Tuesday 20th January 2015

Clio Renaultsport: Market Watch

Class of the hot hatch field for over two decades here's our cross generational guide to fast Clios

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Renault has always made proper hot hatches. Claiming a heritage that goes right back to the seminal 5 Gordini of 1976, what Renault doesn't know about making hatchbacks fast, fun and affordable isn't worth knowing. And it is motorsport input - above all else - that's driven the success of Renault's mini marvels, especially the Renault 5 Gordini's spiritual successors - the Renaultsport Clios.

Fast, fun and cheap for more than 20 years

As hot Clios have evolved over four generations, their characters have inevitably been different. But that visceral motorsport influence has never diminished. Renault's Clio Cup one-make racing series have been held in various countries since 2004, with the Renault UK Clio Cup influential in developing the careers of racing drivers Andy Priaulx and Jason Plato among others. And throughout the Clio's long lifetime Renault has always stayed true to its tenet of providing accessible performance for all, through its roadgoing RS Clios.

However, over the last 39 years not every carrier of Renault's hot hatch baton has received quite the same level of acclaim. Whilst some RS Clios have already become automotive legends, others have found it somewhat harder to achieve cult status. But nearly all come with laughably low price tags.

So which incarnations of Renault's hot Clios will go on to become collectors' items in the future, and which are more likely to rust slowly away? And of most interest to PHers - which RS Clios make the best buys right now?

Introduction
Clio 16V and Williams (1991-1998)
Clio Renaultsport 172/182 (1999-2005)
Clio Renaultsport 197/200 (2006-2012)
Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo (2013- )

Many thanks to www.cliosport.net, Paul Murray at RS Tuning Limited, Rob Donaldson at Glass's and David at K-Tec Racing for their help with this feature. New Clio 200 pic by Roo Fowler.

[phast]

I had a 182 (gordini stripes) back in 2005 and loved it, it got tracked within an inch of it's life and never skipped a beat. It would chase down and surprise so many "proper" sports cars and the brakes were just amazing.
Having just sold my M3 and needing a runabout I stumbled on a well cared for 60k mile 172 for £1900, mechanically its spot on but the Renault build quality has taken its toll on the now rattly interior.
It is a rough and ready driving experience but it is so much fun down the lanes on my commute to work I don't miss the beemer at all (well maybe a little bit)
Just get one now while they are cheap as chips!