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Originally Posted by martinbo  Ooo, I'm not so sure about that Giannis my mate... after all we're talking Clio Sports here and not just the lowly French appliance-on-wheels models.
That Renault Clio II Sport 182, is widely heralded as the best front wheel drive hot hatch of all time - particularly in Trophy guise with those supreme Sachs dampers. Sadly, I've never driven the Trophy but judging from the "ordinary" 182 - it must be fantastic! Such adjustability on the throttle.
I'd wager that the Clio Sports are quite apart from the lesser cooking models in terms of driver enjoyment.
The Clio III 197 is already getting some very good press. It's only the engine's lack of low down torque (in the 182 is was fine for a car weighing less that 1100 kg) coupled to the increase in weight by 200 kilos that blunts the accelerative performance of the car unless you're willing to thrash it.
The Clio III is significantly bigger than the previous car and this was done to ensure longevity and competitiveness for the duration of the model's lifecycle. The extra weight will be offset by a turbo'd engine midway through the Clio III's lifespan - I'm certain of it.
I dislike French cars quite strongly, Renault included, but I absolutely adore the hot Clio hatches... |
Thanks for the reply Martin, and you TrueAMG and kartno38, too!
To begin with, at my first post i was talking about the Clios in general, not specificaly about the top-of-the-line Clio 3, thing that i totally forgot about.
But, i have to say that i drive a 1990 Clio I (1.4) for about ten years and i had to live only with a Clio II (1.4) for about two weeks since i had my licence plates temporarily removed by police for illegal parking, back in 2001.
Now, i have not lived with the Clio III like i did with the previous models, but from a little testdrive i had, i was not impressed. I think it was just ok. I drove only the 1.4 engine, which interests me most and it didn't have that sport feeling, like the good old Clio I. It was very comfortable like almost all Renaults, i have to admit. But it had some medium quality plastics and the whole feeling you get from the car, is not the best in its segment.
Comparing it with the Polo, i think the Polo is just better. Why i compared the Clio with the Polo? Because i will be in the market for a mini is some months and i was between the Polo and Clio, and i chose Polo.
About Clio III 192, i am not sure what my exact feelings are. I don't like the design and the plastics. I have not driven the car, but i have heard, and you also said that this car is hell fun to drive. I am not against that car, but i'm not a fan of it either...
