Renault Clio II was a small car produced between 1998 and 2005, standing out with its rounded modern design, a wide range of engine options, and advanced safety equipment. The sedan version was marketed as the Symbol, while performance-oriented variants such as the sporty RS and powerful V6 were also offered.
Clio II First Version ( Press Renault )
Design and Exterior Appearance
When introduced in 1998, the Clio II abandoned the compact, angular lines of the first generation in favor of a more curvaceous and aerodynamic form. This design transformation not only gave the car a contemporary look but also reduced air resistance, improving driving efficiency. In 2001, a major facelift brought Renault’s new "bird beak" design language to the Clio II. Sharper headlights, a redesigned grille, and body-colored accessories gave it a more dynamic appearance.
The second facelift in 2004 introduced minor updates to the interior and exterior, with a cleaner overall design. A notable innovation was the use of plastic material for the front fenders, improving rust resistance and reducing weight, thereby enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. The car's drag coefficient was improved to around 0.32–0.33.
Engines and Transmissions
The Clio II offered a highly diverse engine range over its production years. Initially launched with 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6-liter 8-valve petrol engines, production later transitioned to 16-valve (16V) versions after 2001. This evolution improved both power output and fuel efficiency.
Similarly, the 1.9-liter diesel engines were gradually replaced by the 1.5 dCi common-rail turbo diesel engines introduced in 2000. These were offered in 65, 80, and 100 horsepower versions, further strengthening the Clio II's reputation for fuel economy.
A 5-speed manual gearbox was the standard transmission across all models. A 4-speed automatic was available for the 1.4 and 1.6-liter petrol engines, while a semi-automatic system called "Quickshift 5" was offered with the 1.2 and 1.4 16V engines.
Body Types and Variants
The Clio II was not limited to hatchback form; it was produced in various body styles to suit different customer profiles. The 3-door version appealed to younger, sportier drivers, while the 5-door model offered practicality for urban use. Beyond hatchbacks, a 4-door sedan version known as the Clio Symbol was developed on the same platform. This model found significant popularity in markets like Türkiye, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Additionally, a commercial variant called Clio Société was produced for the European market, featuring no rear windows or seats to optimize cargo space.
Clio II Campus Facelift Version - 2005 ( Press Renault )
Interior and Equipment
Compared to its predecessor, the Clio II featured a more refined and ergonomic cabin. The dashboard had a flowing design, with integrated instrument panels, soft-touch surfaces, and lighter upholstery colors creating a spacious feel. The 2001 facelift updated the instrument cluster, added silver bezels, and introduced digital clock displays. Higher trims offered features like a CD player, automatic climate control, rain and light sensors, and cruise control. A trip computer integrated into the instrument panel provided driving information. Foldable rear seats and slightly larger exterior dimensions increased both interior space and trunk flexibility.
Safety Features
Clio II set a high benchmark in safety for its segment. Driver airbags became standard from the beginning in 1998, and from 2001 onwards, passenger and side airbags were offered in higher trims. The car earned a 4-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, establishing it as one of the safest cars in its class. Active safety features like ABS were standard or optional depending on the model. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) was only available on high-performance versions. Additionally, active seatbelt pre-tensioners, load limiters, and a fuel cut-off system contributed to its safety package.
Performance Versions
The sporty spirit of the Clio II was best embodied by the Renault Sport (RS) models. Introduced in 1999, the Clio RS 172 featured a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine producing 172 horsepower. In 2004, the Clio RS 182 slightly increased power and offered a stiffer "Cup" chassis package. The standout model was the Clio V6, launched in 2000. With a 3.0-liter V6 engine positioned where the rear seats would normally be, the Clio V6 became a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car. Producing between 230–252 horsepower, it could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds.
Clio II RS 182 (Press Renault)
Continued Production: Clio Campus
Although the Clio III replaced it in 2005, the Clio II continued to be manufactured in a simplified form under the name Clio Campus, positioned as an affordable entry-level option.
