Renault Clio IV Grandtour (Phase II ) 0.9 TCe (75 Hp)

The Renault Clio IV Grandtour (Phase II, 2016) 0.9 TCe (75 Hp): A European Subcompact Estate Champion

The Renault Clio IV Grandtour (Phase II, 2016) 0.9 TCe (75 Hp) represents a compelling entry in the highly competitive European B-segment, specifically catering to the subcompact estate market. Produced between 2018 and 2020, this particular variant of the fourth-generation Clio Grandtour, identifiable by its Phase II (facelift) designation, offered a practical and fuel-efficient solution for families and individuals seeking expanded cargo capacity without the footprint of a larger vehicle. As a model primarily sold in Europe and other international markets, the Clio Grandtour was never officially imported to the United States, where the preference for SUVs and larger sedans dominates. However, its engineering and market positioning provide valuable insight into the automotive landscape outside of North America, showcasing Renault’s commitment to delivering versatile and economical vehicles tailored for dense urban environments and varied European road conditions.

The Clio IV Grandtour, or “estate” as it’s known in Europe, built upon the success of the popular Clio hatchback, extending its rear profile to create a more capacious and flexible cargo area. The Phase II update, introduced for the 2016 model year and continuing through to this 2018-2020 production run, brought subtle yet significant revisions to the exterior styling, interior finishes, and available technology, ensuring the model remained fresh and competitive against its rivals. This specific 0.9 TCe (Turbo Control efficiency) variant, with its modest 75 horsepower output, was designed with a clear emphasis on fuel efficiency and low running costs, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers and fleet operators across the continent.

Engine and Performance of the Renault Clio IV Grandtour (Phase II, 2016)

At the heart of the Renault Clio IV Grandtour (Phase II, 2016) 0.9 TCe (75 Hp) lies a compact yet sophisticated powertrain. The engine is an 898 cm³, or approximately 0.9-liter, three-cylinder inline unit (engine code H4B 408), strategically positioned transversely at the front of the vehicle. This small displacement engine benefits significantly from forced induction, utilizing a turbocharger and intercooler to maximize power output and efficiency. Despite its diminutive size, the engine generates a respectable 75 horsepower at 5000 revolutions per minute, delivering a power-to-liter ratio of 83.5 horsepower per liter. More importantly for everyday driving, it produces 88.51 lb.-ft. of torque at a relatively low 2500 rpm, providing decent low-end grunt for city driving and highway cruising.

The compact engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels. This drivetrain architecture is typical for B-segment vehicles in Europe, balancing cost-effectiveness with engaging driver control. Performance figures for this variant are pragmatic rather than exhilarating, reflecting its primary role as an economical family hauler. The Clio IV Grandtour 0.9 TCe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a calculated 11.7 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 110.6 mph. While not a performance leader, these figures are entirely adequate for European roads and urban environments, where speed limits are often lower and traffic congestion more prevalent than in some parts of the US.

Fuel efficiency is a major highlight, with a combined fuel consumption rating of 47 US mpg (5 liters per 100 km). Urban driving yields 37.3 US mpg, while extra-urban conditions can see figures as high as 56 US mpg. These impressive numbers are a testament to the efficient design of the TCe engine and the vehicle’s relatively light weight. Furthermore, the car complies with the stringent Euro 6 emission standard, with CO2 emissions of 113 g/km, underscoring its environmentally conscious design. The engine’s oil capacity is 4.1 liters, and the coolant capacity is 5 liters, both standard for an engine of this size.

Design and Features

The Renault Clio IV Grandtour (Phase II, 2016) sports a modern and appealing design, characteristic of Renault’s contemporary aesthetic philosophy. The “Grandtour” designation signifies its station wagon (estate) body type, offering enhanced practicality over its hatchback sibling. With five doors and seating for five occupants, it serves as a versatile family vehicle. The Phase II update brought refreshed front and rear fascias, updated lighting signatures, and new wheel designs, maintaining its sleek profile and dynamic stance.

Dimensionally, the Clio Grandtour measures 167.99 inches (4267 mm) in length, 68.19 inches (1732 mm) in width (76.57 inches or 1945 mm including mirrors), and 58.07 inches (1475 mm) in height. Its wheelbase of 101.93 inches (2589 mm) contributes to a stable ride and reasonable interior space for its class. The front and rear tracks are identical at 59.29 inches (1506 mm). Practicality is a key selling point, with a substantial trunk (boot) space of 15.72 cubic feet (445 liters), significantly more than the hatchback, making it suitable for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. The fuel tank capacity is 11.89 US gallons (45 liters), providing a good range given its fuel efficiency.

In terms of chassis and safety, the Clio IV Grandtour features a front-wheel-drive architecture. The braking system comprises ventilated discs at the front for effective stopping power and drum brakes at the rear, a common setup for economical subcompacts. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking maneuvers. The steering system is a rack and pinion type with electric power steering, offering light and precise control, particularly beneficial in urban environments and for parking. The vehicle is equipped with tires sized 185/65 R15 or 195/55 R16, mounted on 15-inch or 16-inch wheel rims, respectively, providing a comfortable ride and adequate grip for daily driving. The minimum turning circle of 36.09 feet (11.0 meters) ensures excellent maneuverability in tight spaces.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact

The Renault Clio IV Grandtour, particularly variants like the 0.9 TCe (75 Hp), carved out a significant niche in the European automotive market. The Clio nameplate itself has a long and storied history, consistently ranking among Europe’s best-selling subcompact cars. The Grandtour variant extended this success by offering a practical alternative to traditional hatchbacks, appealing to a demographic that needed more cargo space but still desired the maneuverability and efficiency of a B-segment vehicle.

In its primary European market, the Clio Grandtour faced stiff competition from rivals such as the Skoda Fabia Combi, Dacia Logan MCV (also a Renault Group product), and to some extent, compact estates like the Hyundai i30 Wagon or Kia Ceed Sportswagon, though these typically occupy a slightly larger C-segment. What set the Clio Grandtour apart was its blend of French design flair, respectable build quality, and a focus on driver comfort and connectivity, even in its more basic trims. The Phase II refresh ensured it remained stylistically competitive, aligning with Renault’s broader design language.

The 0.9 TCe (75 Hp) engine variant, specifically, was crucial for its market positioning. It offered an entry-level price point and exceptionally low running costs, making it accessible to a wider range of buyers, including young families and those looking to downsize. Its Euro 6 compliance and excellent fuel economy underscored its environmental credentials, a growing concern for European consumers. While its performance figures were modest, they were entirely adequate for daily commutes and light touring, contributing to its reputation as a sensible and dependable choice.

The Clio IV Grandtour’s legacy is one of practicality and efficiency, demonstrating Renault’s ability to adapt its popular subcompact platform to meet diverse consumer needs. It reinforced Renault’s strong presence in the B-segment, proving that a well-designed small car, even in an estate configuration, could offer significant utility and appeal. Its production run from 2018 to 2020 for this specific variant marked the final years of the fourth-generation Grandtour before the introduction of the fifth-generation Clio, which, notably, did not continue with a dedicated Grandtour estate body style, making the Clio IV Grandtour a significant chapter in the model’s history for its unique combination of size, versatility, and efficiency in the European market.