Skip advert
Advertisement
Long term tests

Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup

A downchange mis-revved interface temporarily forced the Cup off the road. Thankfully it's back now, and better than ever

Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup

I love my Clio. It’s a blast on every type of journey, but shines brightest on my mostly rural commute into work each day. I can’t remember the last time I took the short, straight route in.

Or rather I couldn’t until I had to press my trusty Puma 1.7 back into service recently. The reason? While compiling the Clio v Ibiza twin test you can read elsewhere online, esteemed motoring ed John Barker broke the Cup. An uncharacteristic cocked-up downchange saw the gearbox forced from fourth to first, a knobbled clutch and various vital fluids leaking out underneath.

Advertisement - Article continues below

After spending a few weeks at Renault being mended, the Cup’s back and as good as ever, but I’ve sorely missed it. ‘If it’s any consolation I was busy setting a blinding lap,’ said John. Yep, JB, thanks a lot.

Running Costs

Date acquiredSeptember 2009
Total mileage5854
Costs this month£0
Mileage this month1594
MPG this month29.1
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The Peugeot 208 GTi is back: we've had a first look at the new £35k hot hatch
Peugeot 208 GTi
News

The Peugeot 208 GTi is back: we've had a first look at the new £35k hot hatch

Peugeot’s new electric hot hatch has been shown at the 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours, and UK pricing has come with it. Here are all the details
16 Jun 2026
New Maserati GranTurismo revealed – GT car updated to face Aston Martin DB12 S and Ferrari Amalfi
Maserati GranTurismo front
News

New Maserati GranTurismo revealed – GT car updated to face Aston Martin DB12 S and Ferrari Amalfi

Maserati’s iconic grand tourer launched in 2022 and is getting a nip and tuck three years on, with more power, a tweaked face and an off-road mode
18 Jun 2026
Why the ‘experts’ are completely wrong about buying a second-hand car
Used Bentley
Opinion

Why the ‘experts’ are completely wrong about buying a second-hand car

Navigating the absurd world of used car ads makes buying new seem sane, reckons Porter
12 Jun 2026