Renault Clio Sport 182 Cup 2005 review

It's just the ticket ... or not ... after all, that's the whole point.

So much oomph in Renault's Clio Sport 182 Cup but so few places to use it. Legally, anyway.

There's a whole lot of engine (two-litre, 16-valve) packed into a tiny terrier and it's soooo easy to speed. But set the cruise control to the right mode and all your worries are gone.

Explore the 2005 Renault Clio range

• Renault Clio Sport 182 Cup 2005 review
• Renault Clio 2005 review

The car just won't go over what ever speed you punch in – except in the case of an emergency.

(Can they adapt this gizmo to children?)

The features don't stop there, though ... a "five-speed gear box, ventilated discs up front with ABS, electronic brake distribution and traction control with ESP" (everyone needs a bit of that) top the list.

Translation: Road grip is great, corners are not scary or hairy and if you're travelling up Willunga Hill in fifth gear, you'll still be accelerating.

Now here's one to really grab you (pardon the pun) ... an anti-hijacking precaution. The doors lock automatically when you accelerate away from the kerb.

The Clio Sport may be small but it's big on image and impact. Start with the lowered suspension, twin exhausts, leather seats, drilled alloy pedals and unique "charcoal" finish alloy wheels. Some think they look dirty. I say "gritty" and they add to that "bad boy" image ... even if it's just a little bad boy.

The Clio is perfect for young yuppies with no puppies. Two-door cars, like this one, are not child (or friend) friendly and the lack of windows in the back gives the young guys a perfect opportunity to complain.

Things are pretty squeezy in the back seat and the stiffer sports suspension makes for a harder ride; 14-year-olds don't like bumping their heads on the roof. But with just two people, you're in hot-hatch heaven.

All the effort seems to have been put into the front compartment. It looks great for starters – all black and chrome with leather, and Alcantara trim, a groovy dash and idiot-proof stereo and climate controls.

And these are seats you sit in, not on. And the all-important question? Drink holders?

Those in the front are a bit awkward, tucked in below the centre dash, but the rear side-panel mounted holders, big enough for bottles of water, make up for them.

LOVE IT LEAVE IT

Renault Clio Sport 182 Cup 

LOVE IT
Great size. Easy to park. Wheel-mounted radio controls save searching for small dash buttons. The oh-so-cool wipers with an action mimicking a dance step Michael Jackson would envy.

LEAVE IT
Indicator and wiper controls are hard to see. No windows in the back.