RENAULT CLIO

Description

The Clio is a super mini and It was launched in 1990, It is now in its fourth generation. The first generation Williams and 16S are now sort after cars, the Williams in particular. Mk2 sport versions which include the 172/182 and Cup, are still pretty cheap except the Trophy version of which only 500 were produced.
It was fitted with a 2.0 litre engine producing either 172 or 182bhp with a 0-60 time of roughly 7 seconds.

Renault Sport 172 examples on ebay: August 2016
DU02MBK 172, 2002 reg, 101k miles £900
BV03XOZ 172, 2003 reg, 90k miles £1200
NA02LJO 172, 2002 reg, 60k miles £1500

Headline stats

Maximum # of Registrations = 733632
Latest # of Registrations = 533955

Links

[Buyers Guide] 172's for sale (Oct 2016) 
[Reviews] Clio 172 test drive 

Our Verdict

Just had my first drive in a Renault Clio 172 and I have to say I was mightily impressed with it. The one I drove had 97k miles on it but you would never have guessed that without taking a peek at the mileometer, and was a testament to the fact that if looked after a car it will reward you with many miles of faithful service (even if its French). In fact it made we wonder if the French car industry isn't been lumped with a bit of an unfair image, especially when I compare the Clio to a Focus ST170 with similar miles that I drove recently. It felt worn out and near the end of its time on this planet, though I guess it could have lead a much harder life than the Clio.

The Clio drove like an example with only half the miles and it had lost none of its eagerness to throw itself into the corners or go charging off down the road like a Jack Russell that has spooted a cat. I had a great 30 minutes driving it and was even pondering whether to buy one, that one actually!

As regards its future classic status, well the sporty versions of the Mk1 are proving pretty collectable now, particularly the Williams. Mk2's though are still waiting their turn with the exception to the 182 Trophy. Cup versions are on the cusp of beginning to appreciate right now (in my opinion)
As for the 172's, well at the moment they are amazingly cheap, the one I drove was for sale and was struggling to get much over a grand. So if your into getting yourself a future classic but don't have much money then I would thoroughly recommend a 172.

I hope to have a full driving review and a video uploaded here very soon.

Prices:
A good 172 with average miles should be yours for about £1100, Cup versions will set you back more like £2000 and a 182 Cup a couple of hundred more. (july 2016)
Any example with low miles (50k) will probably attract a 100% premium.

Future Classics Rating