Renault Clio Sport 2.0 16V
Product Type: Renault cars
Newest Review: ... to live at the petrol stations like them then its a no brainer go and get your self a Renault Clio Sport 172!... more
A seriously HOT hatch - 2000 model
Renault Clio Sport 2.0 16V
Member Name: 1357
Product:
Renault Clio Sport 2.0 16V
Date: 05/11/01, updated on 12/10/04 (6228 review reads)
Rating:
Advantages: VERY fast, small, good looking
Disadvantages: expensive, high insurance, too fast ?
The CLio Renaultsport 2.0 16v 172 (or 172), is (arguably) the most powerful car in its class, and leaves little doubt as to its intentions - with alloy wheels (15inch OZ alloys), front foglamps, double optic headlamps, sports seats (emblazoned with the Renaultsport logo) and white racing instrument dials. Under the sporting skin, is a sharp, reworked steering wrack and taunt, sports-tuned suspension.
The engine itself is a monster. a 2.0 16v renault sport engineered beast(1998cc multipoint fuel injection), with variable valve timing, that develops a huge 172bhp - propelling this antisocial vehicle to 60mph in around 6.8 seconds. Whilst the gearbox is only 5 speed (enthusiasts would have preferred 6), it has a brilliantly short throw and is positioned slightly higher up to facilitate sporty driving. The maximum speed is around 138mph.
This car is very highly specified, with a 6 cd changer, 4 airbags, air-con,electric windows, electric mirrors, immobilser and alarm, and a full leather/alcantera interior.
However, I did not buy this car for the interior or the high specification - I bought it for the engine, the sports set up and the body kit.
PERFORMANCE :- One word - amazing. After a 1500 mile run in staying under 3500 revs (which was torture), the experience of opening up this monster is a joy. The engine has a throaty roar, and gets to 65mph in 2 gear. 3rd gear gets you to 95mpg (@7000revs) and 4th gear to 120mph (where the law permits, of course.) Road holding is perfect, and this car is as happy on the racing track as it is on the road.
The breaks are truly stunning too. 100mph to 0 takes just 3.89secs - a faster breaking time than a Ferrari 360 Modena (thanks to the ABS, EBD -electronic braking distribution) ! There is nothing like flooring it in second to overtake, throwing it into 3rd at 5000 revs and then slaming on the brakes for a corner 'complex'.
As far as the engineering goes, this car is, in
my opinion perfect.
PROBLEMS:- Like all French cars, the 172 has rattles. For me, this is not a problem - I bought the car for the performance , and I could not care a less about anything ( as long as the perfomance is not impaired.)
As far as I am concerned, this is the only problem (although other 172 owners did report water leaks etc). I personally have not had ANY faults/breakdowns in 8000 miles.
PRICE - I paid 15000 pounds for this beauty, and It has been worth EVERY penny. This is without a doubt, the biggest bang for your buck. The insurance category is D though, which for me meant a premium of 3500 pounds !
The new model of the 172 is essentially the same, with a few cosmetic improvements. If you ever get the chance to buy a second hand 172 (2000 model), take it. I guarantee you that you will not regret it.
The engine itself is a monster. a 2.0 16v renault sport engineered beast(1998cc multipoint fuel injection), with variable valve timing, that develops a huge 172bhp - propelling this antisocial vehicle to 60mph in around 6.8 seconds. Whilst the gearbox is only 5 speed (enthusiasts would have preferred 6), it has a brilliantly short throw and is positioned slightly higher up to facilitate sporty driving. The maximum speed is around 138mph.
This car is very highly specified, with a 6 cd changer, 4 airbags, air-con,electric windows, electric mirrors, immobilser and alarm, and a full leather/alcantera interior.
However, I did not buy this car for the interior or the high specification - I bought it for the engine, the sports set up and the body kit.
PERFORMANCE :- One word - amazing. After a 1500 mile run in staying under 3500 revs (which was torture), the experience of opening up this monster is a joy. The engine has a throaty roar, and gets to 65mph in 2 gear. 3rd gear gets you to 95mpg (@7000revs) and 4th gear to 120mph (where the law permits, of course.) Road holding is perfect, and this car is as happy on the racing track as it is on the road.
The breaks are truly stunning too. 100mph to 0 takes just 3.89secs - a faster breaking time than a Ferrari 360 Modena (thanks to the ABS, EBD -electronic braking distribution) ! There is nothing like flooring it in second to overtake, throwing it into 3rd at 5000 revs and then slaming on the brakes for a corner 'complex'.
As far as the engineering goes, this car is, in
my opinion perfect.
PROBLEMS:- Like all French cars, the 172 has rattles. For me, this is not a problem - I bought the car for the performance , and I could not care a less about anything ( as long as the perfomance is not impaired.)
As far as I am concerned, this is the only problem (although other 172 owners did report water leaks etc). I personally have not had ANY faults/breakdowns in 8000 miles.
PRICE - I paid 15000 pounds for this beauty, and It has been worth EVERY penny. This is without a doubt, the biggest bang for your buck. The insurance category is D though, which for me meant a premium of 3500 pounds !
The new model of the 172 is essentially the same, with a few cosmetic improvements. If you ever get the chance to buy a second hand 172 (2000 model), take it. I guarantee you that you will not regret it.
Summary:
