2001 Renault Clio Si DTi 1.9 turbo diesel

Summary:

An economical pocket rocket

Faults:

On the first day I drove the car, the windscreen was chipped by a flying stone.

The plastic engine cover comes loose every 4,000 miles.

The front tyres need replacing at only 10,000 miles, but that may be a reflection of my driving and the roads I drive on.

General Comments:

450 miles to £30 of fuel! Yes, 450 miles!

Comfortable ride.

Excellent handling.

Looks are gorgeous.

I am looking at getting the petrol version because I am so pleased with the diesel version.

0-60 in less time than most.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th June, 2001

2001 Renault Clio Sport 172 2.0

Summary:

Extreme performance for the money, but watch the dealers

Faults:

The first new Renault Sport Clio I had delivered in silver had large pieces of fluff in the paintwork all down the right hand side and silver spray on the dashboard. Renault attempted to affect a repair, but after four weeks of lame excuses I eventually contacted Renault UK customer services who agreed to replace the car.

New car in black - gear change indicator didn't work.

Drivers seat started to wear very badly by 300 miles.

Drivers side airbag deployed in traffic for no reason at about 15mph.

Outside air temperature gauge gave readings of 30 degrees C on cold days.

Paint peeled from the front bumper in large sheets whilst being jet-washed.

General Comments:

Car handles very well and on a recent trip up to North Wales I was extremely impressed by both the economy and the performance.

Dealer network leaves a huge amount to be desired. Currently my car has been off the road for four weeks awaiting parts following an airbag deployment.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th June, 2001

4th Jul 2001, 09:48

Renault are not renowned for build quality on smaller cars. Squeaking interiors, poor panel fit, adjoining plastics rubbing and shrieking down bumpy roads.

As for "Paint peeled from the front bumper in large sheets whilst being jet-washed" -- that really brought back memories. I had a similar experience with a Renault 5 many years ago.

Quite frankly, you grow out of Renault... one day it just clicks that they can make engines and suspension, but not the rest of the car that goes around them. Avoid.

4th Oct 2001, 02:51

I should be driving my new 172 now, but my dealer has said it'll be delayed for 7-10 days, due to "paint problems" spotted on delivery to the Renault Import Centre at Teesport. Thanks for your review.. I'll be going over the car with a fine toothed comb when I take delivery.

26th Dec 2002, 06:13

I bought my new Clio in June this year. It is a 1.6 16V dynamique+ 51 reg. I have had so much problems with Renault that I am worried about taking my car back to ANY Renault dealership.

My external thermometer is also giving very strange readings. After scraping frost of my car at 5am in the morning it was giving temperatures of 40C! I do not want the garage breaking anything else on the car so I am not taking the car to get fixed. Service should not be like this.

I have put a review under the Clio 2001 section if you are interested in my older problems with the car.

I shall never buy another Renault again. This is a shame cause my car is fun to drive.

Hope all goes well in the future.

Kelly.

2001 Renault Clio Grande 1.2

Summary:

Excellent little car - seats a bit uncomfortable

Faults:

Nothing (yet).

General Comments:

Had a few problems when purchasing the car. I got the car from a dealership in Scotland as it was cheaper than down south. I booked flights to go and collect the car on the date the dealer promised the car would be delivered. The dealer was good in that they made regular contact to let me know what was happening with regard to delivery - and then the snow came and the car was not delivered on time.

I was then out of pocket for the flights. I contacted Renault UK, I was not getting any sympathy from the local dealer - Renault UK were excellent and gave me a full refund on the flight costs. Very impressed with the service I received.

Did have some issues with the free insurance. I was told that they could not put my fiancee on as she was on a provisional license. After being told around twenty different things - I finally spoke with someone who knew what they were talking about and she was put on.

The car itself has been excellent, the seats are a little uncomfortable for longer journeys - but it is fine on the motorway and is happy giving the Mondeos a run for their money! Very economical and I am very happy with it.

No problems so far (touch wood!)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st April, 2001

17th May 2001, 11:13

No way the seats are so comfortable I'm 6'4" and I drive around 60 - 70 miles a day. My last car was an escort and I was crippled after every journey: (

I find it very economical as well and Renault UK is top notch if you have a problem and the dealer can't sort it they always seem to stump up the cash.

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