2002 Renault Clio 172 Cup review from UK and Ireland

At 3500 miles the engine mount worked loose, Renault dealership yet to repair this fault 6 weeks on.

Service light constantly comes on.

In general the build quality is poor in comparison to my Vauxhall Corsa (2000 model). Like other Clio owners have said, when driving this car there are squeaks and rattles.

You don't expect this on new cars that cost 13 grand.

All faults aside, the car is amazing to drive and will keep up with most cars on the road. A guy in a Civic Type R challenged me to a race the other day, believe what you want, but the Cup was quicker up to 130mph. Dyno test has confirmed that my Clio is producing over 180hp in standard form. This car is how I pick it up from Renault. Oh by the way it handles like a go-kart, great fun on the right road! One last comment, the brakes are powerful, but very dangerous with no ABS. Not a good move when you consider that most people will never race it round a track. For the sake of few hundred pounds it should have been standard like the normal 172.