Renault Clio 2005 review

The Renault Sport Clio is one of the surprisingly capable entrants in the performance market that is set to rejuvenate the hot-hatch title.

It, together with its turbocharged Megane 225 sister, will mount a strong challenge against traditional sports-oriented rivals from Japan.

Despite the Clio's benign appearance, the injection of a bigger 124kW 2-litre engine – up from 72kW 1.4-litres – is sufficient to make it quick off the mark.

But that's only half the story.

All that power driving through the front wheels theoretically makes this a handful through the bends and on wet roads. Not so Thanks to excellent suspension design, a rigid body, grippy tyres and a light weight of 1035kg, the Clio is an extremely quick machine through the corners.

It also boasts strong brakes and pin-sharp steering – all the hallmarks of a hot hatch – and is a delight to drive in the city.

But it's not what I'd call cheap. At $32,990 it's getting up there in price, even though it comes with electric windows, airconditioning, alloys, ABS and other good gear.

I guess you'd also have to be something of a fan of European cars because they tend to require a dedicated owner who can put up with the odd foible. The same applies to big sister Megane 225.

This is also a product of Renault's performance arm, Renault Sport, and is aimed at the serious driver who wants something a bit different.

Based on the standard Megane sedan, the 225 – which indicates its horsepower and equates to 165kW – comes with a host of go-faster mods and superb handling in the same vein as the Clio.

Unlike the standard Megane range, the 225 is made at Renault Sport Technologies' factory in Dieppe, which gives an indication to how serious Renault is about producing a capable machine.

Above the normal Megane five-door, the hot version gets as standard fare a bigger front air-intake, a wider stance, lower suspension, twin exhausts, Brembo brakes and 17-inch alloys.

Inside are leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, alloy pedals and orange seatbelts. The Clio comes with silver belts.

The car also gets climate-control airconditioning, electric everything, six airbags, stability control and cruise control – in fact, it's dressed up as an executive express.

It's also not inexpensive at $42,990, though its pretty much on par with the Subaru WRX – except for the all-wheel-drive – in price and power.

It will run hard to 100km/h in a 6.5 second time – and that's pretty quick for a big family hatch.

The 225 is also a very flexible machine thanks to strong low-speed torque, which also makes it a doddle in the city.

Both these Renaults are definitely worth a closer look.