Conference terri::cars_uk

    
    I don't know about the Clio (my old 5 was good), but have you
    considered any alternatives? The FIAT Uno seems remarkably reliable 
    (I saw a report on one which had done 130,000 miles in one of the
    weekly magazines this week) and FIAT dealers will accept a very good
    deal (for you!).
    
    When I looked at Clios recently I was a bit disappointed by the build 
    (it didn't look any better than my 5), but I haven't driven one.
    However, all reports suggest they're pretty good little cars.
    
    Mark 

    Thanks for your input Mark, I had a Fiat uno briefly - great engine but
    at that time the body used to rust real quick, so I got shot of it and
    went back to a renault.
    
    Any other views pls....
    
    Vic
    
     

I've driven a few different models as hire cars.

The smaller engined ones drive very much like the R5 ... probably due to
similar mechanicals. The 1.4 is a much nicer car all together if you need
to get somewhere in a bit of a hurry. Infact, the up-market models have
a much nicer 'look' as well, probably due to the wider wheels.

My only negatives are the shape of the rear door (a matter of taste, but
in my oppion, it was designed as an afterthought ...), and the heated rear
screen which meanders around the screen and is a real distraction when using
the rear-view mirror.

Apart from that they are confortable, well built, and appear to be reliable.

    We recently bought a new Clio 1.4 RT.
    
    It's my wife's car so I only get to drive it occasionally.  I normally
    drive the Lease Mobile (GSi Cavalier).
    
    IMO, the Clio is a great little car.  It is easy to drive, the gears
    are good, acceleration and top end, for a "town" car is quite
    acceptable, (109 mph).  Road holding is also acceptable, there is a
    little body roll but nothing to get upset about.
    
    "Bells & whistles" ?  Yes ! Remote central locking, fingertip/steering 
    column radio controls, electric windows, sun roof.  We alos have the
    power steering option (this was "negotiated" with dealer because they
    couldn't get the colour we were after).  The 1.2 doesn't offer as many
    extras as standard. 
     
    My advice is to drive one. 
    

    
    I'm not looking to change my little darling of a car just yet,but I've 
    spoken to a guy at Theale Renault and i've fixed up a ride in the RT
    (1.4) one night this week.The main reason for this choice of car is
    that it sits in insurance group 5,unlike my present car which sits in
    group 8-9,and with no NCB this can make a significant difference to a
    young driver such as I.It seems to have reasonable performance figures,
    certainly for a semi-WSC.I also like the look of the car (yes even
    without Nicole!)It has good interior features and they come in nice
    colours.
      To any of you that have been in one on a motorway,is it fairly quiet?
    do you feel secure when accelerating to change lanes on a motorway?and
    my final question does anybody know how much the 16v alloys cost?
    
    		Cheers!
    			Andy
    
    
    		
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    	And a happy new year to all you fellow noters!
            

The car feels pretty good for a small car.

I drove someones' Clio 1.4 to Camberley, and it seemed pretty
good. Certainly not tinny.

Mark.