Skip advert
Advertisement

Renaultsport Clio 182 Cup

When your football team gets pipped at the post in the league, the next step is to concentrate on the Cup. In our epic hot hatch shootout in Issue 801, Renaultsport's respected Clio 182 was beaten by MINI's Cooper S, but the French firm isn't giving up yet.

The Clio 182 Cup is no stripped-out rally special, but it does offer tempting value for money to hot hatch buyers. Standard fit ESP and ABS also make it safer on public roads compared to the previous 172 Cup. The feisty Renault is arguably the most entertaining sub-£15,000 new car currently on the market.

Advertisement - Article continues below

When your football team gets pipped at the post in the league, the next step is to concentrate on the Cup. In our epic hot hatch shootout in Issue 801, Renaultsport's respected Clio 182 was beaten by MINI's Cooper S, but the French firm isn't giving up yet.

Fighting back with reduced weight, added value and more performance, Renault's sporting arm has come up with the new Clio 182 Cup - and Auto Express was first behind the wheel.

As with the previous-generation Clio 172, the Cup variant is aimed at drivers who want to forego some creature comforts and make the most of the superb chassis. However, the current 182 is already available with the tuned suspension that came with the 172 Cup, taking away some of this car's kudos. What's more, Renault has also fitted both ABS and ESP as standard. That will go against the grain with hot hatch purists - so, has the Cup gone soft?

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Stonic

2024 Kia

Stonic

14,000 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £18,100
View Stonic
Tucson

2023 Hyundai

Tucson

13,452 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £21,300
View Tucson
Aygo

2021 Toyota

Aygo

14,101 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £9,900
View Aygo
A3 Saloon

2024 Audi

A3 Saloon

26,091 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £22,300
View A3 Saloon

The good news is that despite being only 20kg lighter than the standard 182, Renault claims that the more extreme version is 0.3 seconds quicker from rest to 62mph, taking 6.9 seconds to complete the sprint.

Under the bonnet, the Renaultsport-tuned 180bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit from the standard 182 is fitted, and it delivers fantastic acceleration. A five-speed manual gearbox comes as standard, but the transmission still isn't as slick shifting as most rivals'.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The key to all Renaultsport Clio variants has always been the way they handle, and this model is no exception. There isn't any other new car at this price that can offer the same combination of grip, steering feel and balance when cornering. Newer superminis are far more composed on rough surfaces, but the Clio is simply great fun to drive on tight and twisty B-roads.

Given the lower ride height and stiffened suspension, the Cup is surprisingly comfortable, too. It's predictably bumpy around town, but once on the move the hot Clio is very supple - perfect for our potholed roads.

However, it's on the price lists that the Cup is likely to clinch the deal. At £13,800, the 182 Cup is £1,295 cheaper than a normal 182 fitted with the optional sports suspension kit. There are sacrifices to be made, though. Inside, the Clio's already dated cabin has been stripped of the 182's leather trim, and gets cheap-looking fabric upholstery instead, while a one-piece rear bench hinders practicality. There's no electronically managed climate control either, although manual air-conditioning is fitted as standard.

Even with a slimmed down equipment list, it still looks like a sporting bargain when compared to rivals. MINI's similarly performing Cooper S Works costs £4,950 more than the Renault, while Honda's high-revving Civic Type R is an extra £2,450. Given the winning combination of thrills and value for money, hot hatch fans are sure to lift the Cup high up the sales charts.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £32,828
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £14,499
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,875
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025