2004 Renault Clio Renault Sport 182 from UK and Ireland - Comments

As the original author of this review I would like to respond to some of the comments made about this review on 22nd Feb 2005.

Despite listing what standard of equipment comes with this car that was not the main reason I bought one. I was merely attempting to highlight what is a mighty impressive list of standard equipment by anyones standards on a small car. One year on it is still head and shoulders above anything for standard equipment, not only in its class, but if compared to cars several classes above and I still think I was right to put this information high on any list of good points about this car.

I did mention, on several occasions throughout how well the car performed and handled, but did not go into detail about roll-stiffness, gear change, brake balance and other things that is supposed to be important in that persons opinion. Maybe to some they are important, in which case I would suggest a test drive of your own or a conversation with somebody better equipped and able to answer these questions.

My review was based on a few weeks of ownership and mileage only 600 miles past the recommended period of taking it easy. At that time I didn`t feel I had had the car long enough or done enough mileage to be an authority on its handling ability or performance, maybe some people feel qualified to do so after a test drive or a few weeks, but i`m not one of these people. So what I did was write a few brief lines on the overall package of the car.

If that person found it amusing that I pointed out what comes with the car as standard then they are entitled to feel that way and good luck to them.

This car, at about that time was being covered quite heavily by most if not all of the major car magazines, all of which I have copies of. None of them mentioned the things in it that that person wanted to know about, so I take some satisfaction from that ;-) Before you come back at me, please remember and respect that its not my day job to write detailed and information packed reviews on cars, i am simply an owner who was excited and over the moon with a car he had just purchased.

The majority of people buying cars now tend to be more interested in performance figures (When buying sport models) and equipment levels instead of roll-stiffness, gear ratio`s, brake balance and spring heights. If you think otherwise then you are in a minority i`m afraid.

A few more lines anyway for the benefit of others...

One year on I am quite simply smitten with this car. I am lucky because I don`t use it day to day, so in between working, this car spends its days tucked up in my garage. The up-side to this is I appreciate it more on the days I do get to take it out. It never fails to bring a smile to my face. I can`t recall owning a car that handles as well as this, its ability around twisty roads is simply stunning, as is the cars performance. I believe this car is now the benchmark in terms of handling, performance and dare I mention, standard equipment. It has constantly been compared to other 'rivals' and either more than holds its own or wins any group test. The only area this car fails to impress is build quality, but I doubt there is a 182 owner out there who spent their hard earned on one because of its build quality.That's not an admission that its put together badly, far from it. I don`t think this cars build quality is anywhere near as bad as is made out (Usually by non Renault owners).

Most I imagine got it for the same reasons I did.It's a blast to drive and a pleasure to own.

A quick word about the Renault experience, i had one occasion to contact my dealer with regards to a small problem with my car. They booked me in without fuss, provided a car for the day whilst they attended to mine, were polite, helpful, apologetic because I had need to visit and basically did everything they could to help. That may not seem anything special to some, but considering the so called reputation some Renault dealers have it's a pleasant suprise and its nice to know should any future problems appear I have a great after sales team on hand to help. My local dealer has probably been one of the best dealers with regards to after sales I have ever dealt with.

There are some things in life we are more than grateful for, the Renault 182 is now on my list!

Hi, Got mine in Titanium with the cup spoiler and suspension pack. Loving the charcoal alloys. I've only done 200 miles so far, but I'm counting down the miles until I can see exactly if it's as good as everyone says it is. I pretty sure I chose the right car. I'll post again after I've tested this car a little longer to give you a better picture.

Something tells me you are going to find out real soon that your car is as good as everyone says. The first time you really give it some welly I bet you swear out loud!!!

I will bet anything you like you will not be disappointed with your car, enjoy it mate and have fun! Plenty of smiles on the way.

