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Renault Clio

When it comes to superminis, few cars can match the style and chic of Renault's ever-popular Clio

October 2002

The second-generation model made its debut back in 1998, and was very different from the original, with fresher, curvier lines, a more spacious interior and excellent handling.
Always a pleasure to drive, the Clio offers everything from frugal city motoring to high-octane thrills and spills. Both three and five-door editions have roomy cabins and first rate practicality. Even on rough roads, the Renault's supple ride proves comfortable, while hot hatch fans will be pleased to learn that two high-performance Renaultsport models are part of the extensive line-up.
If you are after one of the more mainstream versions, however, it pays to buy carefully. While reliability is generally good, there are a lot of Clios around, so it's essential to find the best examples. Many have been mistreated or are ex-rental or learner cars.
Checklist
* Gearbox problems include sticking first and vibrations in second. Look for clutch wear on cars used mainly in town.
* Stop-start driving can confuse the engine management system, so run motor for at least a minute if moving a small distance, to check for stalling.
* Stereo fuses often blow and rem-ote central locking can refuse to work.
* The 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines are noisy on start-up and have a rattly tickover at first - both are Clio traits.
Glass's View
A trendy car that's especially desirable among younger drivers, Renault's supermini is always in demand, says Glass's Consumer Values. The pre-facelift MkII Clios are still easy to sell, even though the latest version looks tot-ally different. However, buyers will pay a premium for the newer models. Unlike other cars in the firm's range, the Clio holds its value better than many of its class rivals.
My Renault Clio...
Joe Clifford has become a Clio convert since trading in his Fiat Punto Sporting for a Renault in 1999. "I wasn't specifically looking for one," said the 29-year-old writer from Tunbridge Wells, Kent. "It was the excellent trade-in and zero per cent finance package that made me opt for it over other makes."
That was more than three years and 61,000 miles ago, and his 1.2 Clio Grande has been used for getting to work, as well as doing business journeys. The only major fault has been a broken rear wheelbearing, which is probably a good thing as Joe says his local main dealer is expensive. "I've used the official agent while the car was under warranty," he told us. "But with a cambelt change costing more than GBP600, I think I'll look elsewhere for the car's 72,000-mile service."
Joe loves the way the Clio corners. "It holds the road really well and it's impossible tail-slide," he said. However, he said the driving position was "difficult to get used to" and also believed the car could be quicker. "I'd buy another," he added. "It has exceeded my expectations and is very reliable."

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It's not so much which one to go for, but which Clio to avoid. All the petrol cars are competent, and current 1.5 dCi is a superb diesel, although a rare used find. The 172 Sport is thrilling, while 1.6 16v models are also surprisingly quick.
Although the smallest, the 1.2-litre engine is lively. Avoid the noisy old 1.9-litre diesels, as these wear out quickly. Entry-level models have poor spec and are difficult to sell on, while many are thrashed hire cars. Go for RT trim on pre-2000 motors, or Libert� thereafter.

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VERDICT

    It's not so much which one to go for, but which Clio to avoid. All the petrol cars are competent, and current 1.5 dCi is a superb diesel, although a rare used find. The 172 Sport is thrilling, while 1.6 16v models are also surprisingly quick.
    Although the smallest, the 1.2-litre engine is lively. Avoid the noisy old 1.9-litre diesels, as these wear out quickly. Entry-level models have poor spec and are difficult to sell on, while many are thrashed hire cars. Go for RT trim on pre-2000 motors, or Libert� thereafter.
 

OTHER EXPENSES

Depreciation:3
Running costs (ppm):28-69p
Insurance groups:3-12

HISTORY

    1998: MkII Clio appears in May. New 60bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine introduced alongside previous model's 75bhp 1.4 and 90bhp 1.6, plus 65bhp 1.9 diesel. Three or five-door bodystyles and wide selection of spec options available, from entry-level RN to the top-of-the-range RXE, which has alloys, air-con, plush velour trim and a six-CD autochanger. 1999: New 16v 1.6-litre unit launched. 2000: Range designations change to Grande, Libert�, Sport, Aliz� and Initi-ale. The 1.2 and 1.4-litre powerplants get 16v heads, although eight-valvers continue in the entry-level models.
    Other engine changes include the addition of an 80bhp 1.9 dTi turbo-diesel. The Renaultsport label debuts on Clio with launch of hugely entertaining 172bhp 2.0-litre 172 in Jan-uary, followed by the bizarre mid- engined 230bhp Clio V6 in October. 2001: Second-generation Clio gets a facelift with new front end and a far nicer cabin, while new Expression and Privilege trims debut. After only a year, 1.9 dTi replaced by 65bhp and 80bhp versions of the new common-rail 1.5-litre dCi unit. Sport 172 continues, but revised V6 won't come here until 2003.
 
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