2006 Renaultsport Clio 197 Manual

Highlights

• One owner car

• Just 32,606 miles

• Completely original and unmodified throughout

• Service invoices and documented history from new

• Great condition

Overview

The Renaultsport Clio 197 went on sale in the UK in 2006 at £15,995, offering 197 bhp from a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine, a six-speed manual gearbox, and 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds, making it the quickest accelerating car for the money. Following the format set by the Clio RS 172 and 182, the engine developed its peak power at a heady 7,250 rpm and 158 lb ft of torque at 5,550 rpm. Top speed stood at 134 mph, but this was always a car built around handling rather than outright straight-line speed, with a rear diffuser generating up to 40 kg of downforce and a clean rear end that needed no roof-mounted spoiler. It went on to be a considerable sales success.

Finding a standard 197 that hasn't been modified or accumulated a string of keepers is difficult enough. Finding one that's been in the same hands since the day it left the showroom? That's something else entirely. This black example was first registered on 13th December 2006 and has been in the same hands ever since. Twenty years and 32,606 miles later, the result is a 197 that remains completely factory-standard - no aftermarket intake, exhaust, suspension, or ECU modifications anywhere.

The vendor tells us it's been garaged from new and there’s plenty else to show that it’s been well cared for. Inside, the Renaultsport cloth seats show only the most minor flattening on the driver's bolster and the stainless steel sill kick plates are barely marked. The owner is so proud of the car that she insisted on a full valet before we photographed it.

To be fair, there are some minor cosmetic marks consistent with age, but nothing that undermines the overall impression. The vendor notes the filler flap locking relay may need attention, and a service indicator is showing on the instrument cluster; both should be only minor items for a new keeper. And the opportunity to acquire a completely standard, one owner Clio 197 surely won’t come around very often. The lucky buyer gets to write the second chapter.

History and documentation

• Registered 13th Dec 2006

• In current ownership since new; the vendor tells us the car has been garaged throughout

• Service history with invoices: Feb 2008 @ 2,597 miles (authorised Renault main dealer), Jul 2009 @ 5,000 miles (authorised Renault main dealer), Feb 2012 @ 16,664 miles (full service and timing belt kit renewal), Apr 2013 @ 22,329 miles (oil and filter change, brake fluid renewal, new battery); the vendor states front brake discs and pads were replaced in Nov 2020 @ 31,617 miles

• Service invoices present; the vendor states the original book pack and two keys are also included

• Registration document present in the keeper's name

• The vendor states there are 17 MOT tests on record, most recently a clean pass at 32,550 miles in November 2025; previous advisories and fails have been immediately rectified

• Current MOT expires 09 Nov 2026

• 32,606 miles

Interior

• The cockpit presents as a remarkably well-preserved example of Renaultsport's mid-2000s cabin, with red-on-black instrument dials, satin silver dashboard trim, and drilled alloy pedal covers all in good order

• Cloth sport seats with no tears, pilling, or significant wear, and only the most minor flattening on the driver's outer bolster

• Embroidered Renaultsport headrests on both front seats

• Perforated leather steering wheel with red 12 o'clock marker shows no degradation

• Six-speed gear knob and leather gaiter in good condition with no visible wear 

• Stainless steel Renaultsport sill kick plates are barely marked

• Branded floor mats with red piping are present and unworn

• Dashboard is free of cracks, warping, or UV degradation

• Headlining is clean and taut with no sagging or discolouration

• Door cards in good overall condition with chrome interior door pulls undamaged

• Original Renault CD/radio head unit retained

• Rear seats and footwells look barely used

• Boot is clean and tidy with original parcel shelf, cargo net, and unstained carpeting

Exterior

• Finished in black with good gloss and depth of colour across all panels

• The condition is consistent with age and usage, with minor scratches and a couple of small dents

• Light stone chips are visible on the front bumper and bonnet edge

• A small circular ding is visible on one panel, highlighted under reflected light

• Fine swirl marks and hairline scratches are visible under close inspection

• Signature rear diffuser with centre-exit exhaust layout intact and undamaged; light scuffing to the plastic consistent with age

• Both headlight lenses appear clear with no significant hazing or moisture ingress

• Rear tail light clusters on both sides are clear, undamaged, and free of condensation

• Original 16-inch multi-spoke silver alloy wheels fitted all round; the vendor notes minor damage and our photos show light marks but no significant kerb rash

• Tyres confirmed as in good condition at the most recent MOT

• Underside appears dry with no signs of fluid leaks; the vendor tells us there are no obvious oil leaks underneath

• No obvious signs of corrosion on the sill areas, inner wings, or bonnet edges

• Overall, the exterior presents as a well-kept, garaged example with only the minor cosmetic marks you'd expect from two decades of gentle use

Mechanical

• 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine producing 197 bhp at 7,250 rpm and 158 lb ft at 5,550 rpm

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds; top speed of 134 mph

• Engine and drivetrain are completely standard with no aftermarket modifications visible

• Under the bonnet, the 2.0-litre engine bay is entirely original and unmodified; factory Renaultsport inlet manifold cover, standard airbox, original intake ducting, and factory clamps all in place

• Renault Vehicle Inspection Record sticker still affixed to the airbox lid; factory information stickers on the inner wings and slam panel remain legible

• The vendor states front brake discs and pads were replaced at 31,617 miles in November 2020

• The vendor tells us that he car has had a new windscreen, new front n/s fog lamp, new front wipers, new rear brake pads and tyres

• As noted in the overview, there’s a couple of items for the next owner to attend to: the filler flap locking relay may need attention and a service indicator is showing on the dashboard

• The vendor tells us the car starts well, sounds good, and is great fun to drive

• No untoward sounds or smoke from the engine reported

Summary

A single-owner-from-new Renaultsport Clio 197 with 32,606 miles on the odometer, garaged for its entire life according to the vendor, and completely standard from nose to tail. That's not a combination you stumble across very often. The interior and exterior condition backs up the car’s limited usage and careful ownership and the engine bay still wears its factory stickers. Sure, there's a few cosmetic marks and a couple of minor items to tidy, but the fundamentals here are as strong as any 197 buyer could hope to find. Its next owner will be only its second and we’re sure it will be cherished.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Maidenhead, Berkshire.