Is The Renault Sport Clio 182 Really THAT Good? 

Did it break down on the way back?

Thankfully not😅

Your wrap looks awesome mate

Gareth Littlewood fine choice sir. And thanks for sharing your toys!

Nice car, enjoyed the vid. Now, that steering feel. Checked the tyre pressures? The rack? The shocks? Alignment etc? What tyres are you using upfront?

Cheers man!

Good call on the wrap I say!

@@JayEmmOnCars with your taste in shirts !

Ooolomm mk

Yeah I’d agree on the steering, I’m no clio fanboy but the steering on mine is one thing that baffles me as to how it’s so good (given the basic nature of the chassis) I was given mine as payment for a job, intent was to sell it... years later I still have it! It’s not really worth selling (why are they so cheap when everyone loves them and they make good track cars?) It drives so well & I’ve grown to love it.

@@mr.airgun6921 I bought my first one to nip about in after I blew up a Brabus. Was only supposed to keep it for a few months but regretted selling it afterwards! Ended up buying a Trophy which I've been lightly modifying for the last few years. As for their low price, I think for a lot of people Clios just aren't cool and never will be. I have to admit I was one of them, I only bought a 182 because my mechanic recommended them, and he tracked an E30 M3 so I trusted his advice, otherwise I'd have never gone near anything French or FWD...once you've driven one in anger though there's no going back! The longer people don't want them and they're cheap the better!

Hey man, just interested in what you've done, and what you recommend doing to my lovely little stock Clio 182? (performance wise)

@@TheExaltism I'll put my build at the bottom of this post, but it wont make sense for most people. My car is a Trophy and I wanted it to look standard, so gutting the interior (the best performance modification available) was off the cards. When I bought the car it was in need of an engine rebuild, so the engine was definitely coming out, meaning I could do a lot of mods which for anyone whos engine doesn't need to come out wouldn't make sense. My honest opinion is drive it hard stock and see where you start to want more. My brother also has a 182 which we track together, his is complete budget daily/occasional track car. He spent less on his whole car than I did on my engine, and his car does 90% of what mine does. The only place we notice a difference is on track at ten tenths. For the most part Renault got everything they could out of the 182. Things I would recommend for any 182, Toyo R888R or any other really good tyre. Sounds like a boring mod, but the sidewall rigidity completely changes the feel of the chasis and firms up the ride, reducing roll and pitch, and delivers way higher grip levels. Group N engine and trans mounts. The stock ones are terrible, these ones aren't as harsh as some of the other poly products I've experienced. Best pound for pound mod, get all the weight you can out of it. Stock it has the same power to weight ratio as a Mk1 Elise, so when you remove the weight you are playing with the big boys on track. Everything else is expensive and gives small returns. If you do track work, or you have no sense (like me) then the little changes will add up to an improved car, but for most it just isn't worth it. Here's my build so far anyway. Small note: Mine is a Trophy, and I didn't want to strip it out, I wanted it to appear largely stock. Engine block refaced. 438 Catcams. Inlet manifold port matched and polished. Induction kit. Sport cat'. Full ultra performance exhaust from Ktec. Dyno tuned on Ktecs rolling road. Group N engine and trans' mounts. Gearbox rebuilt using shorter ratio 5th gear from Megane. (Same top speed, gets there quicker). PMS adjustable rear anti roll bar. DS2500 pads, Brembo HC discs. Stock Sachs remote reservoir dampers refurbed. Toyo R888Rs. Replaced the Trophy Speedline Turini wheels with 172 cup Speedline Turinis wheels since they have a slightly different offset which widens the track and reduces roll a little. The next phase of the build will address weight without stripping the interior. If you gut a Clio 2, backseats, interior trim, door cards, radio...literary make it a race car inside...it saves 41kg. This increases the power to weight ratio massively. I have seen the difference on track, I can't even see where fully gutted Clios go. I've been looking for a way to achieve the same weight saving, without making the car look gutted. The bonnet weighs 12kg. A Fibreglass bonnet weighs 4.5kg. The rear hatch not including glass weighs 12kg, a fibreglass one weighs 4kg. The rear glass (has to be changed if you go fibreglass) weighs 7.5kg. Plexiglass weighs 3.5kg. Rear seat back (not including bench) weighs 13kg. Rear seat bench weighs 5kg. Total saving is 39.5kg. Obviously the back seats are gone, but it's by no means a stripped interior. 39.5kg lost is a lot on an already light car like the Clio. This is my plan for phase two of my Trophy build.

