Renault Clio Renaultsport (01-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Hot hatch buyers haven't had it so good since the 1980s. Every manufacturer worth their salt has a performance version of their supermini or small hatch. This is Renault's and it's one of the best in the business. The 172 was the original car - launched in 2001 - and was a very accomplished hot-hatch offering focused performance at a reasonable price. A Cup version was launched in 2002 aimed at serious driving enthusiasts who wanted a car, without frills or luxuries, that they could throw around a race track. 2003 saw the model receive 10 bhp extra and a name change to 182. And as a final flourish, Renault launched a 'Trophy' model in mid 2005. Just 500 of these cars were available with sports suspension and Recaro bucket seats.
3.5 out of 5

Other Renault reviews

4 out of 5

Safety

As you would expect from Renault it has all the safety equipment you could expect, including ABS (although this is absent from the 172 'Cup') and traction control. Euro NCAP rate Clio as a four-star car - a respectable score for a supermini. Security lacks only deadlocks.

NCAP Test

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4 out of 5

Reliability

The engine tends to be reliable in the main but expect the odd niggle and lots of owners report rattles and squeaks from their cars.

Car check problem points

Body

Panels easily dent; soft paintwork

Engine/Gearbox

Cold starting problems; engine hesitation; speed instability; faulty air pressure sensor; check for correct gearbox operation;

Other

Recalls for brake servos and front suspension arms; faulty airbag light; immobiliser and electrics problems; rattly trim; CD player problems; electric window niggles

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