2002 Renault Clio 1.2

Summary:

Every day commuter, but far from flawless

Faults:

Electronics. The dash sometimes acts like a Christmas tree - lights up any warning light it wishes. However, nothing has gone to a complete failure so far. Only minor blinking of the warning lights and improper operation of the tail lights (brake light acts as an indicator, indicator acts like a brake light, and some other similar issues).

General Comments:

The ride is quite soft, so you could call it comfortable if not for the awkward seating position.

The driver ergonomics are quite terrible. The steering wheel is mounted at an angle like of a bus, no reach adjustment, your legs have to be quite bent to properly reach the steering. Also hard to precisely read the gauges, because they again have the same awkward angle.

The steering is blunt, you don't have any idea what the front wheels are doing whatsoever. Especially in slippery winter conditions. This is probably the worst steering I have ever come across in a car.

All the other things are basically the same as you'd expect from a small hatch. The 1.2 SOHC engine is the least powerful, and is good only for moving below speed limits. Forget about fun, overtaking, etc.

If you're interested in buying this generation Clio, just test it thoroughly. Maybe you'll like all the points I've found flaws in, who knows. :)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd March, 2012

12th Mar 2013, 04:37

Head gasket blew at 209 000km...