Renaultsport Clio 182
THE Clio 182 followed the 172, the number outlining a small hike in power from the characterful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. But it wasn’t just the big-engine-in-a-tiny-car feel that made the Renaultsport Clio (both the 172 and 182 editions) so great; the chassis was the best part of the package.
While the 182 gained a few kilos over the 172, both models felt light and agile, with a tenaciously grippy front axle that meant the Clio locked onto your chosen line. You could also introduce a little bit of fun by lifting off the throttle mid-corner to bring the short-wheelbase Clio’s adjustability into play.
By today’s standards the driving position feels like you’re in a van, but in a world of modern, turbo hot hatches, the naturally aspirated engine is a joy to rev. Free from some of the passive and active safety aids we’re used to in 2023, the 182 feels like a classic, even though it was only in 2004 that it roared on to our roads.
The 172/182 line culminated in the awesome Trophy, with just 500 examples of that version coming to the UK.
SEAN’S PICK Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy, 55/2005, 97k miles, £10,995
THE 182 Trophy has a special place in my heart. My brother owned one for a while and I had plenty of opportunities to get behind the wheel. A few choice modifications, including a mildly upgraded exhaust and tweaking of the impressive Sachs dampers to make them adjustable, unlocked even more character from a car already brimming with personality. A drive up the A686 Hartside pass in Cumbria will always stick in my mind.
Given the Trophy’s limited production run, values are now strong, but £11k will buy you a car just the right side of 100,000 miles. Make sure the maintenance schedule has been adhered to – particularly the cambelt, dephaser pulley and water pump – and you’ll be buying one of the best-ever hot hatchbacks.
Citroen AX GT
DRIVE an AX GT today and you’ll be struck by lightening. When even something like the up! GTI has a kerbweight of around a tonne, it’s amazing to get behind the wheel of a proper car with a kerbweight of well over 200kg less.
That’s the secret of this particular pocket rocket’s success. With so few kilos to haul along, not only was there was no need for a big, powerful engine, it also made for a hatch that was wonderfully light on its feet.
By modern standards, the GT’s 1.4-litre engine and 85bhp look positively tiny, but they provided heavyweight entertainment in this featherweight package. True, the GT wasn’t that fast against the clock, but wring its neck down a B-road and it was wonderful – proof that engagement and a nimble chassis trump outright performance for any proper petrolhead. And I should know – I
