Since the arrival of the current Renaultsport Clio 200 EDC in 2013, it has been impossible to discuss that car without referencing the old fast Clio. Now of course a predecessor comparison will always happen, but arguably the pining for the past has not been stronger than with the little Renault.
Why? Because the old Clio 200 was the class of its field, one of the best hot hatches ever made. And even as a fan of the current car - string me up now - it's hard to deny the greater focus, excitement and intensity of the Mk3 car. It's just that there evidently aren't all that many people around who genuinely want a focused, exciting and intense hot hatch, hence the Mk4 currently selling better than the Mk3.
That old 200 was and remains everything you would want from a traditional hot hatch: quick, agile and just huge, huge fun. Even when it was launched the powertrain came in for praise, screaming out towards 8,000rpm and with a six-speed manual (manual only too!) that was an excellent accompaniment.
Now, of course, that engine and gearbox stands out even more and makes the car perhaps even more desirable. It's becoming ever more difficult to buy naturally aspirated engines with manual gearboxes, a real shame for those of us who still relish the challenge. That this car also comes with a superb chassis almost seems like a fortunate accessory given how thrilling that powertrain must now be. As hot hatch formulas go, for us slightly old fashioned folk at least, it's spot on.
Renaultsport Clios, at least the mass produced ones that is, do tend to depreciate a fair bit as well. Just in case they weren't enticing enough! Take a look at this one. A 200 Cup with a couple of choice modifications - though sadly not the Recaros - it looks like an excellent spec. Of course there are 'Full Fat' cars available - standard cars with the Cup pack added - and those in lairier colours, but all the essentials are here in this one for a ruddy good time.
Good spec, well cared for, £5K...
And it's £5K! Alright, it's £5,650, though offers are being invited. And yes, it's in Aberdeen - maybe negotiate a plane ticket off the price. For this money, it's very, very hard to make a case against. There's plenty of MoT left, it was serviced this year and the all-important cambelt was done in 2016.
Typically here alternatives are suggested, but there doesn't really seem much point in this instance. Unless there's something obvious that's being missed? It's about as fun as front-wheel drive gets, available for the price of ceramic brakes on an M3. If you're still not sure what all the Renaultsport fuss is about - and why some will still not accept the current Clio - then now looks like a brilliant time to find out!
RENAULTSPORT CLIO 200 CUP
Engine: 1,998cc, four-cylinder
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 200@7,100rpm
Torque (lb ft): 159@5,400rpm
MPG: 34.4 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 195g/km
Recorded mileage: 76,000 miles
Year registered: 2010
Price new: £16,750
Price now: £5,650
See the original advert here.
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