2000 Renault Clio Sport 172 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Jamie,

First of all you don't mention if the Type R is Integra or Civic. We put a HKS Filter on an Integra Type R and it actually lost power! 191.5bhp down to 177. Replaced the box and the power came back!

I have been up against an Integra through 3rd and 4th and it couldn't pass. However it will get by top end. I have read 153mph in the Teg, but only 142ish in the Cup. It may have more to go when it loosens up a bit.

The recent meeting with Civic R went well, and it only just squeezed past. It had a filter and exhaust. I reckon the result would have been different had it have been standard.

As for the warranty, don't go changing anything you can't change back quickly. My motor has been back in for a couple of bits and pieces. Teething probs I am assured! Nothing major though.

Jamie,

If your going to modify your Clio Cup it's worth keeping in mind that to boost performance to a point that it is noticeable your going to have to replace more than the air filter/back box. I think K-tec is being a little optimistic with claims of 190bhp from a filter and an exhaust.

I've got a friend with a Clio 172 who uses the Viper induction kit you mention plus cat back exhaust and remapped engine management system and his car is making around 185bhp. The cost for this 13hp gain, around £1200, Ouch! Plus your insurance will jump about £300 a year if his experience is anything to go by! All this expense for what equates to around an extra 5mph top end and a slightly reduced 0-62 time. Sounds evil though!

Oh and another thing, all this arguing about how fast the car is compared with M3's etc. If the Clio was as good as an M3 it would be £40,000 but its not.. its just a good little car for £12,995, so chill! we all have friends that tell us they have raced this that and the other, but I know there lying (Because they probably drive fiesta 1.1's) so lets take the whole performance thing with a pinch of salt!

The real owners here know what the cup is capable of and this board is to review that not tell about your recent conquests! People who purposely go out and race are fools, these are the people that put our insurance premiums up and cause real accidents! save it for the track if your old enough!

What about the styling of the car?

Has anyone had any major problems yet?

Previous Comment.

It looks as though that you came across this site by accident mate! Do you know what sports cars are?

Incase you haven't noticed, this board is all about giving honest reviews and comments on our shared interest of the Clio 172/Cup.

Whether or not people compare their cars on the track or otherwise, is not up to you. It is their choice to choose the time and the place. It is also unfair to compare the price of 2 cars when deciding which is 'better'

And don't talk to us about insurance premiums! I would put it to you that more accidents are caused by young boy racers in 1.1 Fiestas and the like. We take care of our pride and joy. I think I can speak for all 172/Cup owners.

OK, I have read all the reviews and I will be owning a 172cup in early Jan! in fact within the next 10 days, I was putting the point across that theres no need to go on about M3's and cars like them because the Clio just ain't in the same league! yes its fast and it may have them occasionally, but that's it.

As for sports cars it seems that you have no idea, as a true sports car dosen't come in a 5 door hatch model! an M3 is not a true sports car! nor is the Clio! there after thoughts!

I have now owned my Clio Cup for three months, the car is performing very well, but I am only getting 28.5 MPG all you cup owners is it only me or is the same happening to you aswell.

The thing is that I don't thrash the car every day I drive pretty sensibly so I don't know why I am not getting around 32MPG or higher. I only use Super Unleaded as the car performs better, I have to say the car handles fantastic, although the drivers side door has started to rattle which is due to be fixed within a couple of weeks. Do you guys also have problems with the front seats. If someone wants to jump in the back the seat rest locks up and jams.

I have pushed the cup to 132mph, but it still has to loosen up a bit as I have only done 2800 miles.

Lovely car to drive gets a lot of attention from other sports car owners, a lot of them like to race too.

Good point, 28.mpg seems to be its average MPG I don't think it matters if you thrash it or not? does it have something to do with the engine being a VVC? are you reseting the trip computer every time you fill up?

My Cup has just turned 4400 miles and I am also getting a couple of niggles with it.

I know where you're coming from with the front seat being quite annoying if someone want to get into the back. The handle on mine (especially passenger side) sometimes will not open. It feels like you are going to rip it off! As for MPG, if I don't use the car for anything except work (55 - 60mph average), then a tank will average at 41MPG. However I have seen it read late 20's at other times.

Anybody had any problems with back brakes binding on first thing in the morning? Even with the handbrake just taking the weight of the car and no more, mine bind on and need 2000rpm to move the car. Suspension squeaks?

Mate it seems as if you don't know your sports cars, who said anything about a five door sports car.

Everyone knows that Clio 172's and Cups are two doors so keep your opinions to yourself buddy.

If you don't know what your talking about don't speak.

We all know that M3'S are in different leagues especially the models over the last seven years.

I know the cup is a three door I own one you div! I mean a true sports car doesent come in a 5 door model... if I'm not mistaken the clio comes in a 5 door dosent it? 911,s don't come in 5 doors! you stupid or something, I bet you don't even own a cup?

Why are you getting on my case any way?

Read your last silly comment and see if makes sense.

Surely you have noticed how many doors your car has??!

If you are a 'real' Cup owner, we welcome your comments and interest. If not, please don't waste our time.

Hay, I've owned a clio cup now since they were 1st out, I had to have one and traded in my 1.2 clio which was only 6 months old to get one. The performance for such a small car is amazing. I've driven my friends MG TF the 2 seater sports cabriolet, doesn't impress me at all, has not got the punch like my car, and you could buy a lot better with the money (in my opinion). I've read all the posts here and I've noticed that all the problems that people are having, my car seems to have as well?? There are a few things which annoy me... 1: Brakes sticking when pulling off in the morning from a cold start. 2: Seats for entry into the back are dodgy, they stick and don't slide back unless the seat is folded down. 3: Suspension squeaking, even when driving slow. 4: Interior seems to rattle from time to time from different areas of the car. 5: Sometimes when you floor the throttle (only happened 3-4 times) you need to pump the accelerator before it bites. That's it really, I should take the car back, but I need it for work and I can't leave it with the garage for more than 1 day! One last thing, How old are you people that own 172's and How much are you paying for insurance? I'm 21 with 0 no claims discount and I'm forking out £2000. Thanx.

I owned a 1.2 dynamique before also! I got renault free insurance and after one year I sold the 1.2 and bought the cup, renault insurance offered me the equivalent of 4yrs no claims and I only had one! I am 21 and I pay £1100!

Same suspension squeaks as I am getting. I am going to take mine back to the dealer shortly with a list and tell them to get it all sorted.

As for insurance, I am paying about £900. Being 23, 3 years NCB with 5 points. Oh and ma girlfriend (21) is on it. (Think she has driven it about twice!)

Insurance is with D. Line.

Hey, I’ve just bought a new clio cup, but have decided to wait until 01/03/03 to collect it in order to give me time to sell my clio 1.2sport privately. Following on from the last comment I am 21 with 2 years no claims discount. The cheapest quote I have got so far is with Renault insurance at around £1800-£1900. Can anyone suggest any other companies that you 172 owners are insured with? Would be much appreciated. Cheers.