Post back once you have had a decent play ;-)

Hello again, Just reporting back on my previous comments on the 23rd March 2005. OK, I've now covered just over a 1,000 miles. The car is seriously quick! I was disappointed as the pull is not in the M3 category, but hey! for under 1/3 of a new M3 fully spec'd, it goes like stink and I'm not complaining. It gets to the speed you want sensibly fast. You were right about swearing out loud as after going over 5,000rpm the very first time the thing just livened up and went all a bit silly fast. The car has brakes to bring the car to a standstill are up to the job. I've noticed one minor problems with the car so far and they are the steering wheel is ever so slightly off to the right causing the car to pull to the left. My Renault Dealer is booked for this friday and should be fixed in no time, but I won't be left without any wheels to travel about, as they would give me a loaner.

The overall build of the car is to satisfaction and is very discreet in looks. (wolf in sheeps clothing) and is definately the right choice of car if you want to be feel more involved in driving. The sound that the twin exhausts make the car excellent (the fast you go the louder it gets).

The handling of the car is excellent too with those 16's fitted with the michelin exato II tyres it grips bend after bend and grip in the wet too is also very good.

The ride is a bit bumpy with the cup suspension setup, but I can live with avoiding as many potholes as possible.

Well, To sum up this car presently, I'd have to give it a big thumbs up as I look forward in using the car as much as possibe.

Let's hope that after a few thousand more miles that the engine is well and truely loosened up and is faster than it is now.

I'll post back then.

The performance is great the fuel ecomony is good, giving 30MPG if driven sensible.

Hi just waiting with baited breath for my 182 which is supposed to be here today at the dealer. I expect to take delivery over the weekend or early next week once insurance/tax etc is taken care of. I have ordered it in the racing blue and with the cup spoiler/suspension packs. Although usually quite a good negotiator I feel that I have let myself down as I didn't get that much off the price. It is being done through a 0% finance deal, but I wish now i'd perhaps looked at the internet companies a bit more as they are all at least £1500 cheaper (although I definitely did not want an import and I suppose you cannot guarantee how long the car has been left in the 'car pool' before you get it). Anyway back to the plot, I have just sold my Peugeot 206CC (yes I'm a woman lads) and looking forward to getting behind the wheel and giving everyone else a run for their money. Be certain no other small car in this class will burn me off at the lights or in a straight line!!

Hi.

Original poster here again. Hello to the lady in the 182 above (Hubba hubba!!!).Sorry for that comment, but as I huge 182 fan how can I not find that thought attractive ;-)

Don`t be to naffed off paying a bit more than you think you should of, i payed full whack for mine and often wonder the same. I choose not to get an import for several reasons and still think I was right not too.

When I ordered my 182 I got a letter from Renault telling me it was being built to order and had a waiting time of over 9 weeks. I don`t know if they still do this or not.

Anyway the fact remains, you will love your 182 to bits, it will keep you smiling everytime you drive it i`m sure you won`t have any regrets with your choice of car and will soon forget paying a bit more than you think you should of.

Enjoy your car and have fun!

Further to my comment on 20th April - Picked up my car over the weekend of 29th April and can report that I love it!! The racing blue stands out completely more than I thought it would, but I like to stand out!! Glad I didn't go for the racing stripes now (am a bit old for that!) The first day I picked it up I went down to visit family 200 miles away the same day. Took it steady down there, but on the way back couldn't resist the overtaking urge to try out the power along the country roads and had to do it!! Have now settled back into the work thing and the car will not get to do much, but town driving until the evening/weekend. No rattling to report yet (cross fingers) or dodgy alarm going off although I think it might have been better if the alarm was separate from the central locking and not all done with one push of the button. Radio is a bit naff with reception/range also, but you can't have everything and this car has a lot!! Love the cruise control/speed limiter little touches used them on the motorway and was pleased at how responsive the car was. Really good when in road works areas so you can't get flashed by the camera and you are in fact being more responsible (i work in road safety and would definitely agree that cars should have the speed limiter fitted as standard).

Its good to hear of other people's experiences of driving this car and what things stand out, impresses or doesn't impress etc.. keep sharing!!