Could be as simple as tyre pressure which can really affect steering feel.

The 206 gti 180 is a lot worse?

Have watched and subbed to your videos mate, they're awesome keep up the good work!!😊

Bump

Compared to my 106 rallye or a my mate's williams the steering feel of the clio 172/182 is crap. My 172 cup was a very big disappointment.. and had spent thousands for a suspension refresh..

@@George87316 There's no way you can describe the steering feel of a 172/182 as crap unless there's something wrong..! A 106 Rallye is even more hardcore, my mate has one so I understand that, but the 182 isn't crap, it has beautiful feedback so you know exactly how far you're pushing it when cornering hard...

​@@George87316 Anyone who's actually driven either wouldn't come out with a line of Jackanory horseschit like that.

What is reliability like? I have heard they can cost a fortune.

sounds weak compared to a honda

Hondas sound dreadful.

​@@user-ue6iv2rd1n More like sounds ten times better than a Honda.

DJ_PaulTUK Good call, top looking car.

I'm looking for to buy a 182, do you have any tips I should look after

That doesn't make it good

@@JayEmmOnCars like others here said, could be something wrong with that particular car. I own one for 13 years now and beside the things that annoy me the steering was never an issue, it really is one of the good things about it. The rest of what you said I completely agree on ;)

Thankyou

the rs 200 is few hunder kilos heavier...

But front wheel drive and loads heavier. So...

Bob Zed also 10 grand cheaper 😂

@@sammysev16 A MK3 MR2 is about the same power to weight as a Williams.

Too much work putting a megane engine in a mk2 clio, mk3 clio yes but mk2s nope, strap a turbo to these and you'd get 230bhp, plenty if you ask me

Saying that there's a couple of people putting a k20 in a mk2 clio and that would be worth the effort

@@SuperConor11 Thanks for that... I could answer any question about the mk1s but have never been interested in the newer ones so I don't know much. I'm looking for a donor car now. Mk3 is an ugly car but I've found a dirt cheap mk2 trophy. I really miss my Williams now.

@@cooperwilliams4686 I'm with you on the mk3, just think it's to big, I'd love a williams

That is tempting. Message me on talk@jayemm.com

the gearboxes are terrible you joker lol

@@jasonjuggler3457 Wasn't aware they were that bad? Certainly don't have the same reputation as the 197's

@@spainter1985 yes, I had to fix mine in 172

It's a sign, you must get one!

Andrew Norris - had a 172 Cup a few years ago, I’m fancying another!!!

Wtf lol

r32 are 20k plus in Europe

@@69bock69 it s about clios 182

no shit sherlock

My favorite one looks-wise is the 197, with the Recaro seats and wing. Very tempting little track car.

Chris Holloway can vouch that they are great cars

@Thomas Madeley agree

Probably confusing feel with speed. I've had both RS182 and RS133. The twingo turns in quicker.

I agree, although it's the off-centre steering feel that is really nice, on centre they feel a little light and strange😂

Unfortunately I am limited to what I am offered!

@@JayEmmOnCars Understood. I am so pleased you are doing these affordable cars. People need an honest opinion. There really aren't many quality reviews around for this sort of car at this sort of age. I don't buy new, I buy good pedigree which is affordable.

Never driven a 182 but a Clio Williams is a real hoot!! You'll be grinning from ear to ear!! Up there with the best 😆

Don't know where you heard that from but not true. The throw could be a little shorter and the shift can sometimes feel a little rubbery on cars particularly where the lower gearbox 'dogbone' mount is worn but overall pleasant to use. The only way you're beating the syncros is if they're knackered. Pretty tough gearboxes though.

I had one for 48hrs while my car was in for dealer work.

Without the awful exhaust note.

They are pretty easy too find, what country are you living in?

@@markgriff9053 Slovenia

@@gaspermedved5803 How much are the old BMW Z3 like the smaller engine cars going for ovr there?

It does indeed well spotted!😂

I reviewed two Evo Xs already!

@@JayEmmOnCars not a 6 though

The 197 is a lump, its the 200 you want to review.

Luke Watts I should be getting a 197 in September time. Owned my 182 for 5 years so very interested to see the difference and make some comparison videos!

