Skip advert
Advertisement
Long term tests

Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup

A downchange mis-revved interface temporarily forced the Cup off the road. Thankfully it's back now, and better than ever

Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup

I love my Clio. It’s a blast on every type of journey, but shines brightest on my mostly rural commute into work each day. I can’t remember the last time I took the short, straight route in.

Or rather I couldn’t until I had to press my trusty Puma 1.7 back into service recently. The reason? While compiling the Clio v Ibiza twin test you can read elsewhere online, esteemed motoring ed John Barker broke the Cup. An uncharacteristic cocked-up downchange saw the gearbox forced from fourth to first, a knobbled clutch and various vital fluids leaking out underneath.

Advertisement - Article continues below

After spending a few weeks at Renault being mended, the Cup’s back and as good as ever, but I’ve sorely missed it. ‘If it’s any consolation I was busy setting a blinding lap,’ said John. Yep, JB, thanks a lot.

Running Costs

Date acquiredSeptember 2009
Total mileage5854
Costs this month£0
Mileage this month1594
MPG this month29.1
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

This secret British sports car is a £5m gamble, inspired by Lotus and with Ferrari looks
Wells Vertige
Features

This secret British sports car is a £5m gamble, inspired by Lotus and with Ferrari looks

Robin Wells fancied a new sports car so decided to build his own. The result is the Wells Vertige, and now you can have one too
28 Apr 2026
Porsche ditches Bugatti as tensions with Mate Rimac come to a head
Bugatti Tourbillon – side
News

Porsche ditches Bugatti as tensions with Mate Rimac come to a head

Mate Rimac joins forces with investment firm to take full control of hypercar company
24 Apr 2026
Toyota GR86 (2022 - 2024) review – an affordable sports car that’s more fun than supercars
Toyota GR86 front track
In-depth reviews

Toyota GR86 (2022 - 2024) review – an affordable sports car that’s more fun than supercars

The GR86 delivered thrills beyond the reach of its iconic predecessor – if you managed to get hold of one...
27 Apr 2026