Renault Clio 2004 Review

There are two models, the Sport and the Sport Cup. The only difference is charcoal coloured alloys, lower ride height and firmer suspension on the Cup, oh, and $2 grand more on the sticker.

Though not in the same performance league as a WRX, the Sport offers possibly more driving excitement because it is such an athletic little beast. You can really drive the thing and be rewarded by its stability, response and feel.

The engine has more wick and is now rated at an impressive 131kW/200Nm output. It's naturally aspirated so when you push the throttle, it goes, no waiting.

And rev, sheeesh, the high compression 2.0-litre twin cam loves to spin and fairly howls near the 7000rpm redline. But there's no real need to go there because it has plenty of pick-up everywhere.

Part of the secret here is size and weight. The Sport is a small car, a three door hatch capable of carrying four. It weighs 1090kg and has an impressive power to weight ratio. The 0-100kmh sprint is a 7.0 second event.

A five speed manual is the only transmission and it is short geared to the point where you might be looking for another cog. But as it stands, the gearing provides excellent acceleration even if the throws between ratios are too long and the stick is too far forward for tallish drivers.

The passage of gases through the engine is aided by twin cams and 16 valves while out the back is a funky looking, wide-spaced dual exhaust.

The thing handles like a slot car especially with the Cup's firm and low suspension. It jiggles a bit but that is a characteristic of hot hatches.

The suspension is Macstruts all round, steering is power assisted rack and pinion. Stability gains have been made on this model by lengthening the wheelbase and widening the track. The wheels are pushed right out to each corner.

This is the sort of car that would be ideally suited to club gymkhanas and even club motor racing events. You just want to get in and enjoy the drive. It drinks premium unleaded but sips lightly most of the time. The 50 litre tank gives a range of about 550km.

I found the flat steering wheel annoying as it forces a straight arm steering position. The sound system is OK even though it has six speakers but the drilled alloy pedals are extremely cool.

Standard equipment is impressive and includes goodies like climate control, automatic xenon head- lights and leather upholstery.

Like all Renaults, the Sport Clio rates highly in crash testing. There are four air bags, electronic stability program and ABS in the safety inventory.