Renault Clio Hatchback 1998-

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Bought as a parallel import (Full UK car and spec), so £3k off Uk price.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Insurance can sting (and I'm 29!). MPG in town is no better than 23 MPG on a light throttle. Small Fuel tank means frequent fill ups.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    As a package it is excellent. The ride/handling compromise is ideal. Not too stiff, but on the twisty bits it is outstanding. Wet weather handling produces torque steer a plenty.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    The daddy. Started the whole resurgance in the hot hatch market. 138 MPH and 6.8 0-60 is plenty of bang for buck. Loads of torque and on song, the engine sounds fab.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    No major problems, but the air bag light has a habbit of coming on all the time. This has been 'fixed' three times.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Those who know, look at the car and appreciate it. To those who don't, they think it is just another Clio. I like that.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    In the front, you have the best seats in the business. After a 1500 mile trip to the south of France I was still comfortable. Rear room is terrible.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Alarm, immobiliser, deadlocks, 4 airbags and NCAP 4 star rating. Nuff said.

    Service

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Never return my calls. Three weeks wait or more to have the car looked at. And don't seem to be able to fix the recurring probs.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Nothing. It is a strong unit.

    Other

    Rattly driver door. Been 'fixed' three times as well. The interior is flimsy.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes