2008 RENAULTSPORT CLIO 197

KEY FACTS

• An exciting and well-equipped hot hatch, with a recent cambelt and water pump replacement.
• Under the bonnet is the 2.0-litre inline-four, producing 194bhp, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission.
• It benefits from a comprehensive service history, primarily carried out at marque specialist Hardings in Hemel Hempstead.
• Currently owned by motoring journalist and Autocar contributor, Richard Bremner.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Finished in Racing Blue, it is a particularly eye-catching example of the Clio 197.
• The exterior is accented by a black rear spoiler and gloss black 17-inch alloy wheels.
• Cabin equipment includes automatic air-conditioning, automatic windscreen wipers, cruise control, and the original stereo.
• The original owner’s manual and service book will be included, alongside a raft of maintenance invoices.

CONDITION

• The vendor notes that a light scrape to the front bumper has been repaired, and the surrounding Racing Blue paint is now peeling slightly. Overall, the paintwork is in excellent condition.
• One small scratch is visible underneath the nearside sidelight, alongside some light stone chips to the front bumper. The black 16-inch alloy wheels also have a few scuffs.
• Inside, the black Renaultsport cloth seats are in great shape, with only very light wear and signs of use commensurate with the mileage.
• The rubberised finish featured in parts of the cabin has been removed as it became sticky with age.
• No electrical faults have been detected.
• The most recent MOT test was on 17 March 2021 at 58,997 miles, which was a pass with one advisory to monitor slight free play in the universal joint behind the steering wheel. The vendor also reports an occasional rattle in the steering column.

SERVICE HISTORY

• Its most recent scheduled maintenance was in March 2021, where technicians at Hardings Renault performed a service and replaced the offside front coil spring.
• In 2020, it had the major cambelt replacement service, which also included renewal of the water pump and battery.
• At 28,686 miles, this Clio 197 received a replacement gearbox from Renault. The transmission is a known weak spot on certain 197s, due to incorrect assembly among a batch of gearboxes; so this was rectified with a new unit, and there are no issues with the transmission today.

Dates and mileage:

• 07/03/2009 - 8,609 miles - Renault London East
• 22/01/2010 - 11,989 miles - Renault London East
• 17/02/2011 - 16,606 miles - Ferodo London
• 15/09/2011 - 17,040 miles - Hardings Hemel Hempstead
• 22/08/2012 - 24,451 miles - Hardings Hemel Hempstead
• 03/07/2013 - 31,937 miles - Hardings Hemel Hempstead
• 05/08/2014 - 37,239 miles - Hardings Hemel Hempstead (inc. cambelt)
• 10/10/2016 - 46,299 miles - Hardings Hemel Hempstead
• 18/03/2019 - 53,467 miles - Hardings Hemel Hempstead
• 20/03/2020 - 56,582 miles - Hardings Hemel Hempstead (inc. cambelt, water pump, battery)
• 17/03/2021 - 58,997 miles - Hardings Hemel Hempstead

SUMMARY

This Renaultsport Clio 197 is a well-maintained hot hatch, with a comprehensive main dealer and specialist maintenance, and a vibrant original factory colour. It is a great all-rounder, ideal for weekend blasts or even track days, but just as capable as a fun daily driver.

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. 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. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.