2003 RENAULTSPORT CLIO 172 CUP

This Renaultsport Clio 172 Cup is an exciting lightweight hot hatch, in very good cosmetic and mechanical condition. It is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated inline-four producing up to 169bhp, driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 46,992 miles.

An evolution of the already impressive phase II Clio 172, the Cup model had lowered and stiffened suspension, a revised front splitter and rear spoiler, thinner windscreen glass, deletion of air-conditioning, and removal of some sound deadening material. It weighed in at just 1,021kg and had a 0-60mph time of 6.5 seconds.

This car was first registered in December 2003, and has just three previous keepers on the log book. The most recent private owner acquired the car in November 2019, and it is now offered for sale by the trade.

Its bodywork and paint are described as being in good condition, as shown in the detailed set of photos below. There are some tiny stone chips on the front bumper, and a small scratch on the offside rear quarter panel, but overall this is a well-presented Clio, which also retains the ‘Cup’ badging on the B-pillars. It rides on the correct 16-inch Speedline Turini alloy wheels, which are in great shape.

Stepping inside, the grey cloth upholstery for the sport seats has held up very well over the last 17 years, with some bobbling on the fabric surface, but no rips, holes or other significant damage. The bolsters show signs of use, but no heavy wear. The steering wheel has some marks on the airbag cover, but the leather around it has been professionally re-trimmed with smart blue stitching. Some of the plastics are slightly sticker, which is a common foible in the Renaultsport Clios of this era, but it remains a smartly presented cabin. There are no known electrical faults, and no dashboard warning lights.

The last scheduled maintenance was carried out in April 2020 at 46,407 miles, when Renaultsport specialist Rensport in Middlesbrough carried out a cam belt replacement service, including renewal of the dephaser, the auxiliary belt and the water pump. During the latest ownership, a new power steering pressure switch has also been fitted. The wheels are shod in Uniroyal Rainsport 3 tyres that were fitted around six months ago, and which still have around 7mm of tread.

The most recent MOT test was carried out on 28 November 2019 at 46,110 miles, when it passed with the tester noting that the battery was insecure in its carrier - though the vendor states this has now been fixed. Earlier in November, various defects had been recorded with the exhaust emissions and the brakes in particular, as well as other faults, though these were evidently attended to as they did not appear on the subsequent test. An MOT test is booked to take place during the auction, so it will be handed over with a fresh 12-month certificate for the next owner.

This Renaultsport Clio 172 Cup is a great example of one of the most acclaimed hot hatches of the modern era. A model for the lightweight performance approach; the 172 Cup is involving and exciting, and this particular car benefits from a recent major service with some of the more significant maintenance jobs already done. It is presented in original and unmodified condition, and would be a smart addition to any collection of modern classics.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.