Renault Clio Renaultsport (2009 – 2013) Review

Renault Clio Renaultsport (2009 – 2013) At A Glance

4/5

+One of the best hot hatches around, great handling and poise.

-Very hard ride is uncomfortable, not enjoyable to drive in traffic.

Insurance Groups are between 30–31
On average it achieves 86% of the official MPG figure

Test of 2008 Clio 197 Cup at RenaultSport Clio 197 Cup 2008 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Renault Clio Renaultsport (2009 – 2013)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

86%

Real MPG

24–33 mpg

MPGs submitted

18

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

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Ask Honest John

Cam belt failure - should my local dealer cover the costs?

"The cam belt on my limited edition Clio RenaultSport Gordini has failed, causing catastrophic damage to the engine. The garage have indicated it requires a new engine, with a rough estimate of £7500. Renault say it's not economical to fix the car and have offered me £1000 towards a new car or a used car up to three years old. The cam belt should be changed at six years old/60,000 miles. My car is almost six years old with just under 24,000 miles on the clock. The garage have indicated the cam belt would have been changed at next service. I want to repair my car and I want Renault to cover the costs of the parts. Is this something I can argue the case for, and are either the garage or Renault liable for the failure even though it is out of warranty?"
These are your consumer rights: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/ You could claim that it did not last the stipulated six years. You would have to sue the supplying dealer, not Renault itself. I generally advise belt and waterpump at four years or 60k miles whichever comes first, but failed to take my own advice and changed mine at seven years and 18k miles. Turned out the waterpump was just about to go.
Answered by Honest John

Can you recommend a small, fun 5-door car for urban use?

"I need your help. Over the last 40 years I have driven two or three door cars which moved when the pedal was pressed, apart from the last two years when I have been driving a 5-door 1.0 litre Corsa given to me by my mother-in-law. After two years I have now decided I can get rid of it and buy something else with five doors. I just looked at a Corsa 1.8 SXi which seemed fast at the top end but sluggish round town. I mainly do 'round town', not motorways. I used to have a Clio RenaultSport, which was fun but unreliable, and a 3-door. I only have between £3000 and £4000. Insurance is not a problem nor really is VED. Any suggestions would be appreciated."
Maybe a Skoda Fabia 1.9TDI VRS. They don't have DPFs and they do have four doors.
Answered by Honest John

Thanks for your suggestion regarding our Clio RenaultSport, which was pulling to the left.

"Thank you very much for your simple answer to our longstanding problem with our Clio RenaultSport 200 pulling to the left. As you suggested, we swapped the wheels front to back and immediately solved the problem - a total transformation. It is unfortunate that the dealer and its ‘technical experts’ could not solve the problem in eight months. Thank you again."
My pleasure. Was just a train of thought that sometimes works.
Answered by Honest John

What's causing my RenaultSport Clio to 'kangaroo' under acceleration?

"I bought a Renaultsport Clio 200 brand new two months ago and am experiencing issues with acceleration, particularly from cold starts. On six or seven occasions the car seems to "kangaroo" within five mins of being started and driven. This seems to occur at low revs when pulling away from junctions. On reporting it to the garage, they suggested it was a common fault and the fix was to idle the car for 2-3 mins from start. I do not think that in this day and age this is an acceptable solution for an otherwise very good car. Any advice welcomed."
The car does develop a lot of power and fuel will be critical. You can't run it on rubbish 95Ron. You need Super, preferably Shell V-Power 99 Ron.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Renault Clio Renaultsport (2009 – 2013) cost?