Faults:

Electronics. The dash sometimes acts like a Christmas tree - lights up any warning light it wishes. However, nothing has gone to a complete failure so far. Only minor blinking of the warning lights and improper operation of the tail lights (brake light acts as an indicator, indicator acts like a brake light, and some other similar issues).

General Comments:

The ride is quite soft, so you could call it comfortable if not for the awkward seating position.

The driver ergonomics are quite terrible. The steering wheel is mounted at an angle like of a bus, no reach adjustment, your legs have to be quite bent to properly reach the steering. Also hard to precisely read the gauges, because they again have the same awkward angle.

The steering is blunt, you don't have any idea what the front wheels are doing whatsoever. Especially in slippery winter conditions. This is probably the worst steering I have ever come across in a car.

All the other things are basically the same as you'd expect from a small hatch. The 1.2 SOHC engine is the least powerful, and is good only for moving below speed limits. Forget about fun, overtaking, etc.

If you're interested in buying this generation Clio, just test it thoroughly. Maybe you'll like all the points I've found flaws in, who knows. :)

Faults:

Both rear wheel bearings have needed replacing.

Both front suspension springs have broke.

Replaced hazard light switch.

General Comments:

Having read some of the many problems people have experienced with their Clio's, I think I must be quite lucky so far! I've had many unreliable 'always at the garage' cars in the past, but this isn't one of them.

Having been forced to part-ex my 2 year old Subaru Impreza WRX due to running costs, I thought I would hate this car, but I don't!

I've had this car for over 5 years now, & apart from two wheel bearings & front suspension springs (good old potholes!), I've not had any electrical or mechanical problems at all.

I drive the car quite hard, & it's only been serviced 3 times in total (previous owner at Renault, once independent garage, once myself), it's easy to service even for a novice like me - even changed the cam belt myself! Not taken it to Renault at all, so can't comment on their service.

It's quite a nice car to drive - fairly nippy considering, and handles well in town and on country roads, has enough power for the motorways too. For the economy and cheap running costs, you really can't go wrong.

Fuel economy could be a little better, but it may just be my driving style...

The interiors are not the greatest, but there's still no annoying rattles, & it's quite durable. Front seats are fairly comfortable, but rear legroom could be better though.

Overall, I've been very happy with this car so far!

Faults:

The car stopped in the middle of a busy roundabout, the orange engine light came on, and the car wouldn't move. The car wouldn't start in the mornings either. The problem was intermittent.

I had the diagnostic test, and it showed the crank sensor needed replacing. I have now had it fixed, and the problem has gone.

I have read many reviews re this, and many people going back and forth to garages saying the reader does not show a fault. It is the crank sensor; it cost me 100 quid for the diagnostic, parts and labour at my local garage. Problem solved.

General Comments:

The car is good at road handling.

Nippy.

Good on petrol.

Fits easily into parking spaces.