I always heel and toe if I can when driving in a semi spirited fashion, it's kind to the car and makes driving more enjoyable. Some cars are not easy to do it in, some are and it's just a thing I like to discuss because to me it's a part of the driving experience.

I agree with Jay, I heel and toe constantly. Makes you feel like a racing driver even on the commute to work, and if you're always practicing then you're less likely to mess it up when you're actually driving quickly. Plus it always feels kinder to the clutch and engine to match revs. I will admit that my Mk1 MX5 is a lot easier to do it in than my 182, the pedal placement is a little far apart for my liking, I've had to adjust my technique to actually use my heel to blip the throttle rather than the side of my foot like in the MX5.

Thankyou

I would go EP3 all the way. Waaaaay better in my opinion :)

Got an ep3 but boosted so personally I’ll say ep3 due to the k20a2 being stronger than the f4r engine but you can get a clio 182 and do the k20a2 conversion loads of them being done right now so you’ll have the best handling from factory with the best engine for reliability

I can't unsee that now

I personally think it looks great. Usually I'm not into loud raps but I like this strangely.

What exhaust is that? That’s not a Yozza system is it?!

You do have to stay on top of maintenance, being cheap cars a lot of them have been owned by people that don’t maintain them. Mine has never let me down on road or track

Actually thinking about it - Jay, Honda like you, don't they. Ask them! You need to test a completely standard one after all..

@Az Lean Highly subjective. They are similar weight and power, though the Trophy lacks an lsd which makes for a notable disadvantage. One of my best friends owned a Trophy while I had my dc2. It was a touch slower in a straight line. It had a different sort of cornering characteristic. I would say that the Honda gives you more options on the limit, chassis wise. No other fwd car can be played on the throttle like a dc2. It *is* the quicker car, in capable hands. ;P But we're talking more about the better driver's car here anyway. That is Jay's focus. Not which is the quickest. On this subject, don't listen to me.. I defer to Evo magazine and also Autocar, who both regard the dc2 type R as the "best front wheel drive car ever made". Hard to argue with that. ;)

It's just a bit of fun....

They have a habit of the oposite mate. At least the 17/82 do.

@@sysakPL I know the 197 and 200 quite often make more, Renault telling fibs on them

My old mk2 Astra GTE 16v with 120k & rusty arches used to play with the 172 clios (in a straight line)

I talk about the ride/handling quite a bit

Are they really that bad?

debbie peter no not really, they have a lot of “common faults”. If you look after the car and it will look after you. I’ve driven mine daily For nearly 3 years and hasn’t really missed a beat to be honest, other than the fact I’ve been through a few alternators.

@@JaackBorland Thanks for responding. I have found a 182 for just under £2500 but service history, cambelt etc change done which looks quite tidy and has a good MOT history as well so quite tempted

I’d go for it mate. They’re a bit more expensive now than they were when I got mine but they are always up and down in price. On the right roads it is a great car! Planning to get mine off the roads and onto tracks asap

@@JaackBorland I dont mind paying a little more as they are definitely a car for keeps. Car at the moment is a Mini Cooper S (2002) but fancy a change (my 4th first gen Mini lol). Have previously had 1.2 clio and 1.6 clio (both 2007 ) so I know I like them.

isn't the 197 almost a second slower to 60? Agree it looks better though, a lot more grown up.

@@haydenmarks2895 Just double checked the 182 is 7.1s & the 197 is 6.9s. Can't decide which looks better though, the MK3 or the facelift MK3

as far as I can say, the 197 has slightly more mechanical grip and a smidge better build quality but only the interior compared to the 172/182. it is also heavier, thirstier, less nimble, slower low-down and has a habit of going through gearboxes. if you don't want a 172/182 then I'd look at a 200 - but only for track use. the 172/182 is a better road car.

@@Tribulation88 I have a 182. It's quicker to 60 than That. The 197 is a dog looks wise.

@@Tribulation88 I stand corrected. I don't mind as long as its liquid yellow. lovely colour and makes the car :)

Drive within reason and in the appropriate places. The little Clio makes more noise than speed, we didnt trouble the speed limits as much as you might think

JayEmm on Cars I’ll be honest.. genuinely surprised you replied, thanks! That’s a good shout. I have just the road in mind ;)