Skip advert
Advertisement

Renaultsport Clio 182 2.0 16v

There was a time when a small car with a three-figure power output could be considered a hot hatch. The Peugeot 205 GTi, for example, mustered a mere 115bhp from its 1.6-litre engine.

The sportiest model in the Clio range has been revised, but without losing any of the magic that gave its predecessor such appeal. The Clio might be starting to look dated, but in this guise it remains one of the finest hot hatches that money can buy. Both the engine and suspension changes are worthwhile.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There was a time when a small car with a three-figure power output could be considered a hot hatch. The Peugeot 205 GTi, for example, mustered a mere 115bhp from its 1.6-litre engine.

But times have changed. Today, a 115bhp 1.6 is considered normal, and hot hatches are punchier than ever in their quest for improved performance. When the Renaultsport Clio 172 debuted in 2000, it was regarded as the Clio Williams' spiritual successor.

Its 172bhp was phenomenal for such a small car, and coupled to its entertaining handling and snappy short-ratio transmission, it was a driver's delight. For a while, the Clio was untouchable, but with models such as the MINI Cooper S Works and Peugeot 205 GTi 180 upping the ante and offering more than 180bhp, Renault has drafted in an extra 10 horses to keep the sporty Clio on the pace.

The power increase coincides with changes to the whole Clio range - not so much a facelift, as a tidy-up to keep it competitive until an all-new model appears late next year. Visual differences are limited, but are more noticeable on the 182. Fresh bumpers and a slightly different nose distinguish the new version, while the Sport gets exclusive graphite grey alloy wheels and twin chromed exhaust pipes.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

X2

2022 BMW

X2

52,340 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £15,995
View X2
M135i

2024 BMW

M135i

12,977 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £28,300
View M135i
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

23,660 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,300
View Golf
C40 Recharge

2022 Volvo

C40 Recharge

37,312 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £23,197
View C40 Recharge

Inside, the racy theme continues. The seats are covered in grey perforated Alcantara, with colour-coded belts, and are among the most comfortable and supportive of any performance car, let alone a souped-up supermini. The 182 also gets revised instruments with a new digital display located between the conventional dials.

The big news is under the bonnet. Using the original Clio 172's engine as a basis, Renault's engineers have modified the exhaust manifold to improve gas flow, allowing more efficient cylinder operation. Fuel-injection changes and a slightly different crank profile have also contributed to the power increase.

This is readily noticeable on the road. Although not hugely quicker than the car it replaces, the 182 has a smoother and more linear power delivery, and it's much easier to maintain traction while pulling away quickly. Meanwhile, the suspension has been altered to give better comfort, without affecting the Clio's legendary handling. The ride is less fidgety over bumpy surfaces, too, largely due to a longer wheelbase and wider track. Increased spring and damper rates give firmer suspension, and the set-up is further enhanced by stiffer anti-roll bars. The car also sits 20mm lower than the current machine. The result is awe-inspiring grip, and a chassis which can be exploited by even the most average of drivers.

Push the Clio 182 hard, and you will soon see it's a force to be reckoned with. It still offers a heady mix of performance and balance that can shame many a 'proper' sports car - yet at the same time it's as useful as any standard Clio hatchback when it comes to getting the shopping in.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,844
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £16,100
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,050
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,935 off RRP*Used from £13,090
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
17 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025