Despite the price difference between these two, choosing between the Clio and Fiesta is a real challenge. The Renault is more expensive, yes, but you can feel where the money has been spent; the trick dampers with their hydraulic bump stops, for example, and the interior embellishments. It doesn't feel overpriced, regardless of how talented the cheaper ST is.
Furthermore, Renault has a habit of producing hot hatches that just get better and better with incremental improvements. Remember how the Clio 197 was perceived as a poor replacement for the 182, only for it to eventually become the superb 200 Cup? The current Megane 265 was said to be too mature when launched in its original 250 guise. And the car it replaced, the Megane II, had evolved from lacklustre 225 to inspirational R26.R.
There have already been rumours of a Gordini Clio, done properly this time with more power and greater focus. Whether a stripped-out, cheaper Cup fits in with Renault's intentions for this Clio remains to be seen. Regardless, the sense is there's a lot more to come from the Clio and it starts from a very talented and engaging base product.
For now though, the PH choice would be the Fiesta. Call us old fashioned if you will, but its more traditional pocket rocket recipe is just one we prefer. Ironically enough, it's a very similar one that proved so successful with previous hot Clios.
It isn't as accommodating as the RS200, certainly. Passengers will hate the ride around town and want to hit the dash in frustration at the useless infotainment. But you'll be having too much fun in that slightly-too-high driver's seat to care.
The Mountune upgrade is a must for the Fiesta. There isn't a downside to the package, offering a tangible boost in performance for not a lot of money. If you only select one extra, make it the MP215 kit. Red is the only no-cost ST colour, so have that and the Mountune kit for less than the Molten Orange paint. Simples.
The Fiesta takes it then, but not by the margin some have been suggesting. Round one goes to Ford, but we suspect there's rather more to come from this fascinating comparison. Watch this space.
