Clio 182 or Focus ST170

[tigerwoods97]

Trying to decide which of these hatchbacks to buy. I do quite like the clio but have some deep seeded hang ups about build quality and reliability which is putting me off.

What do you guys think?

[T84]

From what I read was I was interested in getting one, the ST170 isn't that hot on build quality.

I'd take it over the Clio though, I absolutely loved my 1.8 Focus and more power and better handling would've made it even better.

[anonymous-user]

I've had both.

The Focus wasn't that quick whereas the clio was.

Build quality was crap on both!

Can't compare reliability as the Clio was a year old and the focus 4. The clio had a weird potentiometer problem where, on startup it revved to the red line without my foot on the accelerator. It happened twice and was fixed quickly and cheaply.

Both nice but have the clio again as it was so much fun.

[Glade]

My Clio was quite unreliable.

But it was worth it plenty of feedback and involvement. I'd probably get another if I ever fancied that type of car again.

Infact in group tests of similar cars (e.g. this month's evo - Mini Coupe, Corsa VXR, Fiat 500 Tributo Ferrari, Clio 200) the Renaultsport Clios usually win or is certainly one of the best.

Never driven a Focus ST170 so can't comment.

Edited by Glade on Thursday 10th November 18:16

[Animal101]

I have been driving an ST170 for the last year. It's a fun daily car, the handling is good and the ability to hit 70mph in 2nd gear is amusing. I've clocked up 16000 miles over the last year. The only faults I have had are a sticky throttle body which was fine after I cleaned it. Then the little plastic lever in the engine bay which controls the dual stage intake manifold broke. I bought a new one for less then £10.

Performance wise it's not going to set the world on fire but for a cheap day to day car its great.

There is a list of common faults to look out for though have a look at www.fordst170.co.uk for that. Most of them are fairly simple and easy to fix, a lot of them will allready have been sorted by previous owners.

If you go for the ST170 look out for one with the leather recaro seats and blue is faster!

[jack_st]

i had a st170 it had 21k on the clock when i brought it. had the car for 5years and when i sold it it had 140k on the clock. in that time i had it on the dyno about 5 times and it never missed a beat. only fault i had was that a had to change the o2 senser on the cat.

[e8_pack]

Not owned either so my view is just taste. so from a purely cosmetic point of view i prefer the clio.

[Mr2Mike]

I found the ST170 a bit of a disappointment in terms of performance, the Clio is the way forward if you want performance and handling and you don't worry too much about build quality.

[lemonslap]

Shouldn't this be a comparison between the Fiesta ST150 and the Clio? The focus is much heaver due to the size difference. Brought a 5 door ST170 for the wife over a year ago and it hasn't missed a beat. Out right drivers car I would pick the clio, if you want a good all rounder the ST170 ticks most boxes

[tigerwoods97]

Been looking online at both today (haven't driven either yet) and have only driven a basic 1.4cl Focus and liked the feel of the car.

Aesthetically I have to say I prefer the Clio, which I think would be my preferred choice if it weren't for my father (who has a hangup about French cars, and is a bit of a Ford fan) who is helping my look for a car, keeping going on about electrical problems etc etc.

I have also seen a couple of Fiesta ST150's but have to say I'm not a fan at all, can't really put my finger on why either.

[wackojacko]

Driven both.


I prefer 182, some said about a weird driving position but to be honest I didn't notice it. Really zingy engine, great to drive, not bad on fuel and have a real grin factor. The only minus is the typically French interior feel.

The Focus is much the same but for me lacks the hooligan feeling that the Clio gives which really makes you want to push on. It does however have a great engine and gearbox when accelerating but I found when I drove PHer omgus's ST170 when heel n toeing on the downshifts the revs are so lazy it was impossible to efficiently match the revs. It does feel better made than the Clio but for me the Clio wins it, far more responsive, feels lighter on it's feet, also looks better IMO.


Test drive both though.

[AV12]

Neither. Do you have a third or fourth option?

[veevee]

what do you want it for?

id prefer the clio, which by all accounts seems to be one of the best hot hatches out. id probably rather have the focus if i was going to sit in it all day though.

the focus isnt that quick.

civic type r?
306 gti 6?

[chris182]

Clio 182 all the way. The focus is bigger and more practical, but less powerful too heavy. As a driving machine the clio is in another league. I admit the quality isn't fantastic, but nothing at all has gone wrong with mine in the year I've had it. I absolutely adore my 182, even with all its little quirks. The only problem with it IMHO is that I like having a spare wheel and the only place to keep it is in the boot, hence there isn't much space left over.
Also, I get about 40mpg from mine driving enthusiastically, and I have heard that the focus is a bit thirsty, can anyone confirm?

[HairbearTE]

If you can find a nice one i'd take the 172 cup. 1010kgs unladen it's the fastest and one of the best handling 2-liter clios. No ABS is another bonus, unless you prefer ABS of course. Interior is totally basic too, but if you can live without the bells & whistles it's hard to beat for hot-hatch fun.

[Chrisw666]

Focus is a bit more grown up and refined, Clio is a bit more raw and exciting.

Focus wins on space, comfort, general feel of quality, and IMO the handling which has bags of feel and grip.

Clio is quicker, costs less to fuel, in full fat spec has more toys, and feels lighter and more nimble.

The focus also feels slower due to its very linear high revving engine and very leggy six speed box, which doesn't do the job of improving economy.