Renaultsport Clio 172/182

The impressive new Renaultsport Clio 197 hits showrooms next month – and that means the original hot Clios are causing a stir secondhand.

These hot hatches came in 172 and 182 (image) guises, with the latter Commended in our Used Car Honours earlier this year. Now bargain prices add to the appeal of its sparkling performance and terrific handling.

So called because of its 2.0-litre engine’s 172bhp output, the 172 arrived in 2000, and remained at the top of its class until 2003, when it was replaced by the faster, fresherlooking 182. Prices start from around £4,000 for the original model and about £7,000 for an entry-level 182, depending on condition and mileage. Look out for the limited 172 Exclusive, which came with BBS alloy wheelsand a CD multichanger as standard.

The collectible Clio 182 Cup arrived a year later. Now available from around £7,500, it had stiffer suspension and racier tyres, while the end-of-the-line Trophy featured a bigger rear spoiler, lower sills and improved interior.

Whichever Clio you go for, insist on a full service history and look for signs of body damage, stone chips and poor-quality repairs.