Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Renault Clio or VW Golf?
In the crowded segment of hatchbacks, the Renault Clio and VW Golf have long been favorites, each bringing unique qualities to the fore. The 2023 Renault Clio and 2024 VW Golf models promise innovation and performance. But how do they truly compare in terms of technical specifications and innovations? Let's dive into the details.
Both the Renault Clio and VW Golf boast the classic hatchback body type with compact dimensions ideal for city driving. The Clio measures at 4,053 mm in length, with a width of 1,798 mm and a height of 1,440 mm. The Golf, meanwhile, stretches slightly longer, with a maximum length of 4,292 mm, a width of 1,789 mm, and a height of up to 1,483 mm, allowing for a roomier interior.
Under the hood, the Renault Clio offers a diverse selection of engine types, including full hybrid, petrol, and LPG, with a power range between 67 to 143 HP. The Golf steps up the game with petrol, diesel, and plugin hybrid options, and an impressive power range from 116 HP to a whopping 333 HP.
The Clio's acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h ranges from 9.3 to 17.1 seconds, showing a focus on efficiency. Conversely, the Golf is not just about power; with an acceleration spectrum from an agile 4.6 to a modest 10.2 seconds, it's built for both speed enthusiasts and everyday drivers.
Both cars prioritize fuel efficiency. The Clio's economy in consumption ranges from 4.3 to 7 L/100km, with CO2 emissions spanning 97 to 130 g/km. The Golf, with its diverse engine lineup, yields consumption between 0.3 to 8.5 L/100km, showcasing plugin hybrid efficiencies and traditional engine performance, with emissions between 6 to 192 g/km. This range highlights the Golf's ability to cater to environmentally conscious drivers through its plugin hybrid variants, which boast an electric range up to 143 km.
Renault has equipped the Clio with flex-fuel technology, allowing LPG versatility, while VW highlights the Golf's dual-clutch automatic transmission, enhancing driving dynamics. In terms of drive type, the Clio sticks to the reliable front-wheel drive, whereas the Golf extends options with its all-wheel drive variant, catering to drivers seeking extra traction and stability.
Both vehicles accommodate five passengers comfortably. The Clio offers a trunk capacity of 301 to 391 liters, while the Golf provides a comparable space of 273 to 381 liters. These figures reflect their tight competition in providing practical storage solutions for everyday needs.
Deciding between the Renault Clio and VW Golf boils down to specific needs. The Clio offers great versatility for urban environments and those prioritizing efficiency and hybrid technology. On the other hand, the Golf stands out for its broader spectrum of powertrains and performance levels, appealing to those who seek both speed and economy in one package.
In conclusion, both models showcase a blend of reliability, innovative technology, and practical design, making them leading contenders in the hatchback arena. Your choice will depend on where your priorities lie—whether it’s eco-friendliness, power, or a blend of both.
Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.
Renault Clio has a convincingly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 16600 £, while the VW Golf costs 25200 £. That’s a price difference of around 8610 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the Renault Clio with 4.10 L. The difference is about 3 L per 100 km.
Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.
When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf has a convincingly edge – offering 333 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 175 HP more horsepower.
In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is decisively quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the Renault Clio takes 8.30 s. That’s about 3.70 s faster.
In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs noticeable better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Renault Clio tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 90 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf pulls clearly stronger with 420 Nm compared to 205 Nm. That’s about 215 Nm difference.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In curb weight, Renault Clio is slightly lighter – 1124 kg compared to 1307 kg. The difference is around 183 kg.
In terms of boot space, the Renault Clio offers hardly perceptible more room – 391 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 10 L.
In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf performs barely noticeable better – up to 1237 L, which is about 61 L more than the Renault Clio.
When it comes to payload, VW Golf slight takes the win – 508 kg compared to 463 kg. That’s a difference of about 45 kg.
Overall, the VW Golf shows itself to be wins the duel decisively 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.
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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.
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@ Renault Group Media
@ Renault Group Media
@ Renault Group Media
The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.
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@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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@ Renault Group Media
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@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
16600 - 23700 £
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Price
25200 - 47600 £
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Consumption L/100km
4.1 - 5.3 L
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Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
-
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Electric Range
131 - 143 km
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Battery Capacity
0.60 kWh
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Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
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co2
92 - 121 g/km
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co2
25 - 184 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
39 - 42 L
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Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1124 - 1331 kg
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Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
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Trunk capacity
301 - 391 L
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Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
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Length
4053 - 4116 mm
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Length
4282 - 4296 mm
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Width
1768 - 1798 mm
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Width
1789 mm
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Height
1440 - 1451 mm
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Height
1454 - 1483 mm
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Max trunk capacity
979 - 1176 L
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Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
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Payload
398 - 463 kg
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Payload
438 - 508 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Petrol
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
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Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
67 - 158 HP
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Power HP
116 - 333 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 17.1 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
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Max Speed
160 - 180 km/h
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Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
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Torque
95 - 205 Nm
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Torque
220 - 420 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
49 - 116 kW
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Power kW
85 - 245 kW
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Engine capacity
999 - 1789 cm3
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Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2023 - 2026
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Model Year
2024 - 2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
C, D, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
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Brand
Renault
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Brand
VW
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The Renault Clio is offered with 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.
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