Random test drive of the week.

[Flibster]

Got a go in a Mark 1 Clio V6. :D

I've driven the later versions, the tamer versions or so they're called.

Well, it really IS as scary as it's reputation. Great fun though. Even driving it at normal speeds round the local back roads caused the arse end to twitch a couple time.

Engine is great. Driving precision is great. Noise *with a sports exhaust* is fantastic.

So... would I buy one?

No.

Great car, but not for me. It's too silly for a everyday car and not even I can justify 10k on a 6 year old clio.

Would love to borrow one for a trackday though.

Simon/~Flibster

[Will]

I've always loved them. But for the package I wasn't blown away by the performance figures on paper - I'm sure in reality they reflect a lot more fairly to the car's ability. Shame they are that much more twitchy - what's the mk2 like in comparison, you said tamer - how much more?

Still a head turner in my opinion - it is so very very different to all the others on the road.

[Flibster]

I've always loved them. But for the package I wasn't blown away by the performance figures on paper - I'm sure in reality they reflect a lot more fairly to the car's ability. Shame they are that much more twitchy - what's the mk2 like in comparison, you said tamer - how much more?

Still a head turner in my opinion - it is so very very different to all the others on the road.

On paper they don't seem that quick, then once you drive one you realise that it is genuinely fast. As it's mid engined its weight balance is pretty damn good.

I'd say point to point it's probably up there with a M3, RX8 that kind of vehicle. If you're brave enough that is.

The Mk2 is a lot less nervous. It's less twitchy than the Mk1, you could throw it into corners with a lot of confidence that it wouldn't suddenly let go. I doesn't give you much warning about when it is going to go, but is easier to catch when it does. Unlike the Mk1 - which was a bit like a TVR. Will jump at the sight of a pebble across the other side of a field. ;)

It's a little softer, but suffers very little for it. Makes it a bit comfier around town in fact. Still wouldn't buy one.

Oh..and they look so sexy in black. :D

Simon/~Flibster