Renault Clio 172 Cup: Spotted

Well if the Vel Satis isn't quite focused enough for your cheap Renault then this should do the trick!

We all have them all the time; those discussions where we talk about 'special' cars that we could realistically afford but which also could rise in value. A lot of those discussions are on here. The great car that might not cost you very much, if anything, to run is surely the dream scenario.

89kg less than the already light Clio 172

We hereby give you the Clio 172 Cup. Yes everyone bleats on about fast Clios quite a bit, and you may think it should solely be reserved for Shed status now, but the Cup is really quite an incredible car when you remember the details. This one is also £1,750, which is an absurdly low sum of money.

The Cup removed 89kg from an already very light little car. The front glass was thinner, sound deadening was removed and a simpler bench was used for the rear seat. Because who cares about those in the back? As standard there was no ABS, no traction control and no air conditioning. All that stuff that gets people excited about stripped out sports cars, in a Clio. This also in a car launched in the early 2000s, which really isn't that long ago. Has there been a hot hatch since offered in such a focused spec? Even an R26.R has ABS...

It's this Spartan nature that makes the Cup ever more appealing just over a decade on. As cars become ever more complicated and detach the driver further and further, so the enthusiasts begin looking to older stuff to experience the thrill of involvement again. We've all seen certain cars, including a few hot hatches, absolutely rocket in value recently and here languishes one of the finest at less than two grand. But then it's not lost that much given they were £12,995 new...

Spartan interior with no ABS or traction control

It's about as PH as hot hatches get really, which is probably why we're always droning on about them. Moreover, this car looks to have been really well cared for and the ad is full of details we all love to read: it's now on its third cambelt, there are four good matching tyres, the mods are sensible and the seller even knows the kerbweight! That he's had four other Renaultsport Clios of this generation would suggest he's quite a fan.

There won't be hot hatches in the mould of this Clio Cup again; imagine trying to sell a car without ABS or traction control in 2015! This looks like one to have and enjoy while the rest of the world wakes up to the best hot hatches being about maximum fun and minimum fuss. Howmanyleft reckons numbers of taxed cars in the UK have nearly halved since 2009 too. The Cup may not ever reach the hallowed status of the Williams (see how much this one sold for!) but at this money it looks criminally undervalued. And even if it doesn't appreciate, you will be left with one of this century's best hot hatches for less than two thousand pounds, which sounds like a result.

RENAULT CLIO 172 CUP
Engine: 1,998cc, inline-four
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 174@6,250rpm
Torque (lb ft): 148@5,400rpm
MPG: 34
CO2: 194g/km
First registered: 2003
Recorded mileage: 92,700
Price new: £15,495
Yours for: £1,750