dci reviews
"However, the 106 dCi engine is not exactly quick: 0-62mph takes 11.1 seconds, which feels like a lifetime, even for a supposed 'warm' hatchback. There's decent punch lower down though - maximum torque is available around 2,000rpm - which makes the GT feel sprightly around town. It will also hold its own on a motorway and its six-speed transmission is greatly appreciated here, but it's an effort building up momentum again after slowing down in traffic."
"But in diesel form, the Clio GT feels like little more than an expensive trim level, its reasonable handling suffocated by an engine that isn't up to scratch - which is a shame, as its looks suggest that the car has a lot more potential."
"
What’s it like?
The GT feels like a quality product and on the whole it offers an enjoyable driving experience. Performance is always brisk rather than outright quick and sporty probably isn’t a word you would use to describe it.
Off the line, the Clio feels sluggish but once the revs hit 2000rpm, things begin to improve. The healthy slug of torque ensures it pulls well through all six gears, but at 1200kg, this is a heavy supermini and more power overall would transform it into car into one which is sporty to drive as well as to look at.
We drove the GT for around 350 miles across an even split of motorway cruising, B-roads and city centre traffic. Its average fuel consumption always hovered around 45mpg. This is a long way down on the claimed 61.4mpg but still a respectable figure. Its 55 litre fuel tank means trips to the pumps will be infrequent.
The inclusion of sixth gear is a welcome addition on the motorway and ensures that extra bit of refinement needed to make the Clio a comfortable cruiser. Its CO2 figure of 123g/km is a bit disappointing considering a 3g/km drop would qualify it for cheaper road tax.
The ride certainly leans towards sporty without ever being too firm, although on more abrasive surfaces comfort is sacrificed. It’s certainly not at Renaultsport Clio 200 levels, however. The GT responds well to being driven hard on B-roads around and the steering, although a little artificial in feel, is well weighted and the GT can bring a smile to your face. There are no problems to report when driving the Clio in town or in traffic either.
Its interior, although not class leading, is still attractive. The GT sports seats support you well and the leather steering wheel and gearstick feel comfortable and suitably sporting. Unlike in more basic Clios, the GT’s steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake so it’s quite easy to find a decent driving position.
Should I buy one?
That depends. If you fancy sacrificing a bit of economy in exchange for a bit more poke and some sporty looks, then you can’t really go too badly wrong with the Renault. Performance isn’t exactly at Reanultsport Clio 200 levels, but it is brisk enough and is a real pleasure on the motorways."
"Car article comparing one with their long term petrol gt
"Life with our long-term Clio GT is coming to an end soon, but it's still proving to be a peach - it's not fast, but it's a joy to punt along. And its plus points were made all the more obvious when another Clio GT came to visit this month. This one was blue, rather than black, but confusingly it drank from the black pumps at petrol stations - the Clio GT is available either with our car's 126 bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine, or a 105 bhp oil-burner. And while our hatch loves to be revved and thrashed, the diesel unit is a clattery old lump. It means the blue GT demands a very different (read more relaxed) driving style, and the result is it doesn't feel anywhere near a sprightly.
It gets worse. Despite a large amount of motorway mileage during our time with the diesel GT, it averaged just 41mpg versus a claimed 61.4 - our GT is achieving 39.4mpg, almost bang on the on-paper promise of 40.9. In part that's because Sarah-Jayne drives like a saint - at least when one of us is in the passenger seat - but given the extra £971 the derv GT costs, you've got little reason to pick diesel over petrol.
Diesel superminis have never made sense, and even less so when they try to be cooking hatches - the comparison has only made our GT seem even better. Pity it goes back soon."
) ive come across you don't see many on autotrader an ive not found one even remotely local to test drive although the same can be said for the petrol where i am 
