RE: Renault Clio 182 Trophy: PH Fleet
Tuesday 10th May 2016
If I'm completely honest, I used to associate cars like KN55 HWX with teenagers, backwards baseball caps and joggers worn below the arse. Despite a burning desire to try a hot hatch, I opted for the hairdresser image, now also owner of my third Audi TT alongside the Clio. Ahead of an organised weekend in Wales with a group of Trophy owners, I didn't really know what to expect.
And there's more out of shot!Pulling into a car park in Llangollen at the crack of dawn, I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by the trip's organiser, Tim Hyde. A well-spoken, 35-year-old analyst at Vodafone from Berkshire; my stereotype was shattered. One after another the Trophys rolled into our first meeting point until we stood 12-strong, with a broad range of passionate owners from all walks of life.
Looks reasonably good fun...Again with no prior knowledge, I had assumed we'd spend our weekend simply cruising around some beautiful countryside. Another expectation immediately shattered. Out of the town and well away from civilisation, we separated into smaller groups of three, and what followed can only be described as the best drive of my life. Sandwiched between two rather spirited drivers at the front of the pack, I found myself pushing harder and harder, loving every minute. On the tight, twisty and undulating roads cutting through the Welsh valley, I finally discovered why the Clio Trophy has been lauded as one of the best hot hatches ever made. Using newfound skills and with understanding of the car's limit from the track, I was able to judge cornering, braking and handling ability better than ever before. I was having more fun out here in Wales than I ever have; the Clio Trophy really is the king of the B-road.
Cars and owners in their elementI moved to Herefordshire when I was 16, and was blessed with the Elan Valley as my playground immediately after I passed my driving test. Wales is a beautiful country, with mind blowing roads and dramatic scenery, but it's all too easy to take it for granted. Now living in Kent, driving along the Llanberis Pass to Caernarfon reminded me of why I fell in love with Wales so much over a decade ago. The best road of the weekend for me was the B4391 from Ffestiniog to Fron-goch. If you go to one road in Wales this year, go there. Hooking up the mix of alternating corners, cambers and straights with the backdrop of jaw-dropping scenery cannot be replicated on track. As you finish the section of road with sweaty hands and adrenaline rushing through your bloodstream, you'll understand why.
Renault Clio 182 Trophy: PH Fleet
What's better fun than a Clio Trophy in Wales? A dozen of them!
And there's more out of shot!
The itinerary was set and the route was planned, so we set off with eager anticipation. The bemused look on locals' faces was something I was going to have to get used to over the weekend; fuelling stops were particularly entertaining and equally chaotic. Within minutes of setting off the heavens opened as we made our way towards a well-known triangle of roads near Denbigh. As we came to our first stop at the Sportsman's Arms though the rain stopped, and I'd just about become accustomed to trundling along in a gaggle of red Clios.
Looks reasonably good fun...
Even in the wet, the Michelin Pilot Sport 3s had so much traction and I could feel the grip levels in the palm of my hands through the steering wheel. The braking and suspension upgrades I've made gave me so much more confidence; turn in was sharp, the front end responsive and the Sachs dampers superb. No understeer, just handling perfection and a high level of predictability that has made me adore this car so much over my first year of ownership. The reward of a perfect heel and toe downshift before getting back on the power to propel you out of a bend puts a huge grin on your face, corner after corner. Driving a clear section of road on your own is special enough, but being in a pack of Trophys, watching them move on the road in front and behind you, is really spectacular. Before the first hour of the trip was up, I knew it was going to be unforgettable.
Cars and owners in their element
If I didn't love KN55 HWX enough already, my weekend in Wales with such a wonderful group of like minded enthusiasts certainly cemented this car as one of the best I've ever owned. If ever a definition for driving enjoyment were needed, this would be it.
FACT SHEET
Car: 2005 Renault Clio 182 Trophy
Run by: Ben Lowden
Bought: April 2015
Mileage: 84,396
Purchase price: £4,250
Last month at a glance: Ben and his Trophy friends head to Wales
Previous reports:
Cheerio diesel Skoda, hello limited edition Renault hero!
Spa day the Renaultsport way
Induction and exhaust tweaks for the Trophy
Trophy shines after time with detailers
Brace yourself Ben; time for the damper rebuild...
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Discussion
Oliie said:
Great little cars. I fondly remember mine (T2PHY, car #090) and the great times had at the 'ring keeping up with other much more exotic machinery through the bends. Second only to my 997.2RS in the big-silly-grin stakes.
Completely agree! When we shot a feature at Brands last year, I spent most of the day in a Caterham 360R. I had my Trophy there too, and wasn't phased at all to jump out of the Caterham and into my Clio, still absolutely bags of fun!Edited by Oliie on Tuesday 10th May 09:15
identti said:
Looks like a hoot. I love the B4391 and I love my Trophy too (see pics below).
