This Renaultsport Clio 172 Exclusive is a superb unmolested example of a sought-after hot hatch produced by the French marque’s high-performance division. The Clio Exclusive was limited to 172 units, all finished in Scarab Green with BBS alloys and a full leather interior. Its 2.0-litre 16-valve inline-four cylinder engine produces 170bhp, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 48,257 miles from new.
This Clio 172 Exclusive was first registered in April 2001, and is car number 164 of only 172 produced. The car was initially handed over at Renault Manchester, has three former registered keepers on the log book and is now offered for sale by the trade.
Outside, the Clio 172 is identifiable by its wide wheel arches, as well as restyled bumpers and side skirts. All 172 Exclusives were finished with Scarab Green paintwork, and while the vendor notes a light scuff on the offside rear wheel arch and some light stone chips on the front bumper commensurate with the car’s mileage, the finish presents well overall. The offside front wing has undergone a refresh to repair some paint damage. The Clio’s 15-inch 10-spoke BBS alloys have also been refurbished, and now present immaculately.
In the cabin, the 172 Exclusive boasts a full Dune Grey leather interior as opposed to the half-leather half-alcantara alternative offered in the standard car. The upholstery and driver controls remain in excellent condition, with the vendor reporting some slight wear to the driver’s bolster, in line with the car’s age. The owner has reported no electrical issues with the car and no warning lights present on the dashboard. It remains in superb original condition, with no aftermarket gear knob, steering wheel, or replacement audio system.
The last service was in March 2020 at 47,979 miles, where the technicians at Simon Thorpe Motor Services in Grimsby replaced the engine oil and filter. The car received similar maintenance in April 2019 and in March 2018, at 47,353 miles, when the vehicle also received new spark plugs. The vendor notes the timing belt, dephaser pulley and water pump were last replaced in March 2017 at 43,091 miles. It is a mechanically standard car, with no modifications or dubious ‘upgrades’.
The most recent MOT test was on 18 March 2020 at 47,981 miles, which resulted in a pass with one advisory to monitor a light misting of oil on the offside rear shock absorber. The rear of the vehicle rides on Michelin tyres while the front is fitted with a pair of Hankooks, which the vendor notes were fitted in December 2017. All four corners appear to be in a healthy state, with plenty of tread remaining.
Accompanying the vehicle are the original owner’s manuals, service book, Renault UK dealership directory and stereo instruction manual, all in their original leather wallet. In addition, the car comes with a spare wheel, jack, indoor car cover and the original toolkit, as well as period Top Gear and Autocar magazines featuring road tests of the Renaultsport Clio 172 Exclusive model, and a dealer-issued leaflet on this special-edition model.
This Renaultsport Clio 172 Exclusive is a clean example of an engaging hot hatch, and is one of a very limited edition. With impressive performance at an accessible price point, not to mention remaining entirely unmodified, this Clio would make an exciting addition to any collection of modern classics, and is ready to delight its next owner on their favourite B-roads.
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