2003 Renault Clio 172 CUP from UK and Ireland - Comments

Nothing so far apart from not having the 172 cup badges for the sides of the car when delivered, but Renault are sending them in the post. Also the passenger seat was move on it's rails (sorted now) and didn't click into place until I sat in it. The latter problem is the same for the drivers seat.

The car is unbelievable. I haven't worn it in yet and so have not been above 3500 rpm yet. It feels like it wants to go faster and is very keen low in the revs. When I can eventually rev this baby up I feel that I'm in for a treat! My old car was a saxo vts and this would eat it for breakfast. The power is always available on the cup whereas on the vts I had to seriously rev it before I got anywhere near the power the cup has at just 3500 rpm. The build quality is like a quantum leap from the saxo and I like the nice little touches such as speed control wipers and audio, and the audio control on the steering wheel. The gear change is shorter and the handling is excellent. Altogether this car is in a different league. A head turner. Can't wait to go up against some competition!

Just picked up a 172 cup.

Great car, but weird idea with no spare tyre. Renault say its because they are 16"???

What do you think?

I understood that it was standard equipment for all road cars (jack, wheel brace and spare tyre)

It's all to do with saving weight. Even though the size of the alloy is bigger, the tyres have a lower profile and therefore should fit into the space for the spare.

How many miles have you done? I picked mine up last Monday and have done 540 miles. Not long before it's run in and I can see what it can do. The miles per gallon display is increasing every day. I took it on a long motorway run two days ago and it is up to 30.9.

Have you had any problems?

I wasn't aware there were 172 cup badges for the car sides, has anyone else got these.Also, what is the recommended running in period, I've got 500 miles on the clock and my right foot is starting to twitch.

How much did you all pay for your 172 cups? Thinking of getting 1 soon so what should I expect to pay?

I paid 11,400 for mine, but I think that there are only a couple of new ones left so I'd hurry. I really recommend them mate. The performance and value for money are unequaled.

Just thought id say hello guys, had my cup since nov 2002 (clocked up just under 27k now!!!) and it still amazes me. my smile never vanishes when i`m behind the wheel.

If anyone has any queries i`ll be happy to help

regards andrew.

Hold on for just one second guys!

For the two people above regarding the aesthetics and spec of the car:

I) how could you not know that the cup has the 'cup 172' badges on the side??

Ii) and how could you buy a cup thinking you were going to get a spare wheel, when it's a track car aimed at enthusiasts armed with knowledge, and then suggesting that renault said it was because they were 16s"???

Personally, I think a couple of people here, could have told a little white lie!

My car is a 52 02 with 16k on it.

Yes there is no spare wheel.

However I ordered one and it fits fine in he wheel well. However the jack will not screw down, but this does not cause any problems it cost about £180 with a conti fitted and before you ask I bought for a trip o France last year 2k of empty roads over 12 days.

As for the badges my car as had them from new.

Problems so far Back shocks they locked and where replaced by Renault at 13k also the ECU was replaced at 1.5K.

Fronts last 10k.

Backs 14k.

Fuel consumption 38mpg.

Insurance is £360.

At £360 insurance i'd say you are onto a winner. I have payed well over £1000! Which insurers do you recommend?

My car came door badge free also - I prefer it that way.

To the man above - why should people know about the door badges if Renault didn't put them onto half of their cars?? I would have to agree with you about the spare wheel though, it says in the brochure that it comes with foam instead and explains in some detail the reasons for that.

The Cup is an amazing car if you can handle the odd annoying rattle. You need an Impreza WRX to beat it off the line.

Hi guys

Got to agree with the comment about the spare wheel did you not know that it was to save wight that is the whole point about the cup light and fast.

As for the door stickers all cups should have them on.

Had my cup now for 4 months and love it handling is excellent but build quality is not so good and neither is the main dealer service.

Shaun.

They omit the spare just to screw you.

You can always leave it at home if you take to the track, but 99% of the time you'll be on the roads, won't you?

The clio cup is great value for money fast light and great handling, but there are some problems. the service from the main dealers is poor and the build quality is not so good.

I have had 2 clio sports and both have needed new exhaust and new shocks in under 2 years so it would be a good idea to take out the extra warranty.

The comments about the spare wheel what is the point of buying one when you get the tyre foam with it The point of the clio cup is about saving wight why not just buy a normal 172 sport.

Imagine how much weight you save without the door stickers!

I've had my Clio 172 cup for a week now and I love it. All my friends and family have commented on how nice the colour is. And I have to agree, its awesome. I wasn't sure whether to buy this car oginally because of the fact it didn't have climate control and leather seats like the normal 172 which was beside it on the for-court. But I didn't want normal and I thought what the heck, don't fancy sticking to the leather seats and I'll drive with the window down.

I have had my clio 172 cup now for about 7 months, paid £8,500 for it on a 52 plate. I have never driven anything like it before the car its stupidley fast and very enjoyable to drive. That apart I have had a few problems with it there is a dodgey knocking noise which renault hasn't fixed because they don't know what it is, and the wheel bearing went on the front drivers side, the hazard switch wouldn't turn off,and just to top it all off the gearbox went which is getting done under warranty or it would have cost me £1200 with labour. The interior is a bit on the cheap side, but the performance makes up for that, the gearbox is a common problem with the 172 cup models so owners be warned!!!