2005 Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy

Highlights

• One of just 500 UK-market Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy examples, named by PistonHeads as the Hot Hatch of the Century

• 1,998cc naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine

• Five-speed manual gearbox and limited slip diff

• Lots spent on maintenance

• Great condition

Overview

The Renaultsport Clio 182 arrived in January 2004 as the successor to the already brilliant 172, and it didn't take long to establish itself as the hot hatch benchmark of its era. Powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 182 bhp at 6,500 rpm and mated to a short-ratio five-speed manual gearbox, the formula was beautifully simple: light weight, eager engine, sharp chassis, enormous fun. At a time when the Mk4 Golf GTI had grown bloated and Peugeot had lost its way, the Clio 182 reminded the world what a proper hot hatch should feel like, and did so at a price that made the competition look distinctly overcooked.

But Renaultsport wasn't quite finished. In late 2004, the 182 Trophy arrived as the definitive sign-off for the second-generation Clio RS, a car shaped directly by the UK market that had embraced the 182 more enthusiastically than any other. Limited to just 500 examples, all finished in Capsicum Red, the Trophy received Sachs remote-reservoir dampers on suspension lowered by 10mm over standard, Recaro Trendline sports seats on lowered mounts, anthracite Speedline Turini alloy wheels, and the Clio V6's larger rear spoiler. It was the most focused Renaultsport Clio yet, and PistonHeads would go on to name it the Hot Hatch of the Century. And, attractive as it is, that accolade wasn't awarded for how the Trophy looked on a plinth - it was earned on the road.

Two decades on, the challenge with any surviving Trophy isn't finding one to admire. It's finding one that's genuinely ready to be enjoyed. And here’s the good news: this particular example has been comprehensively and methodically sorted across its chassis, drivetrain, and suspension to feel as sharp and alive as the engineers in Dieppe intended.

The Sachs dampers seem to have been maintained throughout the car’s life and the fronts were professionally rebuilt in August 2025 and have covered only an estimated 250 to 500 miles since. Furthermore, the front suspension has been fully refreshed with refurbished and powder-coated components, new bushes, wheel bearings, discs, and pads, complemented by a professional fast-road geometry setup. The gearbox has been refreshed and now features a Blackline limited-slip differential, a thoughtful addition that the vendor tells us noticeably enhances traction and cornering confidence, while a new OEM clutch and lightweight flywheel were fitted at the same time. The vendor notes new driveshafts have been fitted, and reports a Scorpion stainless steel exhaust system provides a subtle but purposeful soundtrack. 

Presentation matches the mechanical intent. The Capsicum Red paintwork looks great and the anthracite Speedline Turinis are in very good order. Inside, the Recaro seats and trim are in very good condition for their age, showing only light wear consistent with a car that's been used and cared for in equal measure. The vendor notes the steering wheel has been professionally retrimmed and describes it as presenting in excellent condition. 

A comprehensive history file is present including service invoices and maintenance records, an original book pack with service documentation. So with all the maintenance done, this car looks ready to deliver on the reputation of the Clio Trophy.

History and documentation

• First registered 20th September 2005

• Comprehensive history file service invoices, maintenance records and original book pack with service documentation

• Cambelt and dephaser were replaced in October 2022

• The front Sachs remote-reservoir dampers were professionally rebuilt in August 2025, with an estimated 250 to 500 miles covered since

• A full front suspension refresh has been carried out including refurbished and powder-coated components, new bushes, wheel bearings, discs, pads, and professional fast-road geometry setup

• The gearbox has been refreshed with a Blackline limited-slip differential fitted, new OEM clutch and lightweight flywheel installed, and new driveshafts fitted

• A Scorpion stainless steel exhaust system and professionally retrimmed steering wheel have also been fitted

• Current MOT expires 23rd January 2027 with no advisories

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• The Trophy's cabin features Recaro Trendline sports seats which are in very good condition for their age with only light, expected wear

• The steering wheel has been professionally retrimmed and is in excellent condition

• Carpets, headlining and door trim are all in good order with no significant damage

• The seller reports that everything is fully functional

• Clean and tidy throughout, reflecting careful ownership

Exterior

• Finished in Capsicum Red, which presents well

• Vendor notes some light, age-related lacquer fade on the front bumper but no major dents or significant accident damage to their knowledge

• The vendor notes some minor surface corrosion on the rear torsion beam, typical of the model's age

• We’re also advised that the driver's side front inner arch liner is currently missing

• The anthracite 16-inch Speedline Turini alloy wheels are in very good order with no significant kerbing

• The seller tells us that the front tyres are new Michelin Pilot Sport 5s with good tread remaining on the rears

• In all, it’s a lovely looking example

Mechanical

• 1,998cc four-cylinder 16v naturally aspirated engine producing 182 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 148 lb ft at 5,250 rpm

• Five-speed manual gearbox with front-wheel drive

• 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 138 mph

• The vendor tells us the car starts first time from cold, idles smoothly and pulls strongly through the rev range with no untoward noises or smoke from the engine

• Gearbox described by the vendor as smooth and precise; brakes perform as they should and the car tracks straight

• Steering pump can produce a slight squeal on full lock, which the vendor tells us is a known characteristic of the model

• Very minor low-speed knock when manoeuvring has been assessed by multiple garages and is believed to be mount-related; not present over bumps or under suspension compression

• No other known mechanical issues according to the vendor

Summary

The Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy earned its reputation not by sitting in heated garages but by being driven, hard and often, on exactly the kind of roads that make you glad to be alive and behind the wheel. This example has been comprehensively sorted across its chassis, drivetrain, and suspension, from rebuilt Sachs dampers and a complete front suspension refresh to a limited-slip differential, lightweight flywheel, and new driveshafts. The result is a Trophy that the vendor tells us drives exactly as it should, and it looks in fine cosmetic fettle too.

If you've been waiting for a 182 Trophy that invites you to turn the key and head for the nearest B road rather than reach for the car cover, this is one well worth your attention.

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 Cardiff.