Want A Cheap Alternative To The New Renault Clio RS? Make It A 172

We bloody love hot hatchbacks. Not just here at CT Towers, but the whole of the UK is rather fond of dropping a big, powerful engine into a shopping car and seeing what happens.

As we're often told, the UK is market numero un for Renaultsport hot hatchbacks. It seems not even France itself can top our love for the country's best export (we're quite fond of other French exports too, but we're pretty sure the French still drink more wine and scoff more Camembert than we do).

The latest delicacy to hit our tables is the Renaultsport Clio RS 200 Turbo. The name is a mouthful and like the best French cheeses, the vehicle is an acquired taste too. Love or hate-it styling and the sole option of a dual-clutch flappy-paddle gearbox makes it poison to some and palatable perfection to others.

The thing is, at nearly twenty grand it's also out of the reach of many of us. Which is why, in the best tradition of our "GTV for an Alfa 4C" budget suggestion, we're going to remind you of where the Clio 200 gets its DNA - the Clio 172.

Actually, the 200's DNA stretches back even further, through Williams and 16V Clios, past Renault 5 GT Turbos to the Renault 5 Gordini of the 1970s - but the Clio 172 is when Renault hot hatches really became giant-killing.

These days it looks a little tame next to the best hot hatchbacks - in terms of styling, at least. It gets a more aggressive front bumper design than other Clios of the age (apart from the mental V6, of course), and subtly lower side skirts and rear bumper. There's also a set of natty OZ alloy wheels, which now seem tiny at only 15 inches in diameter.

The inside saw only subtle changes too, mostly consisting of some leather and Alcantara perches, a suede-finished steering wheel (most of which are looking a bit scabby now), a set of alloy pedals and an alloy gearknob.

It'll still show some modern offerings a clean pair of heels on the road though: A near-140 mph top speed and a 0-60 dash of just 7 seconds should pique your attention. You can thank its light weight for that, and for the semi-reasonable 34 mpg average economy.

It's fast then, but with that Renaultsport expertise, it's a cracking handler too. Not for no reason did these things have their own BTCC-supporting series. The Clio 172 must be getting on for the most fun you can have for the money these days.

So with prices starting from a measly grand, what do you have to look for in a 172?

First and foremost, check the car's history. It's a hot hatchback, and has been driven by the sort of people who drive hot hatchbacks. Its chances of being launched into a field are higher than most, and a history check will reveal if it's been a write-off at any stage.

That aside, the next tip is to buy on condition. Spend as much as you can afford to find a car with as good an interior and exterior as possible. A full service history is very much recommended, and a nice file of receipts will show you the owner doesn't try and scrimp on the important stuff. Tyres are a good clue here - make sure it's wearing a set of boots you've heard of. And check all the undercarriage - it's a hot hatch (again), so brakes and suspension will have taken a pounding.

Clio 172 (Photo: James 5D MK2 on Flickr)

Other than that, Clios are magnets for niggly issues. Cracked coil springs, timing belt failures, electrical SNAFUs and build quality issues can all occur.

The best news is that there are plenty to choose from, 'cos Renault sold thousands of the things. And the choice doesn't stop there - Exclusive edition models, phase 2 facelifted cars, Cups, Trophys and more are all available, depending on budget.

So what are you waiting for? You might as well get a 172 while you're saving up for that 200...