Who was it organised by? Someone of the Trophy forum? Need to find out before I miss out on another great Trophy meet.
Cracking photos right there! Heading up to north Wales this weekend, so I'll be back there on Saturday. It was organised by Tim Hyde on the Trophy forum, and there's another planned for September this year. So you best get yourself on there and signed up!Who was it organised by? Someone of the Trophy forum? Need to find out before I miss out on another great Trophy meet.
...it's a shame that there are not more comments on this from PHers, this sounds like an absolute blast and such a rare sight to see so many of these together...if I had £5k to spend on my fun car I would have got a trophy, as it was I has £2k so bought a 106 Rallye, lower speed but equal fun?
Epic posting - echo the suprise at the lack of replies. I have seriously considered an RS Clio (including the Trophy) to replace my boring DD hatch (which isn't really a DD in any case). Love small cars with big hearts (and bigger engines), especially ones that raise their game the better and faster you drive, accentuating the good and smoothing out the awkward bits. Makes you feel heroic even at 7/10s.
Also surprised by lack of response
I am going back to work soon (coming out of early retirement). I will have a short commute but roads get very clogged around where I live. I'm planning to use my motorbike but not sure if that will work so considering a small, second car. I was thinking of a Mini Cooper but something like a Clio Trophy would be much more fun. For those with Trophies would it be okay as a daily driver, especially as they are now more than 10 years old? Any links to the best forums?
I am going back to work soon (coming out of early retirement). I will have a short commute but roads get very clogged around where I live. I'm planning to use my motorbike but not sure if that will work so considering a small, second car. I was thinking of a Mini Cooper but something like a Clio Trophy would be much more fun. For those with Trophies would it be okay as a daily driver, especially as they are now more than 10 years old? Any links to the best forums?
BenLowden said:
Cracking photos right there! Heading up to north Wales this weekend, so I'll be back there on Saturday. It was organised by Tim Hyde on the Trophy forum, and there's another planned for September this year. So you best get yourself on there and signed up!
Thanks Ben. I'll check the Trophy forum more often from now on!Esceptico said:
Also surprised by lack of response
I am going back to work soon (coming out of early retirement). I will have a short commute but roads get very clogged around where I live. I'm planning to use my motorbike but not sure if that will work so considering a small, second car. I was thinking of a Mini Cooper but something like a Clio Trophy would be much more fun. For those with Trophies would it be okay as a daily driver, especially as they are now more than 10 years old? Any links to the best forums?
I've got to say, it's really easy to live with as a daily. Mine isn't a daily now, but it was for most of last year. My only issue with it is the clutch is quite stiff which isn't great for my dodgy knees from too much running, but it's a very comfortable place to be and has cruise control. On a motorway run I get 35-40mpg, and with normal driving on mixed roads it'll still return low 30s. Personally, I don't think you'd look back. I'm pretty sure I'll always have something Renaultsport flavoured in my life from now on!I am going back to work soon (coming out of early retirement). I will have a short commute but roads get very clogged around where I live. I'm planning to use my motorbike but not sure if that will work so considering a small, second car. I was thinking of a Mini Cooper but something like a Clio Trophy would be much more fun. For those with Trophies would it be okay as a daily driver, especially as they are now more than 10 years old? Any links to the best forums?
neil-935ql said:
Looks like great fun had by all , I had a 182 only 4 months ago already miss it great car I guess the trophy is even better , I have a Renaultsport Megane now which is another amazing car , not as good as my caterham !
They're just so addictive, and there's a great community around RS cars, hence the road trip in my article. I've read quite a few comments from people who have either ended up buying a Clio over a Megane, or gone back to a Clio afterwards. Mainly down to the Megane being a bit too capable, with the Clio feeling more exploitable on the roads. Still, I'm waiting for the 265 Meganes to come down in price a bit more, then I'll be having one 
I have hugely fond memories of my Trophy (185) from when they came out. I ran it for about a year in 2005/6 before trading it in for an R26 as I was craving a bit more power at the time. They were both incredible cars, but I guess it just shows how special the Trophy is that an R26 genuinely feels a but numb and clinical afterwards. I think had I not owned the Trophy, I'd never believe the hype. I'd also probably have owned the R26 for longer than 6 months before getting bored of it. Looking back, they're both cars I'd like to have spent more time with, but the Trophy would be my top choice.
Brilliant read. what a great weekend that looked to be.
Reminds of the North Yorkshire event we did with the Peugeots a few weeks back. Welted to a 205 mi16 for twelves hours.
Closest you will get to driving nirvana.
You cant beat spending a huge amount of time in a car to become fully aquainted with it.
The trophy is a great car too, nearly bought one once, what a fool I was to miss it.
Reminds of the North Yorkshire event we did with the Peugeots a few weeks back. Welted to a 205 mi16 for twelves hours.
Closest you will get to driving nirvana.
