Renault Clio vs. Ford Fiesta: which is better?

The Ford Fiesta is constantly battling different cars to reach the top spot. One of its toughest rivals is the Vauxhall Corsa, but there’s another it needs to watch out for.

Renault’s Clio is a fierce competitor – offering everything the Fiesta does but in a slightly different package and with its added French charm.

You can get a used Ford and used Renault for less than purchasing brand-new, so it's worth considering pre-owned options if you want to stick to a budget.

Chances are that if you’re in the market for a small hatchback with a nippy engine, you’ve considered both of these cars – but which is better? Read more to find out.

Renault Clio or Ford Fiesta?

Our guide will answer:

Which has the better styling?

Is the Renault Clio or Ford Fiesta better to drive?

Does the Renault Clio or Ford Fiesta have better tech?

Is the Renault Clio or Ford Fiesta more reliable?

What are the Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta dimensions?

Renault Clio vs. Ford Fiesta: styling

From the exterior, both the Ford and the Renault look vastly different.

The seventh and final generation of Ford Fiesta is a good-looking car, there’s no denying it.

From its chiselled jaw to its Ford Puma-esque front end, this is one of the hottest Ford hatchbacks on the market – especially if you opt for the Fiesta ST variant that brings a new wheel design and lipped rear-mounted spoiler.

Beauty is subjective, but if you’re after a modern and fresh look, there isn’t much better than the new Renault Clio.

It has sharp LED headlights and angled grooves throughout, taking styling cues from the larger Mégane, which has always been a stunner in its own way.

We can’t tell you which is better to goggle at because beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but either way you’re in for a treat.

Renault Clio vs. Ford Fiesta: what are they like to drive?

No matter which car you opt for, you can expect a superb driving experience.

The Fiesta and Clio have long been famed for their thrills and the recent models are no different – especially the sportier Fiesta ST and Renaultsport Clio models.

Let’s start with the Fiesta. There’s a reason it's an ideal cheap first car for learners and driving enthusiasts alike – it’s just so energetic to drive and can be likened to a Duracell bunny.

The seating position is spot-on and you get a smooth gearbox that, for the price, is a real sweet spot.

Engines are good too, with the choice of three, but we’d recommend the smaller turbocharged 1.0-litre unit because it’s good on fuel and peppy enough for everyday driving.

As for the Clio, it’s very close to the Fiesta in terms of driving style. It’s small so is automatically fun and forgiving on a windy country lane.

The French have always known how to make a solid hatchback – just look at the Peugeot 205 GTI and the Renault Sport Clio Trophy.

But not everyone drives a hatchback like an excitable teenager, and these two perform very well on the motorway too.

Back in the day, hatchbacks never used to like getting up to speed, but these two can happily sit at the national speed limit for hours on end.

They’re also both incredibly economical, offering 57.6-68.9mpg depending on the model you choose, with hybrid versions naturally taking the lead.

Renault Clio vs. Ford Fiesta: interior and technology

When you step inside, you’ll notice two fantastic interiors packed full of the latest car technology such as a straightforward infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, air-conditioning, comfortable seats and much more.

The main difference between the two is that the Fiesta is very functional with plenty of buttons dotted around, and the Clio has a more minimalist look that may appeal to those who want as little faff as possible.

Both car brands have been smart by only making small tweaks to the interiors throughout the years, as they know what its customers like.

So, if you buy a used example, it won’t feel outdated in the same way a five- or even two-year-old iPhone does.

Renault Clio vs. Ford Fiesta: boot space and practicality

Back when the first Clio and Fiesta came out, boot space wasn’t something to brag about, but now it’s a different story.

The Clio offers 391 litres and newer Fiestas get 311 litres, putting them in good stead against their rivals and making them ideal for the weekly food shop or even a bunch of suitcases.

As you move further forward into the cabin of both cars, you’ll be glad to find ample space for even the taller passenger.

Obviously, space is somewhat compromised compared to a Mégane or Focus, but there will be no complaints from your passengers on shorter drives.

Renault Clio vs. Ford Fiesta: safety and reliability

As far as safety is concerned, both the Fiesta and Clio scored highly in their most recent Euro NCAP crash tests, offering excellent adult and child occupant safety scores.

As well as strong build quality, they also have some great safety features as standard such as airbags, seatbelt reminders, lane assist systems and automatic emergency braking systems.

Being modern cars, reliability shouldn’t be a concern either because all the parts are readily available.

Renault Clio vs. Ford Fiesta: size and dimensions

Ford Fiesta

Length: 4,040mm

Width: 1735mm

Height: 1,476mm

Boot space: 311 litres

Renault Clio

Length: 4,050mm

Width: 1,798mm

Height: 1,440

Boot space: 391 litres

Verdict: Renault Clio vs. Ford Fiesta: which should you buy?

Picking your next car is never an easy task, especially when your two options are as closely matched as these two.

But if you still can’t decide which is better suited to you, maybe our short verdict will help point you in the right direction.

We’d recommend opting for the Ford Fiesta if you’re a new driver who wants a small hatchback that’s easy to drive but remains fun on a country road.

This is also a very fuel-efficient car, so even those longer journeys will be a breeze.

The Clio, on the other hand, is the more comfortable option that feels more grown-up to pootle around in – but get the Renaultsport version and you’ll feel like a rally driver at times.

Either way, you’ll be owning and driving a fantastic little car that you can enjoy for many miles to come.

If you’re still unsure about what model ticks the right boxes the most, check out our in-depth Ford Fiesta review and Renault Clio review for one final comparison.

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