Clio Is Pricey But Fun
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday August 30, 2008
The car Renault Sport Clio.
The price $36,490.Vital statistics 2.0-litre, four-cylinder (145kW, 215Nm), six-speed manual.Consumption and emissions 8.4L/100km, 199g/km. HE Hot hatch fans have been waiting two years for this car. It's the latest model of the Renault Sport Clio. Renault reckons there will be so much demand for this model alone it is not importing the rest of the Clio line-up. SHE The regular Clio range would be too expensive in the $20,000 end of the market. A new Renault Clio at $20,000 would have not had anything in it. HE So instead we have a Renault Clio that's close to double that - almost $40,000. The original Renault Sport that went on sale seven years ago was about $32,000 and this one is more than $37,000 once you include metallic paint. Cheekily, Renault has listed the RRP at $36,490 yet three of the four models are $37,290 because metallic adds $800. SHE I was one of those fans you mentioned earlier that was looking forward to the new model. I spent a few months in the previous-generation model. I've been driving the new car thinking it cost $32,000. I didn't realise the price had risen so much, which changes my perception a bit.HE Do you like the car?SHE Yes. It's not necessarily the quickest off the mark but I really enjoy driving it. It feels solid on the road and is lots of fun. But, I don't like the fact that the new model's gearing is so short. It revs at more than 3000rpm at 100kmh in sixth! HE I much prefer this one to the old one. The seating position is better, the cabin is roomier and although it is fractionally quicker, the extra 130kg weight of the longer and wider body has made it thirstier. SHE From the back, it looks like a mini-supercar. Pity the front doesn't look as good. I reckon it still looks too much like the regular model. HE I love the look of it front to back. I love the detailing in the rear bumper - the race car-style fins apparently aren't just for show and help the back end stay glued to the road at racetrack speeds. And the vents in the front fenders draw hot air from the engine bay, so at least all the styling cues are functional. SHE This car really feels like a go-kart, although the trade-off for the sharp handling is a slightly bouncy ride. HE I love how it drives. Absolutely everything is super-sensitive. It has sharp reflexes in the steering, throttle response and brakes but I agree with you that the ride is a little too bouncy. It is not as bad as the Honda Civic Type R but it is not as smooth as the VW Golf GTI. SHE Funny you should mention the Golf, as the GTI is only a few thousand dollars more than the Clio. HE Actually a three-door Golf GTI is only $1100 more. And that is the problem. The Renault is a firecracker of a car with a screamer engine and people who do track days will love it. But, day-to-day, other turbo hot hatches are easier to live with and are quicker. SHE I'd put my money down on a new Clio if it was less than $35,000 but I couldn't justify it at this price. Do you think the price will hurt sales? HE I think the Clio has a strong following and enthusiasts will love the new model. The old model accounted for more than a quarter of all Clio sales locally. So, while this car is not for everyone, Renault at least deserves credit for making such a sharply focused vehicle.
© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald