Faults:

This was a hire car picked up at Gatwick Airport for 4 days.

There were no obvious defects when I got the car, nothing went wrong with it, and there were no noticeable rattles or squeaks.

General Comments:

The car was a base model, but had a pleasant interior trim and control layout. Driving position was comfortable, but there looked to be very little leg room for back seat passengers.

The car handled well in congested London traffic. Odd minor points - the rear view mirror gave a wide view, but distorted the shape of vehicles - they looked squashed and wide, like one of the funny fairground distorting mirrors. I also found it difficult to get the key in the ignition - sometimes I had to open the door and look to see where it went - it is not a problem I have come across before and presumably an owner would get used to it.

The car feels rather smaller than some of the competition such as the Fiat Punto, Ford Ka/Fiesta, VW Polo, Vauxhall Corsa.

Faults:

Headlamp not fitted correctly when new. Beam was very low and effectively useless, simple manufacturing fault of an essential component. But could they fix it first time?

Both shock absorbers failed at about 3000 miles (replaced under warranty)

Persistent rattling from steering column - out with the ability of the dealerships to sort.

General Comments:

I have serious concerns about the build quality of this vehicle and similar doubts about the competency of the dealers who are apparently trained to service the vehicle.

The handling is good along with good brakes and gearchange, but this is outweighed by the rattles and cheap build.

The performance in terms of speed is OK, but the engine is a bit gutless in the midrange.

At the end of the day this car is spoiled by the build quality and the dealers. I am sick to the back teeth of them and won't be getting them to service the vehicle.

Faults:

Passenger seat rattles when unoccupied and the dealer has failed to resolve it on their first attempt, but they will have another chance soon.

General Comments:

The Car is very quick in comparison to my last 1.2 eight valve Clio and the handling is now quite brilliant.

Faults:

The passenger seat runners have just been replaced.

General Comments:

Absolutely mental vehicle! Handles/out performs anything else I've ever driven.

Have to give the car back in 1yr 8mths and 17 days and I don't want to.!!!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The Clio V6 is more rare than a Ferrari, not to say that I am comparing the two in any sort of ways... That would be plain silly. My point is that the Clio V6 is a purebred monster, an intended mutant from Renaults secret labs. Brilliant. It may not be able to outrun an EVO or a Subby, nor can it outpace a well driven younger cousin Clio 172 Cup on a race track, but boy has it got the attitude of a proper sports car. The very look of it will make the spotty teens in their 8v Nova tremble in their knees. Brill!