AJ Thompson

The Renaultsport Clio, the car that has been used as a benchmark in the hot hatch industry for almost 20 years. It all started in 1993 when the Renault Clio Williams was introduced. It put every face of hot hatch manufacturers sad, confused, and ashamed. As time flies by, other manufacturers have put their heads and started to bring the French some competition. In the mid-90s, cars such as the Civic Si and the MG ZR gave some heat to Renault.

The 182 completely changed my perspective. I always thought that hatchbacks (especially French) are not that good, it’s just a shrinked SUV on a sedan platform. French cars were overrated in my eyes then. I never had the chance to drive a Clio before because I lived in the USA, the land of the free, the place where you can’t even get a Renault. Any Renaults. When I first got this, I was quite disappointed. I went from a 540i to an S2000 and then this? I went from a RWD roadster sports car and then I drive a hatchback that is flimsy, plastic-y, and has an awful build quality?