Faults:

The car has been superb, no problems so far touch wood. But with a three year manufacturer's warranty, there is nothing to worry about if something did go wrong with the car.

The door badges should be in silver as to distinguish it more from standard models, as the only noticable difference between the engine sizes on the outside is the door badges.

General Comments:

The 1.6 16V Clio is quick, it's very comfortable, its got just about every extra I can think of as standard and it's reliable.

It has:

- Electric windows, mirrors, sunroof

- R.a.i.d. (Renault anti intrusion device)

- Smart window wipers

- Digital petrol temperature gauge

- Trip computer

- Climate control

The car is just a general good round little car to own. I would recommend this model to anyone who wants a sporty little car who wants comfort and quality, and it still manages 36 mpg.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing.

General Comments:

Purchased the car in May 2004 and I haven't wanted to stop driving it since.

Excellent performance, it really can get up to a good speed without any real effort.

It's a car full of extras with light and rain sensitive wipers/lights, cd player with great sound, sports seats and alloy wheels.

The car has a real sporty look and raises eyebrows when you drive past.

The unique radiator and front fogs make it a dream.

Faults:

Main Headlight blows fuse after approx. 10 minutes of engine running. Main Beam lighting relay failed at new.

General Comments:

The car performs reasonably well, not as well as the top Imprezas or Evo's, but as the reports say you'd have to be driving a Murcielago to turn more heads. The car has certain shortcomings compared to my previous cars Imprezas and an Audi TT, although makes up for these with a tremendous (engine) sound-track and all-round presence. Only seen one other on the road too so at circa £27,000 exclusivity comes at a reasonable price.

Faults:

The automatic headlights would come on regardless of whether it is day or night, which is annoying because they are very bright Xenon lights. This was fixed by the dealer at the 1000km post-run-in oil change.

The hazard light switch gets stuck in either the on or off position. I plan to address this issue at the 5000km service.

The leather wrapping on the gear shift knob is already changing colors (from black to gray).

General Comments:

In terms of the very reasonable USD $15,890.00 I paid for this car, I think I am in possession of the best performance buy in this price range.

Generally speaking, I pull far ahead of other traffic from traffic lights without even breaking a sweat.

Handling is very good and predictable, with great response from the steering and awesome grip from the Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Torque steer is minimal.

Brakes are probably the best I have ever used (and I have driven some serious performance cars before). They were a bit touchy when the car was still new, but after a few miles they become more linear.

The suspension is on the stiff side, so you do feel every little bump and hole in the road. Also, due to the relatively low ground clearance, the car bottoms out rather easily, so you have to be very careful over speed bumps.

The standard equipment list is very long, with leather/alcantra seats, 6-CD Alpine CD changer, Xenon lights, front and side airbags for front passengers, 5 adjustable head rests (with the fronts being adjustable for both height and angle), five 3-point seat belts, automatic air conditioning (which works very well against the typical 40C+ temperatures we have here in Qatar), power mirrors, remote control for key-less entry, alloy wheels with 195/50R15 V-rated tires, Anti lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, assisted by an electronic stability program that can be switched off, etc.

Long distance cruises are always nice in this car. However, driving in crowded city streets is a different story, mainly due to the stiff clutch that engages rather quickly, so smooth bumper to bumper driving is really difficult.

Engine sound is smooth and deep when driving gently, and turns into an angry, loud growl beyond 4,000RPM, with the most beautiful and musical sounds right around 5,000RPM, however it turns a bit abnoxious past 6,000RPM.

The gear shift is easy to use. In fact, I have never missed a gear so far. However the throws are too long for a sporty car, and the action is a bit too rubbery (drive a Honda then drive a VW and you'll know what I am talking about).

I have driven this car with 4 passengers with me. The front passenger is naturally the king of the hill, with very decent comfort levels, however the three in the back where a bit squeezed. Realistically speaking, the back seat is too tight for anyone taller than 5'7" (170cm), because taller people will hit their heads against the roof over bumps.

In terms of performance at the limits (let's say near the limits, because I have not yet reached the limits of this car, which is probably a good thing) as very confidence inspiring. You will be having 325's, A3/A4's and many other cars for lunch, and you will keep up with a 530 if it has manual transmission (up to about 120km/hr) and you will pull ahead of a 530 with automatic. You need to look very hard to see a car that's faster than you or can handle better. Mini type S cannot keep up with me, nor can a 206GTI (typical competitors).