1994 Renault Clio RL Prima review from UK and Ireland

So far nothing touch wood, the paint work is thin and has mean that during washing, rust around arches sills etc shows which means lots of touch-up paint.

The car has optional 14'' Raceline alloys and this makes the car handle well on bends, but as the engine has no turbo like the Renault 19, the torque and bhp are low, but the weight of the car makes up for it.

The mpg is excellent with a worst of 53 and a best of 61, averaging about 56.

Oil filter is in a difficult place due to the accelerator cable, otherwise servicing is simple.

The interior is spartan with only a Mercedes radio/cassette and four speakers, but it means little can go wrong.

PAS would help during tight parking as the wheels are 6.5 inch wide, but at speed handles well.

The thin chassis leads to noise from roads and gravel, and the tyres are noisy on some surfaces, but this could be sorted if I invested in a better make of tyres.

The load area is good as the rear seats pull out, and the high roof and the high angle of the boot makes it like a small estate.

The seats are not good and lack of grab handles means passengers can get thrown around on bendy roads. Driver's seat gives no lumber support and makes this car a no-no for those with back problems. 60 miles + and you need a break which is a shame as a full tank can give 500 miles +.