Faults:

Rear Brakes seem to be making a strange rattling noise, even though on the Rolling Road at Renault, they could not find anything wrong, I am not convinced by the Renault technicians report.

General Comments:

Great Car, fast, responsive and not bad to look at

Could do with a bit more power, but overall the Exclusive is the model to go for.

I have No 149 of 172, and am open to serious offers if any one is interested.

Faults:

Clutch plate split and friction pad came off into gear housing.

Gear box replaced.

Following this the gear linkages come loose and been into dealer twice.

Exhaust rattle got worse on car despite telling dealer - exhaust has been replaced.

Front doors heavy and after 7 months now rattle like a tin can.

Front dash begun to rattle and squeak - after only 7 months.

Front door window wound up the window incorrectly on one occasion and window dropped out of passenger door - not damaged, had it put back in.

Front passenger main beam light keeps going out - poor connection despite telling dealer, can't seem to resolve this.

General Comments:

Extremely poor build quality.

Extremely quick car non-the-less.

Expensive to run - the manufacturer recommends the 172 runs on 98 octane fuel.

Getting 34 m.p.g. on average, mainly motorway journeys.

Faults:

Nothing what so ever. Though there is a noise developing at low end strains.

General Comments:

First of all I would like to show my sympathy for those who have had problems with their Clios, but I am please t say that mine has not had 1 single problem. The car is an absolute GEM. I can keep up with most cars on the road with no apparent problem, and it feels definitely more than the 1.2 16v (75 bhp) motor that it has. Creature comfort is very high for the price, which is nice for a change. VW should take a lesson from Renault in HOW TO BE MORE GENEROUS with their products. The CLIO is no doubt a small car, but compair this to a BM Mini, it has ample of space. Overall, it is exceptional for the value and genuine nice little motor. One more addition. As with most other small cars, the foot pedals are small and clumpy... Not the Clio. Its just like a big car has, and even good for Toe & Heeling.

Faults:

Very creaky sunroof handle on bumpy roads. Already been replaced once, and now creaks when open or closed.

Sometimes takes a couple of attempts to start when engine is warm.

Rattling noise from steering column.

Rattling noise from passenger door.

Passenger door lets water in at the bottom.

Seat belt height adjuster squeaked.

Couple of minor paint defects.

General Comments:

I decided to go for the small turbo diesel car, because a 1.5 litre engine, I thought would give me the power I needed. With the diesel economy as well, I was very taken with the car.

My car is the 65bhp version.

This car has great looks (new shape model).

The seats can get uncomfortable. I am 5'10", using the footrest next to the clutch causes backache.

Fairly quick car, although lacks any real power, due to being a diesel. 0-60 is quoted as taking 15 seconds in the documentation, I think it is quicker than this. It's fast off the lights, quicker than a Saxo VTR anyhow.

The interior appears plastic-ish and attracts dust easily. The stereo steering column control is very useful, and a nice feature.

This car comes with electric front windows, ABS, power steering, electric wing mirrors, four airbags, RDS radio/cassette with 6 speakers.

The car handles well enough, but I have heard the Dynamique handles better. It has better suspension and a more sporty look and feel.

Overall, this car is fun and interesting to drive. Very good value for money. I paid 8500 for mine at 3 months old (ex-demonstrator). Well worth it.