Original poster again.

Glad to hear in the last post you are liking your purchase :-)

I have had mine 14 months now and I still love mine to bits. I don`t use it as my main car and in between working it stays locked up in my garage waiting for me to take it out on my days off! Even after 14 months this car still brings a huge amount of enjoyment with every drive. Not using this car on a day to day basis makes me appreciate it even more on the days I do use it.

The only issue I have had with mine is that the steering wheel points slightly off centre when driving straight, that's not bad if that's the only problem I have had in over a year. As ever (Shock horror) my dealer was as helpful as ever and have me booked in under warranty to run some tests and to try to sort this out for me.

This is the first car I have owned which I can honestly say i`m 100% happy with, i have no plans to change at all. What would be the point when there is still nothing out there to outperform and out equip for the money?

Its STILL the best value and best all round hot hatch on the market in my opinion.

Are the parts cheap to buy? I had a peugeot the parts were expensive I was told this was because it was French made. Clio is the same are their parts expensive?

I have no idea if the parts are expensive or not. My car is only a little over a year old and still has almost 2 years warranty left to run so the price of parts is not an issue yet.

May I suggest you ask someone with a car out of warranty that has had to purchase parts at some stage?

I owned a "2004 civic type r" and I couldnt get it to go any quicker than 7.7sec to 60mph!

Sold it and bought a "clio 182 cup" and I can honestly say that it would leave the civic for DEAD! handling wise and acceleration!

Well, I’ve just sat and read all the comments and feel even more excited about getting my 182. I have to wait another 5 weeks or so yet. Managed to shop about on the internet and I’m paying £12250 for a met ‘Black Gold’ one with cup spoiler and suspension packs (also not an import)! Guess most of you guys bought yours a year ago and the prices have dropped if you shop!

Someone mentioned earlier they hadn’t even test drove one, well, neither have I, but I have been in my mates 172 which I think is great. I’ve had two Renaults to date; a 1.4 RT phase 1 and a 1.8 phase 3 RSI. The RSI is pretty fast if you get the revs up high (sounds familiar), book speeds say about 9 sec’s 0-62 but I have timed it numerous occasions at about 7.5-8 sec’s. Think it’s likely that the 182 will also be quicker than the book speed if driven hard (can’t wait). Both my previous 1.4 and current RSI have been very good on reliability and neither of these cars have I owned from new. My RSI is about 8 years old and is immaculate and I drive it hard and use it for work everyday (40 miles there and back). When I’ve had to buy spare parts for them, yes they’re more expensive than the likes of Ford and Vauxhall, but only slightly. Often you get caught out! Some of the small plastic bits cost a fortune, but other more significant bits are very reasonable, well if you consider from a main dealer.

Back to the 182. Has anybody done any modifications to theirs? I heard that it’s difficult to squeeze much more performance from the tightly tuned and tweaked 180 bhp 2.0l engine? What about wheels? Do 17 inch wheels fit nicely? What about inductions kits? Would look forward to the comments.

Hi.

Just to say the Clio 182 is not the hottest hatch. I own a Focus RS and can confirm that it is far quicker than the 182 - (yes I am aware of the price difference before anyone points this out)

I have actually pulled up and had a chat with a 182 owner (having put him in the weeds - his words not mine) he was most disappointed with the performance in comparison.

It's a fun car, but not seriously fast - yet another overrated hot hatch - with people who drive them really thinking they are something special.

I own a clio 182 cup and have raced a few focus rs and I have blown them into the weeds.

They are well overrated performance wise.

No they are not, and no you haven't, at least not in a straight fight (i.e. with the other driver even trying).

The Focus RS produces 33 bhp more than your Clio, and a whopping 110 NM more torque. Yes it's heavier, but only by another 140kg, which still gives it an extra . Whether you look at power to weight, torque to weight or the tested 0-60 and 0-400m times, the Clio is very decidedly second!

Why do Clio 172/182 drivers always make such ridiculous claims?