2002 Renault Clio dCi from Malta - Comments

None.

This car is the only diesel model available in Malta.

It has a 65 bhp engine.

It comes with full extras, including electric front windows, air conditioning, ABS, power steering, electric mirrors, four airbags, etc.

For its price (6000 Maltese liri, about 9000 English sterling), it is the best value for money diesel car available. To top it all, it is really most economical. Considering that our previous car only had an 800cc engine, which was supposedly economical, we have reduced our running expenses by more than half.

The car handles well, it is fast.

The only thing that we have against it is that the inside of the car is a little bit on the small side particularly when my husband has to stay at the rear (he is over 6 feet tall).

I am from Malta too and I too have a Renault Clio 1.5dCi. I am really impressed with the cars' performance, value for money, build quality and overall rating. I was somewhat worried when I ordered it as it was the first time Renault has been presenting its dCi diesel system in Malta. By I had confidence in Renault. In fact, everything was fine. Engine performance, smoothness, speed pickup, accessories... everything was excellent. Especially, the built in sound system... its really the best I've ever heard in such a car segment and even sometimes its better then larger, executive cars.

Performance 9/10

Features 9/10

Engine 9/10

Value for money 10/10.

My girlfriend and I test drove the 1.5 CDI 80Hp diesel model last weekend. The performance was very impressive. If you forget the horsepower for moment and compare the torque of the engine (pulling power) with other Clio's in the range, you will find that the 80HP diesel sits nicely between the 1.6 petrol Clio and the Clio 172 (now that's serious power!).

At low revs this little car just took off. At 30mph, the salesman asked us to give the throttle a press and, before we realized, we were gliding along at 75mph within a few seconds (we throttled back to the speed limit as soon as possible of course). All this power and you can still expect superb economy (a combined figure of around 65 miles per gallon).

The salesman also pointed out that the insurance companies have not spotted this car as a hot hatch yet (though it drives like one) so it's insurance group is only 4E.

The version we drove was a dynamique, which was well specified inside, though the version with the light coloured interior seems more roomy and stylish. It's a relatively quiet car, possibly because the engine is only running at 2500 revs at 70 mph.

For my money, there seems no point in buying a petrol engined car when you can have such a sporty hot hatch in diesel that will save you hundreds of pounds a year in fuel and insurance, and you can still wipe the smile off so many young faces as you pull alongside sports cars in motorway traffic and then let them see your tail pipe with a little twitch of the throttle (within the speed limit of course). My girlfriend likes the power, (she has owned Peugeot 205 GTI's in the past so she's not unfamiliar with performance cars) but she is equally impressed with the look of the Clio both inside and out. It just seems to have a style edge on the competition at the moment. Well done Renault, this is probably the future of driving.

I have had my 2002 Clio 1.5dCi 65bhp for 10 months now and it has done 58K miles from new (22K with me). It is a great car. I have had a few little issues with a squeaky sunroof and seat runners that went on driver seat (Warranty). A great engine that is economical (60-65mpg) and quick; great for m-way driving. Only 2K of warranty left and I will be confident of continuing well over 100K miles with no issues.

Update to 3rd comment : I still have my 2002 Clio 1.5dCi and am now up to 86K miles on the clock. I am still impressed overall with the car. Still getting 60 mpg and reliability of the car is still excellent. I have not had any breakdowns since owning the car. Gear box and steering all still very good. There are no squeaks and rattles.

The only issues I have had are 1. Drivers seat, again... now the seat will not recline, or move forward for access to the rear, and 2. There are noises coming from the rear driveshaft seals that are worn (I think they are the CV's). I put this down to wear and tear.

Not far off 100k! Will report back when I reach the big 100.

To reach that number without a breakdown would be nice!!!

Update to the above... I now have covered over 100k and the car is still going strong. It has had a few small issues, but has NEVER broken down! What a waste of breakdown cover!

I did have an issue with oil sludge in the coolant reservoir @95K, but this was solved by changing the oil cooler (£200 inc labour). The car didn't overheat or anything, but it was a worry when you expect to see coolant in the tank and you just see oily sludge!

I purchased the car so that my motorway journeys were reliable and cheap and that is exactly what I have got. Like Ronseal, it did exactly what it said on the tin! (If you don't get that joke, you aren't english).

The only current problems I have are related to the seat, again! The drivers seat will not recline anymore. Fortunately the current angle is fine for me.

Do you not find that the clutch, on the DCI is stiff I have one and the clutch is awful.

I also own a 2002 clio DCI, but the van. I bought it at a car auction and now the mileage has reached a stagering 300,000miles!!! and going strong, until today, it has started too just cut out on me, I am a mechanic so am confident to repair it, but common, 300,000miles of hastle free motoring... you gotta hand it to Renault, what an engine, doesn't drink oil or smoke. just the electrics that have finally let it down, (i understand a common fault it the wiring rubbing through just above the ecu on its cover.) new wiring loom £240.

And ford also use more fuel and come with a free role of duck tape for the bumpers when bought.

Coorrr! 300K miles that is unbelieveable! I own the Clio mentioned a few times above and I am now on 120K and I agree with 300K man that the engine is superb. No smoke out the back at all. I am going from England to France on Friday and I have no worries about taking a car with such high mileage. I actually feel that the engine is getting better with age.

I have noticed recently that with heavy rain, the sunroof is leaking water in, near to the driver side sunblind.

When I have borrowed other Clio's, I too have noticed that the clutch on my Diesel Clio is quite stiff in comparison. You get use to it though.

Got a Clio dci 65bhp. Great wee car. A 3dr billabong it is. It has 40k miles on it.

I was wondering when and how you change the fuel filter and timing belt? And also what the droning sound is coming from car after a long journey; sounds like wheel bearing, but seems more central. Apart from that best car I have had.

Update: I now get worrying shake as if drawing air in fuel system. The car idles rough, and goes smooth when you rev it as performance is still excellent. Any help PLEASE? THANKS IN ADVANCE.

Hi there peeps,

I own a Clio Bilabong dci 2003, just done 66k... what a car...

The only let down I can find is it has a leaking sun roof, on or just after the drivers and passengers sun visor.

But other than that, the car returns 65 to the gallon going to work, and on the motorway a lovely 70+ to the gallon... and with only 35 quid tax a year... yay.

And it drives like a hot hatch as well...

Dave Bruce

Cornwall.

I own a 1.5dci, and have had the same problem with the leak from the passenger sun visor. At the garage they managed to track it back to the sunroof, and so had to reseal it for £300. Other than that it's an awesome little car, but wondering if anyone can help me.. when should you change the cam belt on it? Many thanks.

Hello. I have bought a 2002 Clio 1.5 diesel with 66K. Took me ages to find a car which does so many miles to the gallon.

I've gotta say I absolutely love it! I've got a Focus 1.6 Sport 56 reg and I honestly believe the Clio is nicer and faster. It looks and drives like a hot hatch really, I was expecting something slow and sluggish.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone could tell me if I take it to a normal garage, will the warning lights go off on the dash boards or will I have to take it to Renault so I can get ripped off!!!

Oh, and as I say it's done 66k, not had a timing belt change; I believe it's supposed to be done every 50k, so shall be booking mine in ASAP. Not at Renault though!!!