2005 Renault Sport Clio 182 Trophy

Highlights

• The pinnacle of hot hatches
• Clever Sachs front suspension
• Recent service
• Number 311 of 500 sold in the UK
• Bright Capsicum Red paintwork

Overview

Back in 2019, the ever-wise hive mind of PistonHeads users voted the Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy as the best hot hatch of the 21st Century. And there’s no reason to change our minds now. But how did the clever boffins at Renault come up with such a winning formula?

Well, shoehorning a two-litre 16-valve engine into a car the size of a matchbox is always a good start, if you ask us. And then spending Renault CEO’s performance bonus on upgrading the front suspension to a clever system from Sachs Race Engineering, which uses remote reservoirs, and a lot of physics to give this car handling which is quite simply superb.

On the car for sale here, the suspension features some reassuringly fresh-looking front road springs, and the Sachs dampers have also reportedly been replaced in recent years. A fresh general service was carried out in June 2024, which included changing the engine oil, filter, and brake fluid.

This car is one of 500 sold new in the UK — number 311, to be precise — and remains in very presentable condition throughout. While it is one of the higher mileage examples out there, it has clearly received a great deal of attention to keep it mechanically fit.The car has reportedly been privately maintained in line with Renault’s recommended schedule by its former keeper; a marque technician and the author of the Renault Williams Clio engine rebuild manual.Yes, it has picked up the odd scuff and scratch over the years, but the Capsicum Red paintwork is still bright and shiny enough, and the interior is very clean and tidy.

As the story goes its former keeper lived in Milton Keynes and drove alone to London for work on a daily basis for approximately 8 years hence the high mileage and low seat and interior wear.

But the minor cosmetic details all fade into insignificance as you explore just how amazingly this Clio handles a twisty country road. And just how big a grin it can induce.

History and documentation

• Registered 8 Sep 2005
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Feb 2006 @ 12,603 miles, Jul 2006 @ 23,509 miles, Apr 2007 @ 37,971 miles, Oct 2007 @ 50,409 miles, Mar 2008 @ 61,067 miles, Jun 2008 @ 71,121 miles, Dec 2008 @ 83,450 miles, Jul 2009 @ 96,241 miles, Dec 2009 @ 103,505 miles, Sep 2010 @ 120,130 miles, Apr 2011 @ 132,000 miles, Sep 2013 @ 151,316 miles, Jul 2021 @ 153,690 miles
• The latest service was in Jun 2024
• New 12V Battery installed Jun 2024
• Current mileage 155,196 miles
• Extensive collection of original documents
• Leather document wallet containing a Renault ‘Accident Management Pack’
• Collection of invoices, old MOT certificates, and tax discs
• Two keys
• Locking wheel nut key
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 24 Jun 2025
• V5 present
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Upon opening the driver’s door, a badge next to the driver’s seat proudly states ‘Clio Trophy No.311/500’
• The black interior of this Clio is remarkably well preserved despite being nearly two decades old
• Half-leather bucket seats provide plenty of lateral support with their generously proportioned bolsters
• There is some light creasing to the driver’s seat bolster
• Generally the upholstery is in very good condition
• The carpets are similarly well presented
• On the dashboard, all the switches and gauges are bold and clear, while a little of the colouring on the heater control panel has begun to crack
• The steering wheel shows some slight wear
• The Recaro front seats slide forward to reveal rear seating for three, all with seatbelts
• Headlining clean and tidy
• Heated rear windscreen
• Rear parcel shelf remains in original condition
• The boot is spacious and fully carpeted
• Jack stowed neatly in its own pouch

Exterior

• Fabulous Capsicum Red paintwork
• Correct set of 16-inch, 11-spoke Speedline alloy wheels
• Pirelli PZero tyres on the front, and Continental ContiPremiumContact 2 tyres on the rear
• Wide, purposeful stance
• Unmissable Clio styling
• ‘Trophy’ decals on the sill covers have faded a little but new replacement ‘Trophy’ decals for both sides accompany the car should the successful bidder wish to fit them
• The body panels generally appear to be in good condition
• There is a small area of bubbling in the front corner of the bonnet
• Bright red paintwork retains a deep colour and shine throughout
• There are a few chips and scratches, as usual for a car for this age and mileage
• The nearside rear wheel arch has some deeper scratches
• The door handles are slightly faded which is common on this model
• Rear spoiler has a small paint crack on either side which can only be seen when the boot is open
• Headlamp lenses slightly hazy
• The underside of the car appears to be in generally good condition for its age
• There is some surface corrosion on some of the suspension and exhaust components

Mechanical

• 1,998 cc, 16-valve engine
• Produces 182 hp and 148 lb ft
• 0-62 mph in just 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 138 mph
• Engine oil, filter, and brake fluid changed in Jun 2024
• Timing belt, engine coolant, andbrake fluid replaced in Jul 2021 @ 153,690 miles
• The air conditioning system received a full vacuum down, leak test, and re-gas in Jul 2024
• The engine bay is clean and tidy, although there is some cosmetic oxidisation to the aluminium engine components
• The seller informs us that in Oct 2021 the suspension bushes were renewed to eliminate play in the ‘dog bone’ mount
• The brakes have reportedly been upgraded with EBC discs and Greenstuff pads
• In 2020-21 the front Sachs shock absorbers were reportedly replaced with new OE units, and Eibach road springs fitted
• In 2009, we’re told that the cylinder head was rebuilt, including new hydraulic tappets, valve springs, and inlet valves
• Totally unmodified example other than the above mentioned brake upgrade and Parrot Brand Bluetooth Phone kit fitted

Summary

In all, this Clio 182 Trophy is everything you could want in a hot hatch. It’s lightweight, powerful, and handles like a dream. All the other features are nice, but this Clio gets the fundamentals so right that you’ll be itching for an excuse to go for a drive.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Horsham, West Sussex.