2012 RENAULTSPORT CLIO 200 RAIDER

One of fewer than 50 examples built for the UK market and finished in matt Stealth Grey, this 2012 Renaultsport Clio 200 Raider is a very rare special edition of an already impressive hot hatch. It is powered by the same, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as the standard car, producing a healthy 197bhp and 159lb ft of torque, coupled to a slick six-speed manual transmission. This car has covered 50,414 miles from new.

Reviving a name previously used on the legendary Renault 5 Turbo for its UK run-out model, the Clio Raider received a notable wheel upgrade to 18-inch gloss black rims as well as leather Recaro bucket seats, matt paintwork and new badging. Furthermore, all Raiders were factory optioned with the Cup chassis, a desirable option on lesser models that delivers superb feedback and engagement. While 50 were planned to be built, records indicate that only 28 were sold to UK buyers.

Though Renaultsport produced a few different special edition Clios, the Raider’s larger wheels added more than just a simple cosmetic upgrade, with Evo magazine commenting: “The slightly larger tyre footprint brings a bit more grip and some extra weight for the still-direct steering”.

First registered on 20 January 2012, the car has had three previous registered keepers. The current owner acquired the car around two-and-a-half years ago, and since then has covered some 5,000 miles behind the wheel. This example is Number 10 of the 50 Raiders built for the UK, as shown on the plaque inside the car.

The bodywork is in great condition, with the matt paint showcasing the sharp lines of the car and pairing well with the gloss black wheels. The Stealth Grey finish itself is in excellent condition, testament to the manner in which this car has been cared for. Its ‘Interlagos’ alloy wheels are presented in superb order, fitted with 235/40 ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, which all have around 4-5mm of tread remaining.

In the cabin, the leather Recaro bucket seats are in great shape, as is the rest of the interior. This example was also specified with the TomTom satellite navigation option. Despite the car’s impressive performance, the Raider remains a usable and practical hot hatch with folding rear seats, ISOFIX, air-conditioning, automatic wipers and more.

The car’s last scheduled maintenance was in February 2019 at main dealer Renaultsport Wakefield, which consisted of an engine oil and filter service. It also received new exhaust flexi joints in September 2019. The most recent MOT test was on 17 January 2020 at 50,194 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with with no advisories.

Prior to this, the car was also seen and serviced in July 2017 at approximately 46,000 miles, when the cam belt, auxiliary belt, water pump and coolant were also replaced, and in February 2016 at 41,000 miles for another oil and filter maintenance visit.

Accompanying the car are all of the original books and literature, including a raft of receipts for previous service work. Two original key fob cards are also present.

Reviewing the Renaultsport Clio 200 model on which the Raider is based, Top Gear magazine said the car was “utterly magic”, adding: “There’s simply no evading the fact this thing is spectacularly good to drive”. Evo magazine also lavished praised on the Clio 200 throughout its production run, calling the chassis “unfailingly communicative and always exploitable”.

A rare special edition of the last naturally aspirated Clio hot hatch made, bearing the same name as a lauded model from yesteryear, this Renaultsport Clio 200 Raider remains original and unmodified, and is presented in superb condition throughout.