Published: Wednesday, 14th July, 2010 5:00pm

Clio's 20th worth a party

The Clio as always been a good car at good value - now it's even better... you can have one for €8990.

Renault has plenty to celebrate this summer, mainly the sales success it is enjoying, but also the 20th anniversary of its brilliant, stylish Clio.

The Clio has proudly lived up to its French parent's slogan, Elle a Tout d'une Grande (The Small Car with Big Car Attributes) and more than 10 million customers worldwide have bought one to enjoy the package of comfort, versatility and safety.

Here at home the Clio is still selling well: so far in 2010 it is seventh in the best selling list, with 2,346 units and 3.5% of the market (in June it was eighth on 269 units and 3.2%).

It's no wonder the Clio is finding customers. The Anglo-Celt took one for a spin last week to remind ourselves just what fun it is to drive a small car like this.

The latest model evokes its sister the Megane in the styling. It shares the fresh, modern look the new nose and swept-back headlamps give and the new lights and bumper bring the car up to date at the rear. The Clio has always been good looking, and this 2010 model keeps that tradition alive.

Inside it's all straightforward. Everything is where it should be, nothing is too far to reach and there are touches of Gallic flair everywhere.

Most important is that Renault is marking the 20 years of the Clio with a brilliant value special edition. It's a 1.2 Royale and it costs just €8990 (plus delivery) under the scrappage scheme - double scrappage in fact, as Renault is extending its bonus to the end of September.

A new car for less than €9k is seriously good value in 2010. The fact that it's such a good supermini is a bonus, and thanks to its efficiency it falls into tax band B (€156), which is the icing on the cake really.

The Renault Clio has always been at the leading edge on the safety front, and was the first B-segment model to secure a four-star EuroNCAP crash test rating, and then to achieve five-star status, and its build quality means it is one of the most dependable cars in its class.

All these qualities mean the Clio has - uniquely - been car of the year on two separate occasions, proof that Renault goes the extra mile for your safety, as it says in its brochure.

The 2010 range of Renaults is not just about the Clio of course, as the value on offer extends throughout the range. It's no wonder Irish buyers are thinking French this year. Call to Moynehall Car Sales and ask for more details; ring 049-4332771.