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Renault Clio vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (158 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (17,100 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault Clio or VW Golf Variant?

Renault Clio vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

Renault Clio

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • only slightly more efficient
  • a bit lighter
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VW Golf Variant

  • clearly more power
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Clio

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Renault Clio is substantially cheaper – starting at 17,100 £ , while the VW Golf Variant costs 28,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,790 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Renault Clio uses 4.1 L/100km and is only slightly more efficient than the VW Golf Variant with 4.3 L/100km. The difference is about 0.2 L/100km.

Golf Variant

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 VW Golf Variant offers clearly more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 158 HP. That’s roughly 46 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf Variant is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.5 s, while the Renault Clio takes 8.3 s. That’s about 1.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf Variant delivers clearly more torque with 360 Nm compared to 190 Nm. That’s about 170 Nm more.

Clio

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 terms of curb weight, Renault Clio is a bit lighter – 1,202 kg compared to 1,366 kg. The difference is around 164 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers clearly more boot space – 611 L compared to 327 L. That’s a difference of about 284 L.

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

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf Variant stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £28,800
Golf Variant

VW Golf Variant

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 204 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.3 - 7 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

Renault Clio
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Renault Captur
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The Renault Captur and Renault Clio share Renault’s DNA but pursue different lifestyles: the Captur lifts you above traffic with compact-SUV presence, while the Clio stays low, nimble and city-savvy. In this quick duel we’ll compare space, economy and driving feel to help you choose between …
Renault Clio
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Renault Clio

The Renault Clio is a smartly styled and practical compact hatch that feels at home in city traffic while offering a surprisingly refined ride. It pairs user-friendly tech and a comfortable interior with a reputation for being economical and easy to live with.

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r212188p
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Reviews Renault Clio

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
technoman
31 Mar 2026, 08:36:27

Having owned a clio now for the last 8 years we have found the 0.9ltr engine to work well both around town and on motorways . Averaging around 45mpg on mixed driving. The 3 cylinder engine has no cambelt to worry about . Interior has worked and worn well . No defects at all during owner ship BUT the striking red paintwork (metallic) is showing deterioration and is expensive to put right and this would be the only reason for dropping a star off the rating . There are two main services on the car an A and a B service. All they do on the A service is change the cabin filter and do the usual safety checks which costa around £120 the second B service is oil and filter change around £230 but at 36000 miles need air filter and brake fluid change which can add another £120

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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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DB2021AU00624_medium
DB2021AU00625_medium
DB2021AU00816_medium
DB2021AU00818_medium
DB2021AU00641_medium
DB2021AU00910_medium

Reviews VW Golf Variant

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Renault Clio
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption
Price
17,100 - 23,700 £
Price
28,800 - 38,800 £
Consumption L/100km
4.1 - 5.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
92 - 118 g/km
co2
114 - 159 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,202 - 1,316 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,551 kg
Trunk capacity
301 - 327 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,768 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
453 - 463 kg
Payload
509 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Power HP
116 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 10.3 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
190 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,789 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, C
Brand
Renault
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Renault Clio have?

The Renault Clio is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.