2003 Renault Clio Sport 172 cup review from UK and Ireland

ECU reset needed x2:

The car cut out when I ragged it down a slip road but a simple 35 quid to reset the ECU solved the problem. The ECU is possibly remapped from the previous owner, but you can't tell as it's all software.

The second ECU reset was needed as it failed it MOT emmissions tests, badly. Once again a reset solved the problem which I reckon was an "air fuel mix" issue.

General Maintenance:

Rear brakes and pads

Cam belt change (5 years old was due).

These are cars designed for driving/ pleasure through a combination of; light weight, vvti engine and cheap running costs.

I intended to use mine every day but also go on the track a couple of times a year.

In view of the cars purpose I stripped my inside down to the bear metal and took it to the Nurburg Ring. I went in August 2007 with 16,00 miles on the clock. The 400 mile drive there and back was fine, and economy 38mpg. Only thing I missed air con a bit, but when does he weather really get that hot? Hardly ever in this country :O).

In addition to the stripped interior, the car has a modified performance exhaust, piperX panel filter and a DIY air induction kit (sounds rubbish, but some metal flexi-pipe (used in heating systems and easy to come by) can genuinely help the engine breath, increasing performance whilst not affecting economy.

The standard car will not be embarrassed by 250bhp cars. On roundabouts, once you are confident with over steer, it can really shine.

It is advertised as a "track car", if you genuinely want to buy this car to take on the track, you will need to uprate the front brakes. This is easy enough to do, it really is. On the track I noticed it quite easy to ride the power band a bit too far, and hit 8000 rpm, which is as far as the dial goes. However, once the power band kicks in at about 4200rpm the fun starts. They wheel spin in 3rd at 70 in the wet, which always puts a smile on my face as cheap French cars are not supposed to do this, (with the exception of the 5Turbo).

Mine has now done 28,000, and with the interior put back in it looks like new. It runs fine, and is a great all round performer.

You can get nearly 50 mpg combined if you are skint a few days before pay day, but I never do.

There were 2,200 imported to the UK, so they will hold their value. With 35k on the clock I plan to part with mine for 5K. I might keep it...under-steer can be fun :O).

BTW all my insane driving was on the track, I am not impressed by 'tools' that put people’s lives at risk by driving as if they are on a track on public roads.