You cant beat spending a huge amount of time in a car to become fully aquainted with it.
The trophy is a great car too, nearly bought one once, what a fool I was to miss it.
Oliver-2optb said:
Brilliant read. what a great weekend that looked to be.
Reminds of the North Yorkshire event we did with the Peugeots a few weeks back. Welted to a 205 mi16 for twelves hours.
Closest you will get to driving nirvana.
You cant beat spending a huge amount of time in a car to become fully aquainted with it.
The trophy is a great car too, nearly bought one once, what a fool I was to miss it.
Thanks! Doesn't sound like you've done too badly with an Mi16. Trophy's certainly have shot up in value the last year, and are likely to continue going that way. Having said that, you can still pick up a decent 172 Cup for £2,000(ish) that has had the belts/dephaser done. But be quick, as they're going up too.Reminds of the North Yorkshire event we did with the Peugeots a few weeks back. Welted to a 205 mi16 for twelves hours.
Closest you will get to driving nirvana.
You cant beat spending a huge amount of time in a car to become fully aquainted with it.
The trophy is a great car too, nearly bought one once, what a fool I was to miss it.
Great write up Ben, don't know how I've missed it.
They are truly amazing little cars, or should that be amazingly fun? I've tried to describe why they are so good, but it's hard to put into words. They're very compliant over our roads for the type of car they are, yet incredible in the tight corners round Wales/Lakes/Dales. Seats are great, they're quick, but not so fast you can't enjoy them on the road (I'm looking at the hyper/mega hatches of today). I really can't think of a better hot hatch. Sure there are better things for hooning, or cruising up the motorway, or lugging the family about, but for a car that can do it all... Aren't they called hot hatches?
I'm selling mine at the minute, but only as it's my 2nd and I fancy a change for something else. Got nowhere to keep 2 cars, but as soon as I do will be buying my 3rd so in years to come can take it to shows and it will be adored like when you see mint 205 GTis or Clio Williams
They are truly amazing little cars, or should that be amazingly fun? I've tried to describe why they are so good, but it's hard to put into words. They're very compliant over our roads for the type of car they are, yet incredible in the tight corners round Wales/Lakes/Dales. Seats are great, they're quick, but not so fast you can't enjoy them on the road (I'm looking at the hyper/mega hatches of today). I really can't think of a better hot hatch. Sure there are better things for hooning, or cruising up the motorway, or lugging the family about, but for a car that can do it all... Aren't they called hot hatches?
I'm selling mine at the minute, but only as it's my 2nd and I fancy a change for something else. Got nowhere to keep 2 cars, but as soon as I do will be buying my 3rd so in years to come can take it to shows and it will be adored like when you see mint 205 GTis or Clio Williams
roystinho said:
Great write up Ben, don't know how I've missed it.
They are truly amazing little cars, or should that be amazingly fun? I've tried to describe why they are so good, but it's hard to put into words. They're very compliant over our roads for the type of car they are, yet incredible in the tight corners round Wales/Lakes/Dales. Seats are great, they're quick, but not so fast you can't enjoy them on the road (I'm looking at the hyper/mega hatches of today). I really can't think of a better hot hatch. Sure there are better things for hooning, or cruising up the motorway, or lugging the family about, but for a car that can do it all... Aren't they called hot hatches?
I'm selling mine at the minute, but only as it's my 2nd and I fancy a change for something else. Got nowhere to keep 2 cars, but as soon as I do will be buying my 3rd so in years to come can take it to shows and it will be adored like when you see mint 205 GTis or Clio Williams
Thanks Danny. I think the length of time its taken you to actually put it up for sale from when you originally said you were going to shows how much you don't really want to part with it! I'm sure you'll have fun with the Abarth, but you'll definitely be back...They are truly amazing little cars, or should that be amazingly fun? I've tried to describe why they are so good, but it's hard to put into words. They're very compliant over our roads for the type of car they are, yet incredible in the tight corners round Wales/Lakes/Dales. Seats are great, they're quick, but not so fast you can't enjoy them on the road (I'm looking at the hyper/mega hatches of today). I really can't think of a better hot hatch. Sure there are better things for hooning, or cruising up the motorway, or lugging the family about, but for a car that can do it all... Aren't they called hot hatches?
I'm selling mine at the minute, but only as it's my 2nd and I fancy a change for something else. Got nowhere to keep 2 cars, but as soon as I do will be buying my 3rd so in years to come can take it to shows and it will be adored like when you see mint 205 GTis or Clio Williams
SharkyUK said:
I'm really looking forward to the next Trophy Welsh Weekender. There's even a slight chance I'll be in my Trophy, too! It really was a fantastic couple of days with a genuinely good bunch of people. I may have driven the route / roads many a time but I'll never tire of doing so.
Gutted I can't make the next one, but thanks for sharing your photos from last time Andy!Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff