Baby Renault Hot 'n' Thirsty

The Age

Saturday November 29, 2008

Steve Colquhoun

RENAULT re-released the Renault Sport-tweaked version of its tiny Clio three-door in August with more power than its predecessor, a longer and wider wheelbase, revised suspension and aerodynamics, and a repackaged interior. At $36,490, it is the most expensive light car in Australia, or one of the most sharply priced hot hatches, depending on the way you look at it.

LIKES

The Clio Renault Sport is a tiny hot hatch with a big heart. It revs lustily all the way around to its 7500rpm redline, corners like it's glued to the road and the steering gives plenty of feedback. The driving position is comfortable with well-bolstered seats and decent adjustability, and there's a surprising amount of space for passengers.

A comprehensive trip computer is easy to navigate and incorporates one of the best cruise control systems I have used.

And it looks the part, with a predatory stance and its racing-inspired rear diffuser and side vents.

DISLIKES

Willing and rorty the engine might be, but an average of 9.5 L/100 km for a 1220 kg car shows the engine is working too hard. It's nearly always toiling away above 3000 rpm, even at 100 km/h in sixth gear. When cold, the clutch is prone to embarrassing bunny-hops and the ride is fairly firm. And what's with the fire extinguisher in the cabin?

WOULD I BUY ONE?

With petrol prices sliding back towards the $1 mark, it's tempting to say yes. But The Clio 197 looms as a significant financial burden with its big sticker price, thirst for premium-only fuel and a highly tuned engine that could suffer from costly maintenance issues. Regretfully, given the fun that's on offer here, I'd look to the the $26,990 Volkswagen Polo GTI instead.

CLIO RENAULT SPORT 197

Price From $36,490

Vital statistics 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine, 145kW/215Nm

Fuel use 9.4 L/100 km, 203g CO2/km

The tester Steve Colquhoun

© 2008 The Age

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