2002 Renault Clio Sport 172 2.0 16v from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A Honey that Handles!

Faults:

A minor issue with an electrical connection under the front passenger seat (Left side). There is a loose wire (s) in the connector causing the airbag warning lamp to alight.

General Comments:

This car has me smiling every time I drive! I cannot believe just how fantastic a drive it is. I seem to find myself making excuses to go for a drive now or taking the long way home.

The engine is a cracker. It purrs and has even more potential than the car comes with in standard form. I have upgraded mine with a "Powerchip" ECU remap and it makes the honey even sweeter.

The cabin is a really comfy place to be. The seats are not overly plush, but have great support and are comfortable over distance.

The steering is pinpoint accurate and the handling is progressive, sporty and gives you bags of feedback.

It is really a gem and I cannot praise the people at Renault more highly for building a true drivers car without cutting corners. For the money it is a league above the competition IMHO.

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

Review Date: 16th September, 2004

2002 Renault Clio expression plus 1.5 dci turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A great economical small family car

Faults:

Seat back adjusting handle snapped at 300miles

Sun roof (electric) has always rattled

Air bag light sometimes illuminates

Alternator failed at 92000miles.

General Comments:

I use car as driving school car and as such I feel it is ideal.

Running costs are very low. It averages 60mpg on lesson! Service interval is 18000 miles!

Pupils like the car and tend to buy a Clio themselves as 1st car.

Pick dealer carefully, but car is great.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th August, 2004

2002 Renault Clio Sport 2.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Go Kart on speed with style

Faults:

Nothing in particular wrong, rough idle & a few rattles, air bag light service light warning. Most dealers play or are dumb need to find a good one.

General Comments:

The car is great value for money. Drove the others in its class, Pug Gti 180, Corolla sportivo, Ford Focus only the Pug came close. neither of the others have the comfort & quality of the Renault. Look at the list of standard features. great performance for an n/a motor although lacks the turbo rush also doesn't have the lag or high maintenance. Loves to be revved & very responsive all round. great handling superb suspension & tyre package..

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

Review Date: 11th May, 2004

2002 Renault Clio Extreme 1.5 Dci from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Sporty high MPG diesel

Faults:

Clutch destroyed itself at 38000 miles.

Rear washer gave up at 10000.

General Comments:

I am very very pleased with the car, it handles very well, even in the wet it can hold on.

The fuel economy is outstanding, modern diesels kick the teeth of older smoke-belch units. My last car was an Escort 1.8TD LX, I managed about 45MPG in this and it handled like a pig, Clio does 55-70MPG (Depends how heavy foot is).

At the moment i have the 65BHP version but i am now changing that for the new 2004 100BHP version. Extra ooomph but the same or better MPG. 0-60 drop from 15 seconds to about 10. Nice!!!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th February, 2004

2002 Renault Clio DCI 80 BHP 1.5 diesel from Denmark

Summary:

The Economist's choice.

Faults:

Brakes worn out.

Bearings in the front suspension replaced (under warranty)

Clutch replaced (under warranty) after app. 25.000kms.

Gear lever "cloth" replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

Very nice, comfortable and silent car. Compared to a 206 (I've had two of them..) it's a lot more quiet, especially on the motorway.

The diesel economy (I've forgotten the English word..) is quite impressive, returning 5l/100km in everyday driving. Interior quality is also superior to the 206's..

I would definitely go for a Renault again, the diesel being both refined and relatively fast.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st January, 2004

2002 Renault Clio Extreme 1.2 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An absolute nightmare

Faults:

Purchased car - 4th July 2003.

7th July 2003- misfiring and emissions warning light- garage said they changed 3 spark plugs and checked emissions -

August - same fault as above

I was then informed by the service reception that the car came with free AA cover!!

Sept/Oct - not starting - AA called - said faulty starter motor.

Few days later not starting - AA called - said engine needed earthing - garage said they changed a faulty connection on battery area.

28 November - misfiring & electrical fault in dash - AA wiggled some wires under cover (16 V 1.2) & did a diagnostic test which showed faulty throttle sensor they cleared the fault light.

Next day happened again in busy traffic.

General Comments:

The car is good when it works and is not in the garage.

It is very comfortable.

It has known faults.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th December, 2003

29th Dec 2003, 16:44

I think that either you are very unlucky either those mechanics have nothing in common with care. I own a Renault Clio 1.4 16 v live in Bucharest Romania where the roads and gas aren't that good, reached 200KM/h, and generally abused my car an until now it had no fault. at minus 15 degrees Celsius it starts at a quarter of a turn. so change the service company. my opinion. k.

10th Feb 2004, 11:22

I also have a Renault Clio extreme. I didn't have any problems until now. I think you were really unlucky! I have a 1.2 16V engine, but it's amazing such a power from only a 1200 cc engine. Taking corners quick is no problem and the brakes are very good. The seats are comfortable. The Renault service is very good.

My next car is a Renault again!

11th Feb 2004, 03:09

Tend to agree with the above review. I've not had such a bad time as the reviewer, but have experienced LOTS of minor faults. Had the car since June 2002, so far its needed: New sunroof fittings (know fault apparently), total engine re-wiring, new runners for driver's seat, new air-bag sensor and a few (2 or 3) other faults that I can recall. All have been fixed under warranty, but that will run out in a few months so I'm looking for a new car. DEFINITELY won't be a Renault, I get the feeling the car has been thrown together. But like the guy said, when it works its good fun.