Renault Clio RenaultSport 182 2004 Review

RENAULT SPORT CLIO 182
If you thought the first Clio Sport was a breath of fresh air, the Clio 182 builds on all the good times then adds more performance and even crisper handling. The big news is the extra 7kW (124 to 131kW) and the 200Nm torque peak which now arrives at 5250 rpm; down from 5400. It may not be big news in absolute terms but significant enough in a package this small to change the driving experience completely.

A totally redesigned exhaust manifold which feeds into a free-flowing twin outlet exhaust system gives the Clio 182 some real punch at low engine speeds. Where the previous one would be screaming at high revs in second gear to deliver its best on a twisty road, the new one has a real sweet spot in third gear which just gets better as you stoke the fires.

It is just as well that the footprint has been expanded with a wheelbase lengthened by 13mm, the front track widened by 12mm and the rear by 16mm. It generates a wicked stance and you can feel the body hunkering down at each corner with its crisp engine delivering throttle adjustable understeer or oversteer on demand. Leave it to its own devices and it will fly through the corners in a most un-front wheel drive neutral stance. Springs have been stiffened by 10 per cent with improved front end geometry and the rear anti-roll stiffened by 12 per cent. The rear suspension is strengthened which is just as well when you experience the g-forces generated by the new 16-inch Michelin Exalto tyres. The only downside is the noise on coarse sealed surfaces.

CLIO SPORT 182 CUP
It is the Renault Sport Clio 182 Cup that will have you grinning from ear to ear. Front spring rates go up another 20 per cent with matching dampers; rears go up 15 per cent with 10 per cent stiffer dampers, suspension is lowered with revised steering geometry and the front hub carriers have monster bearings. Renault Sport knows that the Cup demands to be driven hard and is taking no chances.

If a Porsche Boxster or BMW M3 can only be a dream, don't despair as the Cup could deliver more thrills within Australian speed limits as a recent drive along part of the Targa Tasmania route demonstrated. It is so small that you can pick the ultimate cornering lines without crossing the centre line. It is fun with a capital F! Renault has even thoughtfully painted the Cup alloys a dark silver to hide the brake dust.

If you have to share your Clio 182 with someone who doesn't understand why the ride must be firmer, the entry model at $32,990 ($1000 less than the previous Sport) is a bargain and a smoother everyday drive.

The Cup's $34,490 sticker includes the Clio 182's $600 metallic paint option at no charge. The remaining $900 covers the Cup's strength and suspension upgrades and must be the best way of spending $900 on the new car market today. And until Renault Australia brings in the front strut brace, get on the net and order one to keep the body fresh and stiff over what will be a long and hard life after you discover the joys of weekend competition.

Click here to read our review on the Renault Sport Megane.