/100km. This results in CO2 emissions ranging from 117 g/km to 183 g/km. In contrast, the Renault Clio excels in fuel efficiency, offering consumption as low as 4.3 L/100km and CO2 emissions starting from just 97 g/km. Such figures place the Clio in the 'C' efficiency class, while the Focus ranges between 'D' and 'G'.

Focus @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Both cars come standard with seating for five, but the Ford Focus provides a more capacious cabin experience, complemented by a 392 L trunk. The Renault Clio sacrifices some interior space with a trunk capacity ranging from 301 L to 391 L. Nevertheless, Clio drivers benefit from ergonomically designed seats and a user-friendly dashboard layout, ensuring comfort and convenience.

Clio @ Renault Group Media

Driving Dynamics and Innovation

Both vehicles are equipped with front-wheel drive, but the driving experiences differ. The Focus, known for its lively handling and agile ride, benefits from advanced driving aids. Its manual, dual-clutch, and automatic gearbox configurations cater to various driver preferences. The Clio, particularly in its hybrid configuration, offers a smooth and efficient driving experience that urban dwellers will appreciate, aided by its automatic and CVT transmission options.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Ford Focus and Renault Clio ultimately depends on the driver's priorities. The Ford Focus impresses with its powerful engine lineup and sporty drive, making it perfect for performance-minded buyers. Meanwhile, the Renault Clio stands out for its compact design, efficiency, and advanced hybrid technology, appealing to those focused on economy and city practicality. Each vehicle brings its charm and technical prowess, ensuring a dynamic choice in the ever-competitive hatchback segment.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Renault Clio has a clearly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 16600 £, while the Ford Focus costs 27500 £. That’s a price difference of around 10929 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Renault Clio manages with 4.10 L and is therefore slightly more efficient than the Ford Focus with 4.90 L. The difference is about 0.80 L per 100 km.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Ford Focus has a convincingly edge – offering 280 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 122 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Focus is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.70 s, while the Renault Clio takes 8.30 s. That’s about 2.60 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Ford Focus performs distinct better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Renault Clio tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 70 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Ford Focus pulls clearly stronger with 420 Nm compared to 205 Nm. That’s about 215 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Renault Clio is somewhat lighter – 1124 kg compared to 1330 kg. The difference is around 206 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Ford Focus offers minimal more room – 392 L compared to 391 L. That’s a difference of about 1 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Ford Focus performs to a small extent better – up to 1354 L, which is about 178 L more than the Renault Clio.

When it comes to payload, Ford Focus somewhat takes the win – 560 kg compared to 463 kg. That’s a difference of about 97 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Ford Focus shows itself to be is largely superior and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £27,500
Focus @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Ford Focus

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 115 - 280 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.9 - 8 L

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus remains a clever all‑rounder that balances sharp handling with everyday comfort, making it a strong choice whether your commute is city streets or country lanes. Its practical cabin and sensible running costs mean you’ll spend more time enjoying the drive and less time worrying about ownership, with a playful streak underfoot that keeps things interesting.

details

Renault Clio

The Clio punches above its weight with chic French styling and a surprisingly grown-up cabin that makes city driving feel effortlessly stylish. It's an easy-to-live-with choice that keeps ownership simple and even manages to put a grin on your face when the traffic gets dull.

details
Ford Focus
Renault Clio
Focus @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
Clio @ Renault Group Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
27500 - 42700 £
Price
16600 - 23700 £
Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 8 L
Consumption L/100km
4.1 - 5.3 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
0.60 kWh
co2
117 - 183 g/km
co2
92 - 121 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
52 L
Fuel tank capacity
39 - 42 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1330 - 1529 kg
Curb weight
1124 - 1331 kg
Trunk capacity
392 L
Trunk capacity
301 - 391 L
Length
4382 - 4397 mm
Length
4053 - 4116 mm
Width
1825 - 1844 mm
Width
1768 - 1798 mm
Height
1438 - 1482 mm
Height
1440 - 1451 mm
Max trunk capacity
1354 L
Max trunk capacity
979 - 1176 L
Payload
495 - 560 kg
Payload
398 - 463 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 280 HP
Power HP
67 - 158 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 11.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 17.1 s
Max Speed
186 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
160 - 180 km/h
Torque
170 - 420 Nm
Torque
95 - 205 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
85 - 206 kW
Power kW
49 - 116 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 2261 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1789 cm3

General

Model Year
2022 - 2024
Model Year
2023 - 2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, D, B
Brand
Ford
Brand
Renault
What drive types are available for the Ford Focus?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.