Renault Clio MK4 vs Volkswagen Polo 6R

Renault Clio

MK4 · 2012 – 2019

The fourth Clio (MK4), on a modified B platform.

Volkswagen Polo

6R · 2009 – 2017

The fifth-generation Polo (6R), on the PQ25 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Renault Clio

Pick the MK4 for an affordable, reliable early Clio with a large used supply.

Best engine: The 0.9 TCe (petrol) or 1.5 dCi (diesel).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen Polo

Pick the Polo for a mature, thrifty supermini with low running costs and solid build quality.

Best engine: The 1.2 TSI (90 hp) or 1.4 MPI (85 hp).

Read the full guide

Performance

0.9 TCe 90 · Petrol vs 1.2 TSI 90 · Petrol

	Renault Clio	Volkswagen Polo
Power	90 hp	90 hp
Torque	135 Nm	160 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	12,2 s	10,5 s Winner
Top speed	182 km/h	182 km/h
Power-to-weight	87,0 hp/t Winner	84,9 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	99 g/km Winner	110 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,3 L/100km Winner	4,8 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Renault Clio	Volkswagen Polo
Boot	300 L Winner	280 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.146 L Winner	950 L
Wheelbase	2,59 m Winner	2,47 m
Length	4,06 m	3,97 m
Ground clearance	—	14,5 cm
Turning circle	10,6 m	10,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	900 kg	1.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Clio	Volkswagen Polo
Platform	B (modified)	PQ25 (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	0.9 TCe · 1.2 TCe · 1.6 RS · 1.5 dCi	EA111 1.2/1.4 TSI (pre-facelift) · EA211 1.0/1.2 TSI (facelift) · EA189/EA288 TDI · EA888 1.8 (GTI)
Transmission	5-speed manual	5-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Renault Clio

1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
EDC (2013–2015): jerky shifts
Electrical gremlins and MediaNav/R-Link freezes

Volkswagen Polo

Timing chain on EA111 TSI (pre-2014)
Water pump/thermostat module
EGR/DPF on diesels (short trips)

Pros

Renault Clio

Compact, agile and cheap to run
Reliable 0.9 TCe and efficient 1.5 dCi
Large, affordable used supply

Volkswagen Polo

Affordable and cheap to maintain
Facelift (2014+) brought better EA211 engines
Compact and easy to park

Cons

Renault Clio

Tight boot and rear seat
1.2 TCe carries chain risk

Volkswagen Polo

EA111 chain (early 1.2/1.4 TSI) can cause trouble
Pre-facelift interior and infotainment dated

Driving experience

Renault Clio

Light and easy to manoeuvre in town with a small turning circle, helped by light steering that is not especially communicative. Body control is acceptable but the ride is firmer than the previous generation, especially on larger wheels. The 0.9 TCe and 1.2 TCe feel responsive for daily use when healthy, while the 1.5 dCi is stronger on the motorway. Manual gearboxes are straightforward; the EDC dual-clutch is smooth at speed but often shows low-speed hesitation or judder. Overall a competent supermini of its era rather than a driver's car.

Volkswagen Polo

Light, nimble and easy to thread through town. The 6R steers quickly and accurately, rides acceptably for its size, and feels genuinely small and manageable in tight streets. The 1.0 and 1.2 TSI engines are adequate rather than exciting; the 1.4 TSI and GTI add real pace; the 1.6 TDI is the economical choice for distance. The 7-speed DSG is smooth once moving, though it can hesitate from a standstill. It is a competent, economical supermini, though it trails the AW for refinement and cabin quality.