2004 Renault Clio Renault Sport 182 review from UK and Ireland

I have only done 1200 miles so far so it`s abit too early to be listing faults.

There were a few minor "Niggles" when I took delivery, but i`m not going to mention them because they are of little significance because the dealership dealt with them very quickly without any fuss, they were very apologetic and did everything possible to keep me happy.

I have yet to take delivery of any new car without minot niggles.

Since then the car has had nothing go wrong with it... like I said a bit early, but there is nothing to suggest i`ll end up unhappy.

If I could sum up this car in one word i`d choose "Wow"

So many things give this car the "Wow" factor.

First of all its standard features, it would be easier to list what it hasn`t got as standard so here goes...

Ok I give in, the standard list is pretty impressive for a small car..

Climate control

Cruise control/speed limiter

Cd player (Remote operation)

Electric windows/heated electric mirrors

On board computer

Traction control/Stability control/ABS

Leather/Alacantra seats

Alloys with 205 tyres

Automatic windscreen wipers front and rear

Xenon headlights with automatic on function

Anti intrusion device

Cat 1 alarm/imobiliser.

I'm sure there is more, but there is that much it`s hard to remember.

So its very impressive with its standard equipment. You can upgrade to a Cd changer and there is the option of cup suspension pack which gives and even sportier ride and offers Anthracite grey alloys and there is a cup spoiler pack which offers a larger rear spoiler and front splitter. I went for the spoiler pack @ £150.The suspension upgrade is £200 and both upgrades are more than worth it if you fancy them.

This car was tested in group tests in all the mags..Evo, Auto express, Autocar and Car. It came out tops in all of them when pitched head to head with the likes of the Honda Ctr, Cooper S, Pug 180,Focus st170 and the Leon Cupra, all good cars in their own rights, but the 182 came out tops in all the reviews.. pretty impressive again. Having owned the car for 6 weeks now I can confirm it's a bit of a beast in the performance stakes. Its claimed 0-62 time is 7.1 but one of the mags tested it and claim its 0-60 time as 6.3 which I would go along with. After 60 mph it just keeps pulling and is quite scary at first, once the car hits 5000 rpm it has a noticeable kick. My first major encounter was when an Audi TT tried to take me on and lost by quite a margin, it was the 180 TT version so my car did nothing it shouldn`t of done, but that gives you an idea of this cars potential.. all this in a little Clio!!

It has two heads on it this car, as a family car its quite comfy and the gadgets and gizmo`s make driving or being a passenger a pleasure even on longer trips and when i`m out on my own without the kids its one hell of a play thing. Its presence on the roads is not overstated because it does not have excessive body kit, but its more than capable of turning a few heads, the responses I have had from friends and strangers caught me off guard.I've been stopped on car parks and asked about it, had comments from petrol pump assistants who see God knows how many different cars, something iv`e never experienced before.

I live out in the country so most of my driving is on twisty A and B roads and iv`e had more than my chance to chuck the car about and it handles superbly,certainly brings a smile to my face EVERY time i get in.

I looked at other options mainly the Honda Civic Type R and the Cooper S and am 1000% convinced I made the right choice.

If you are in the market for a hot hatch then go with what Evo claim... possibly the best hot hatch EVER.

Who are they to argue and as an owner with experience who am I to argue either... What a car.. its awsome!

(Hope I didn`t bore you with my ramblings, but at least I resisted the Va va voom comments!)