2003 RENAULTSPORT CLIO 172 CUP

This Renaultsport Clio 172 Cup is a thrilling lightweight hot hatch, presented in unmodified condition and with a vibrant Mondial Blue finish. Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated inline-four cylinder engine producing around 169bhp, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 72,093 miles from new.

First registered in December 2003, this Clio 172 Cup has only two previous keepers on the log book. The Cup model boasts stiffened suspension, a revised front splitter and rear spoiler, as well as thinner windscreen glass and air-conditioning delete to save weight, resulting in a 0-60mph sprint time of around 6.5 seconds.

The bodywork of this Clio 172 Cup presents well, with flush shut lines and no evidence of any prior damage. The Mondial Blue paintwork is believed to be original and is described as being in good condition, though it has a few minor blemishes and touched-in repairs. There is a small dent above the fuel filler cap, and some patches of bubbling on the offside lower rear quarter. Small stone chips are visible around the body, commensurate with the mileage. The light lenses and body trims appear in good order, while the original Cup badging is all present and correct. It rides on the correct 16-inch Speedline Turini alloy wheels, which remain in good order.

In the cabin, the grey fabric upholstery covering the seats is in excellent condition, with just some minor wear to the driver’s seat bolster, and no rips or tears in the material. There is some visible wear to the steering wheel and gear knob, as well as the door cards, floor mats and dashboard trim. However, the interior still looks smart, and of course completely unmodified. The plastic trims around the boot area are scuffed from items being loaded in and out. The vendor has reported all of the car’s electrical equipment works as it should, and there are no warning lights present on the dashboard.

The last service was undertaken in March 2020 at 71,900 miles, where technicians at Pitlane Performance in Kent changed the engine oil and filter, fitted a new cambelt and dephaser pulley, a new auxiliary belt and alternator, and water pump. Within the last nine months, new brake discs and pads have also been fitted, as well as new calliper sliders. The vendor notes only genuine Renault parts were used.

Prior to this, in February 2019 at 70,398 miles, the car underwent a minor oil service. In September 2017 at 67,504 miles, the car underwent a full service, including the fitment of fresh spark plugs, filters, and another new cambelt and dephaser pulley. In total, there have been four cambelt replacement services during the car’s life so far.

The most recent MOT test was on 16 June 2020 at 71,836 miles, which resulted in a pass with two advisories to monitor a worn offside rear tyre and a worn rear brake disc, though these were replaced during subsequent work. Rather than riding on budget rubber, the wheels are now shod in premium Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres in the correct fitment 195/45/R16, which were all fitted in November 2020.

Accompanying the vehicle are the original handbook and service book with 10 stamps, and its 11th service was the one in March 2020. No prior invoices for maintenance are present, and there is only one key with the car.

This Renaultsport Clio 172 Cup is an eminently usable hot hatch, presented in unmodified condition and with a solid service history. While minor cosmetic jobs could bring this car up to a very high standard, it is ready to drive and enjoy as-is – fresh from a major service earlier this year – and represents a great value performance car.

Summary of service history:

• 16/07/2005 – 7,655 miles
• 05/10/2005 – 9,866 miles
• 05/08/2006 – 14,782 miles
• 07/08/2009 – 34,379 miles
• 03/12/2010 – 41,301 miles
• 09/12/2011 – 45,081 miles
• 02/02/2013 – 49,939 miles
• 03/03/2015 – 56,611 miles
• 05/09/2017 – 67,504 miles
• 15/02/2019 – 70,398 miles
• xx/03/2020 – 71,900 miles

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.