2005 Renault Clio 182 Cup

Highlights

• Two-litre, 16-valve engine
• Five-speed manual transmission
• French Racing Blue
• Cambelt replaced 2023
• Cruise control

Overview

Given the popularity of the cooking versions, ‘power’ and ‘performance’ may not be the first words that spring to mind when most people think about the Renault Clio of twenty years ago. But here at PH, we all know that the Renaultsport 182 Cup challenges the average person’s preconceptions — and it does this with the help of a 16-valve engine which packs a 180 bhp punch. And lowered, stiffened suspension makes this Clio great fun whenever the fancy takes you.

This particular example has been the recipient of much recent expenditure, including brakes, general servicing, underside cleaning, and a cambelt change in Feb 2023. Much of the exhaust has been replaced with a Scorpion kit, and the air intake has been enhanced by acone filter.

Cosmetically, the car is in very good shape for its age. The French Racing Blue paint suits its sporting capability, and the racy stripes were recently renewed. Supportive half-leather front seats have been fitted, along with a Bluetooth connected stereo. Cruise control also helps to put this Clio ahead of most hatchbacks of its day.

In all, this is a very tempting combination of power and performance, wrapped up in a tiny little package which is sure to bring a smile to your face whenever you put your foot down.

History and documentation

• Registered 23 Mar 2005
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Oct 2006 @ 2,187 miles, May 2009 @ 20,923 miles, Jan 2011 @ 39,079 miles, Aug 2012 @ 51,936 miles, Oct 2019 @ 109,357 miles, Nov 2020 @ 113,862 miles, Oct 2021 @ 116,648 miles, Oct 2022 @ 121,711 miles, May 2023 @ 126,738 miles, Jun 2024 @ 130,310 miles
• Full document pack in original Renault wallet
• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates
• Two keys
• Current MOT expires 20 Nov 2004
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• The interior of this Clio is in superb condition, with excellent upholstery, carpets, and trim
• Half-leather Clio 182 seats fitted
• The deeply bolstered seats provide plenty of lateral support
• The upholstery is very well presented, with very little wear to be seen
• Original rear bench seat with cloth upholstery
• Three-point seatbelts for all five passengers
• Heated rear windscreen
• Headlining in excellent condition, with no sagging or stains, just one small unobtrusive tear
• The vendor has had the steering wheel professionally retrimmed in leather and Alcantara
• Cruise control buttons on the steering wheel
• Drilled aluminium pedals
• Sony stereo with Bluetooth connectivity
• To the rear, the boot is fully carpeted, and very clean and tidy
• Two cans of tyre sealant in original fabric pouch
• Scissor jack in original pouch

Exterior

• Finished in an attractive shade of French Racing Blue
• Vinyl ‘go faster’ stripes run the length of the car — applied in 2023
• The bodywork appears to be in very good condition for its age
• As shown in the accompanying photographs, there are a few small blemishes to be found: some stone chips, a small area of bubbling on the bonnet, lacquer peel on the offside rear wheel arch
• The sills have previously been incorrectly used as jacking points
• Professionally applied WaxOyl in Jun 2021
• All chrome badges present and correct
• Twin-exit exhaust
• The 16-inch alloy wheels all have some kerb damage
• Matching set of Michelin Pilot Sport tyres
• The seller tells us that they all have around 5 mm of tread remaining
• On the underside, there is some surface corrosion to be seen on some components, as usual
• No other reported damage or repairs to the exterior of the car

Mechanical

• 1,998 cc 16-valve four-cylinder engine
• Produces 182 bhp
• Five-speed transmission
• Accompanying invoices state that the cambelt, tensioner, and water pump were replaced in Feb 2023
• Scorpion exhaust system purchased in Jun 2021
• Front brake discs and pads replaced in Aug 2021
• The vendor reports no mechanical issues, and tells us that the car always starts well
• There is a very pleasant induction note thanks to a cone air intake filter being fitted
• The Cup edition features 20mm lowered and stiffened suspension
• Under the bonnet, the engine bay looks tidy

Summary

This Clio is pure hot hatch joy. It does its job well, with a powerful two-litre engine and manual gearbox. It is a back-to-basics hatchback in good condition inside and out, which is ready to be enjoyed on the open road.

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 Dartmouth, Devon.

The car will be available for collection from 30 Aug.