Had my Clio 172 Test Drive

[CocoPops]

Took the wife and had a test drive of the Clio 172.

The car we tried had done 10,200miles, so was nicely run in and ready to go.

First Impressions:
Comfy Seats (even the wife agreed)
Very quiet (I was expecting rattles/road noise)
Very nippy

Overall, I was most impressed. The wife was too, and she's harder to please with a car

I was able to drive the car on a variety of roads, so got to see it in traffic and on a dual carriage way.

Engine
Pick up was responsive, especially after 5,000 revs when the VVT kicks in. Got a nice subtle growl to it.
The clutch bite point was very high, which made it a little hard work to start with, but thats like any new car you drive I guess.

Exterior
On the exterior, the body has clean lines, almost bland. Which for a pocket rocket is just what is needed. People only see what they want to see, and to most people it looks like a little town runabout. The exhaust is hidden nicely below the bumper, which keeps the subtle lines across the rear of the car as well.

Interior
Seats were comfortable, held you in place nicely. Got the wife to sit in the back as well, just to see if there was enough room for the rare occasion when we have rear passengers etc.
The Leather/Alcantara combination gives the car a nice sporty yet comfortable look.
I was expecting a harsher ride and more rattles/creaks than there was, I guess I had the wrong impressions about a hot hatch.

So.... where now?
I've called the bank, asking for a new loan to cover the difference between my car and the new car.
Awaiting a decision, then once it's been agreed, it's off to find the right car to buy.

Currently the options I have are:-
My car + 3,900 for the Clio above, 02plate 10,200miles (Total Price 11,500)
My Car + 4,250 for a brand new 53 plate Clio Sport from Trade Sales in Slough (Total Price 11,500)

Fingers crossed the bank likes me and decides it'd be a good move giving me the loan.

[TomWilko]

Go for the new one, would be great to have it 'un-abused' Glad you liked it, i like the exterior look but i think it may be a few years before i am earning anywhere enought to be able to afford one of them

[Shad]

Yup absolutely, if you can get a new one for the same money as a used one, go for it

[3Dfx]

standard 172? or cup version with the lower suspension and its a faster car cos its lighter

[CocoPops]

The standard 172.
The Cup is indeed faster, but not enough for me to loose the nice stuff that the 172 has. 172Cup 6.6 vs 6.9 for the 172

[3Dfx]

I thought it was

172 Cup - 6.8
172 - 7.2

... either way... yeah its nice to have ABS and air con etc... the Cup is a bit to "naked" for my tastes. ... Id still have one tho LOL!

[CocoPops]

Mr Pedantic strikes again, who cares what the exact figures are when it's less than 0.5 second in it!!!

Either way the "standard" 172 is quick enough for me.

[3Dfx]

Mr Pedantic strikes again,

dont wanna "mis-inform" anyone... gotta speak the facts not opinions... lol... heh heh ... joke...