2005 RENAULT CLIO

At a time when superlatives are cheap, the Clio 182 Trophy still earns its reputation. On narrow British B-roads it remains a masterclass in what a properly engineered, lightweight hot hatch can deliver: alive to the throttle, beautifully balanced mid-corner, quick through transitions, and forgiving when you overstep. In today’s world of turbocharged excess and over-digitised performance, a car like this feels wonderfully honest: you read the tarmac, trust the grip, and hear the engine in its purest form.

Build 169 was supplied new by Masters Renault of Shirley (Surrey) on the 6th August 2005 - remaining with its first and only private owner ever since. With just 10,000 miles covered - this is a unicorn opportunity to experience the Trophy in time-warp condition, and very possibly the lowest-mileage example in existence.

Conceived as Renaultsport’s final flourish for the Clio II RS line, the Trophy distilled everything the engineers in Dieppe knew about making a driver’s car.

500 cars were destined for the UK - specified in Capsicum Red paint, Recaro Trendline seats mounted lower in the cabin, 16-inch Speedline Turini wheels, and - most significantly - Sachs motorsport dampers with remote reservoirs and reinforced rods. Renault claimed these dampers cost ten times more than the standard items, allowing a 10 mm ride-height drop with hydraulic bump stops, improving control without compromising travel. Strengthened hubs and a rear spoiler borrowed from the Clio V6 completed the package. Subtle to the eye, transformative from behind the wheel.

The cabin remains as it left Dieppe - echoing its minimal use: half-leather Recaros with Alcantara centres, tight upholstery, unmarked bolsters, and a Renaultsport plaque on the driver’s seat frame declaring its number. The rear bench looks unused, while the steering wheel, gearknob and trim show none of the fatigue so often seen. Functional, purposeful, and preserved with rare integrity.

Mechanically, it is faithful to type: the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 180 bhp and 148 lb-ft of torque, enough for 0–62 mph in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 138 mph. With a kerb weight a shade over a tonne, the power-to-weight ratio remains deeply engaging, the car alive in a way few modern equivalents can match.

This example’s distinction lies further in its originality and care. The specification is untouched, while in 2022 it benefitted from a comprehensive service including cambelt, coolant, plugs and tyres. The most recent maintenance was carried out last year at 9,893 miles.

Supplied with its original books, manuals and keys, it has been carefully cosseted throughout its life, preserved rather than merely used.

For undersized roads, for spirited drives, for committed drivers - the 182 Trophy stands as one of the benchmarks of the genre. Not just another Clio, but a car that distilled Renaultsport’s philosophy into something elemental. Nearly twenty years on, it is as compelling as ever - and in this condition, it may never be repeated.