@ Renault Group Media
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Renault Clio vs VW Golf Variant – Which model is better for everyday use?

Two cars, one duel: Renault Clio meets VW Golf Variant.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

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

Clio @ Renault Group Media

Costs and Efficiency:

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 Variant costs 26100 £. That’s a price difference of around 9553 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Renault Clio manages with 4.10 L and is therefore slight more efficient than the VW Golf Variant with 4.30 L. The difference is about 0.20 L per 100 km.

Golf Variant @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf Variant has a significantly 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 Variant is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.80 s, while the Renault Clio takes 8.30 s. That’s about 3.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf Variant performs noticeable 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: VW Golf Variant pulls decisively stronger with 420 Nm compared to 205 Nm. That’s about 215 Nm difference.

Clio @ Renault Group Media

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Renault Clio is distinct lighter – 1124 kg compared to 1366 kg. The difference is around 242 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers evident more room – 611 L compared to 391 L. That’s a difference of about 220 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf Variant performs noticeable better – up to 1642 L, which is about 466 L more than the Renault Clio.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf Variant somewhat takes the win – 547 kg compared to 463 kg. That’s a difference of about 84 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Golf Variant shows itself to be dominates this comparison 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 £26,100
Golf Variant @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Golf Variant

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 8.2 L

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.

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VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

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Renault Clio
VW Golf Variant
Clio @ Renault Group Media
Golf Variant @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
16600 - 23700 £
Price
26100 - 48700 £
Consumption L/100km
4.1 - 5.3 L
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 8.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
0.60 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
92 - 121 g/km
co2
114 - 185 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
39 - 42 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1124 - 1331 kg
Curb weight
1366 - 1621 kg
Trunk capacity
301 - 391 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
4053 - 4116 mm
Length
4631 - 4651 mm
Width
1768 - 1798 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1440 - 1451 mm
Height
1462 - 1487 mm
Max trunk capacity
979 - 1176 L
Max trunk capacity
1624 - 1642 L
Payload
398 - 463 kg
Payload
489 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
67 - 158 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 17.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
160 - 180 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 250 km/h
Torque
95 - 205 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
49 - 116 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1789 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2023 - 2026
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, G, F, C
Brand
Renault
Brand
VW
Is the Renault Clio offered with different drivetrains?

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.