2003 Renault Clio DCI (100) review from UK and Ireland

Split Sunroof seal, creating extra wind noise, but not leaking water as far as I know. Being fixed under warranty.

Very fast. It is described as a warm hatch. Slightly sporty. Good pick up in most gears. After driving the 1.2 16V today I laughed out loud at how slow it is compared to my DCI (100). You do need to rev it more than I would like, but it is my first small diesel. It is comparable to the 1.6 16v in performance, but easily does 60mpg and I can manage nearly 65mpg with a light foot. Highest I have ever managed is 78mpg after a 35 mile run stuck at 40mph.

45mpg at 80mph with the air con on.

Service intervals are 18000 miles which is a big saving for me as a high mileage driver.

Comfortable and well specced. I have the Dynamique + climate pack which has climate control, electric sunroof, auto lights, auto wipers, heated mirrors, alloys, disk brakes all round, ABS, CD, trip computer, front fogs and metallic paint.

Doesn't handle a patch on my old Focus Zetec it's bit soft in the corners, but not bad.

Build quality is not as good as a focus, plastics feel cheaper and don't fit quite properly at the door pillars.

I got this as a preregistered car with 6 miles on the clock for £8850. Full price would have been nearly £13000. I wouldn't pay full price for this car. For that sort of money I would get a 115PS Focus TDCI. But for £8850 it is good money. I've never seen them that cheap again though.