Comparison · small hatchbacks

Renault Clio vs Hyundai i20: which is more reliable?

The Hyundai i20 does better at the MOT, with a score of 100 against 83 for the Renault Clio, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 442,239 real MOT tests in 2024.

Renault Clio

83Well below average
MOT tests316,849

Hyundai i20

100About average
MOT tests125,390

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testRenault ClioHyundai i20
3–5 years
95Below average
101About average
6–9 years
83Well below average
105Above average
10–14 years
78Well below average
96Below average
15+ years
83Well below average
99About average

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearRenault ClioHyundai i20
202187.0%85.8%
202084.2%89.0%
201977.0%87.8%
201874.0%85.4%
201768.7%83.1%
201660.7%80.7%
201557.7%78.7%
201454.7%69.0%
201355.8%62.0%
201247.6%58.3%
201146.6%59.1%
201047.1%59.3%
200948.1%57.9%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaRenault ClioHyundai i20
Lights & electrics28.114.8
Suspension23.57.1
Brakes15.912.0
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.57.1
Tyres9.25.7
Body & chassis5.91.9
Steering6.51.1
Emissions & leaks3.82.4

Renault Clio: top failures

  1. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn7.2%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken7.1%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play4.3%
  4. Position lamp: not working3.5%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.6%

Hyundai i20: top failures

  1. Position lamp: not working3.8%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.4%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.3%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Renault Clio or the Hyundai i20?

The Hyundai i20 does better at the MOT, with a score of 100 against 83 for the Renault Clio, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Renault Clio and Hyundai i20 can be compared?

Both were tested for 13 registration years (2009–2021). The Renault Clio had the higher pass rate in 1 of them and the Hyundai i20 in 12.

What fails most on each?

Renault Clio: suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; coil spring: fractured or broken. Hyundai i20: position lamp: not working; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively.