Which Renault Clio to purchase?

Question

I hate my Nissan Micra and Im thinking of purchasing a Renault Clio (the new ones).
But which model should I purchase?
Also Ive been told its a girls car.
ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS?

Answer 1

Do you really care if people say the clio is a girls car? That is probably the worst thing they can say and if they say something like that they probably aren't very well informed about cars/clios.

The clio has been regarded as one of the best hot hatches for years. Many motoring magazines rate the clio both old and new. I have seen many articles where Clios have been pitted against cars in a much higher category and have actually bettered them or at least proved themselves. One article was where a Clio 182 Trophy. was driven alongside a BMW M6 series ( the newish 200mph version ) on a twisty alpine road and kept up apart from the longer straights. In another article racing greats were asked which cars they would like in their million dollar garage and about 8 out of 12 mentioned a clio!! )

I used to have an MG ZR160 but following lots of problems I changed to a Clio 172, it would eat the ZR for breakfast as it would the 2.0 GTI I had before that. What other small hatch can boast a 0-60mph time of less than 7.0 seconds - and top speed of over 140 mph there aren't many - the Renault Megane, Honda Civic and Vauxhall Asta GSI/VXR can, but they are quite a bit more expensive.

I drive country roads on a daily basis, people have tried to race me in cars which are more than twice the price and ended up with egg on their faces as this small, value for money clio, not only keeps up but then overtakes them!

My opinion is you should get a clio 182, you can pick them up at great prices now the 197 is out. You get xenon lights ( people always flash me thinking I haven't dipped my headlights then get dazzled as I give them a quick flash back ) they are the brightest white/blue lights I have seen on any car they visibility is very clear. You get cruise control as standard, turn offable traction control and anti skid, but, you can tend to feel the edge of the cars grip pretty well to avoid this from kicking in. I can get 45 mpg fuel efficiency out of my car ( when I try ) study the car guides and similar 2.0 cars will only get around 35 mpg max. The buckets seats are excellent.

The information in the following link may be of interest

http://www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_95644.html

I think the 197 is a nice car and was very interested when it came out. The concensus is that it is even better handling than previous clios, but not as fun to drive. One thing I didn't like about the 197 compared with 182/172 was even though it has 197 horsepower and 6 gears, the top speed was 10 mph slower than the previous models, also since it is heavier, the fuel economy is more similar to other 2.0 cars. Depending on what you want your car for these drawbacks may not make any difference for your needs.

If I personally had the money and was thinking about getting another car ( but I'm happy with my 172 for now ) I would love a Vauxhall Astra VXR, they look mean, can top 150 mph and have quite a good insurance group for the performance.

Pick out the cars you like then test drive them so you will be able to see and feel what they are like, then you will be able to make a better and easier decision

Following link shows the capability of the clio around a the same track compared with other performance cars. Value for money wise the Clio can't really be beaten!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Gear_Power_Lap_Times#Power_Laps

Answer 2

Well, a Clio is worth it's price. In my country, the latest model is Clio 3. A girl's car?... I don't think so....it's pretty much unisex, for that matter. And I've seen a lot of guys driving one and being very proud of it.
You should try to get as big an engine as you can on the car... a 2.0l one, if it's available... Also, depending on what kind of driver you are you have to choose between diesel engine and gas engine. Remember though, that diesel engines have to be serviced more often than gas engines (I'm a Renault Megane and Laguna owner, I know). Also, if you get the diesel version, you'll have the opportunity to later add a turbine from a tuning shop and boost power - let them call it a girls car now!
Renault are good value cars and they won't let you down. Buy with trust. I've had my Megane 5 years now and I wouldn't sell it for the world.

Answer 3

I know some one with the previous later shape, they say it's a good car but lacks in build quality very good lucking as frence cars to make pretty cars. I would buy one if i did not have much money, if you want my advise i would get a v.w. polo or lupo pugs are good too the diesels that the France make are robust!
Go for something cheap economical and low insurance the Clio's are not cheap! the unpopular cars with high cap ratings are the best to insure. Clio's i understand only have a cap rating of 3 (poor).

Answer 4

I have an old style clio 1.5 dci and its an excellent car, 90000+ miles and 60 mpg. I borrowed a new 1.4 clio last week and it is even better, very smooth and good to drive although the fuel consumption at 30 mpg was not so good. I would go for the 1.5 dci 86 bhp

Answer 5

do some research on www.parkers.co.uk and if you decide take a look at car select from lloyds tsb i bought a new renault megane cabriolet off them and had 5k off the price .its not imported either and full uk spec and warranty .
good luck

Answer 6

its no girls car ..but it is a good car ..especially the latest version .. they all out perform most of their rivals ..and are at a par with the golf ..for economy of coarse the diesel ..but its got bags of performance.. and the 197Clio will scare the pants off ya .. if you want reasonable performance with good economy try the 1400 version

Answer 7

Buy the one with a 2.0i engine

Answer 8

get a mans car.
clio?? its a lesbians car

Answer 9

GET A POLO!