1994 Renault Clio 1.8 16v review from UK and Ireland

The power steering on my Clio 16v makes a slightly straining sound when turning at low speeds - the response is fine, but it's a little irritating to listen to.

I was unlucky in that my Clio did not have a catalytic converter installed on it when I bought it, but unfortunately it needed one to pass the MOT, that was £300.

I have just had the gearbox replaced as the old one had totally had it, and the diff went at the same time - meaning that the whole job cost me £1185! This was not great! There is also a bearing problem on the near side front wheel, which means there is noise while driving. However whilst my wallet is recovering from the gearbox / diff episode I can put up with a little noise for a while before the bearing gets repaired!

Although the car is rather highly strung (as you can see all the things that have gone wrong with mine!) it is an absolute pleasure to drive!

It looks really great - exactly the same as a Clio Williams - but without those naff gold alloys. Mine is in metallic gunmetal grey and looks aggressive, but not over the top. That air intake bulge in the bonnet lets people know you mean business!

The acceleration is fantastic, and with an induction kit and performance exhaust it sounds more like a hurricane than a little Clio - and that is never a bad thing. Standard the 1.8 16v has 137 bhp and with some simple mods such as induction kit and exhaust it can be brought up over 140, this is great performance when you consider that the 16v is group 12 insurance and the Williams is group 17 and that only has 150 bhp!

It is really comfortable to drive, the seats really hold you in place, but if you're in there for a few hours the noise from the engine can give you a bit of a headache!

The interior is really nice, LOADS of dials to keep you busy - and a handy thermometer too! You'll never wonder how cold it is outside again!