2000 Renault Clio Sport 172 review from UK and Ireland

Windscreen developed a leak

Clonking front suspension

Rattles and creaks everywhere

Passenger window came out of its guides and dropped into the door

Steering wheel trim started to disintegrate

Gear linkage fell apart

ABS pump failed.

CD player jammed

Engine became rough sounding later on.

The car itself is impressive, and the 172 bhp engine gives silly performance. Handles nicely too, and looks cute in that chunky hot hatch sort of way. But the build quality defies belief. To put it bluntly, it's a joke. The dealers are also clueless / couldn't care less (delete as appropriate).

Seems that Renault haven't learned a thing since the days of the old 5 GT Turbo. Design a fast, fun car and then build and support it so badly that buyers quickly get frustrated and look elsewhere. My 306 was by no means troublefree, but compared to this it was angelic!

It's especially disappointing, as there's a cracking car in here somewhere. It goes like stink, handles like a go kart and is suprisingly economical. However, there is no excuse in this day and age for such appalling quality. Sold it early this year and bought a Civic Type R. What a difference!