HEy everyone,
I live in Sydney, Australia and am about to buy a mini cooper S.

However, all my friends have been trying to convince me to get the renault clio sport - saying its much better in safety and engine etc.

What do you guys say, which one should I get and why?

 

PLEASE ANSWER I NEED YOUR HELP !!

 

OK ... two things : This is a MINI site and most people are gonna say "MINI!", and second, the Clio (or any Renault) isn't available in North America so most of us don't have a frame of reference.

I'm gonna have to say that you should get the MINI instead of this :

 

Hey There. I have no idea about the Clio. Not a clue. Why am I responding? You sounded desparate. Anyway here's a review I copied and pasted from Mini2.com. All I can tell you is that I am completely happy with my MCS. But to be fair, since the Clio is not available in the States, I have no clue about the car–only that it's a very good, competent car from what I've read. – Jake

Wheels Magazine have recently compared a Mini Cooper S to a Renault Sport Clio, you wont like the result but here's the wrap up.

"Is it love? With the Mini it could be. It's close, but I'd call it more deep affection. The Cooper S looks so fab, outside and in, that you can't help but succumb to its cheery, vibrant personality. Nothing (and I mean nothing)has the the visual character of the new Mini - not the Beetle, the Audi TT, or the charming Sport Clio. The Cooper S has the depth to accompany the marketing hype, too. A great chassis, and effortless mid-range stonk are just part of what makes it so appealing and rewarding. And women absolutely adore it, so if you're male and it's been a while between drinks, here's an expensive way to make up for it.
But (and its a big one) the Cooper S is frightfully dear. In the UK, it's 1000 cheaper than the Sport Clio. Here, its $6000 more expensive, and counting. As a single person's car, the tight-fitting Cooper S would be fantastic, but it's too compromised space-wise for the money. I hate having to write that because the Cooper S is such an enriching experience. But you just can't ignore the bleeding obvious.
The Sport Clio, on the other hand, is a steal. Next to the Cooper S, it looks like something from an Amway catalogue, but in isolation the Renault is a refreshing departure from the achingly boring Japanese appliances we've been force-fed for the last two decades. The Sport Clio is chocked with (standard) equipment, has more cabin and cargo space, and better seats. It's quicker, more eager, a more involving drive, and has raw character in spades. The Clio lacks the Mini's irresistible showroom appeal, but in practice it's more fun and more sensible. We just can't praise it enough."

 

The Clio "better in safety"? I highly doubt it. I'm guessing that it doesn't have six airbags, and no way does it have a stronger frame.

 

Kuneman

I also live in Sydeny. I have chosen the MCS over the Clio sport for the following:

1) I think the Clio looks ugly
2) Stock performance is really about the same
3) You will soon want more hps and when that day comes, the Renault will not have much to offer because its N/A
4) The Clio is ugly
5) The Mini looks the biz and the Clio looks like the average hatch
6) Interior is much nicer in a Mini.
7) The supercharger whine at 5000rpm in a tunnel...


Pricewise, it is cheaper.... but if I could afford it... I'd buy the Mini again. There has been a few issues with the Minis, some have been solved now, some (like all other cars) you will live with.

All in all, I never regretted buying my car. The only thing is that there are so many cool colours I wished I had a function to change colours at the flick of a switch.

Hope this helps...

 

Tigger is right on....the clio has the sex appeal of a edsel,(a ford failure) it is not even so ugly as a pug dog that makes it look cute!
it is non discript and ugly....Personally, I don't want a car & pay on for 60 months if I don't find it physically appealing...one reason why I both a MCS over a 350Z. The body didn't do a thing for me, even with that great motor. If you want access to ton's of aftrmarket, go Acura or Toyota, corvette, You are the only one that knows what floats your boat.

 

Hey Kuneman! I'm from Sydney too! Welcome neighbour :smile:

I've had my 2003 MCS for a month now and i am not dissapointed at all. Everybody body here in Sydney (especially in the South-West) love the car because it's not common. I've had strangers come up to me and ask all sorts of questions about it. I've even gotten compliments from beautiful ladies (much to their boyfriend's dismay

I bought my car from MINI Garage Sydney Rushcutters Bay from a Warren Nell. He gave me the 2003 MCS with options for a great price. Maybe you should give them a visit before you make a decision. Besides, who wants just another car when you can have a really cool and stylish "toy" with a supercharger

Goodluck mate and kudos (i'm sure you'll be right)

 

I had this problem of choice but the clincher is that the Clio is changing to a new model next year, (www,honestjohn.co.uk)and performance models usually follow later.So if you want an "old" shape choose the Clio.

 

Hi there I live In mexico and I have driven a Clio Sport, Its a good car, not *** nice as a Mini, most of all the looks, but some people likes it, I think the most interesting thing on the Clio is the price, if you compare Mini vs Clio on price you know who is the winner, but like I read it, this is a Mini forum, you know what answers you will received.

My personal answers is I like more mini than clio

Im a mini Lover.

Ricardo

 

What, are you joshin' us, Kuneman? :smile:

What do you think Mies van der Rohe meant when he said, "Less is more. God is in the details." ?

_________________
MINI: Best horse for the buck!

 

>>I had this problem of choice but the clincher is that the Clio is changing to a new model next year...

Nevermind. Gud999's got it all right there! That means the Clio you're considering is going to lose it's value much faster still!

*Based on economics, - I'd say avoid it completely.

_________________
MINI: Best horse for the buck!

 

A few months ago I posted that I beat a Clio Sport on the street and an all out Clio vs. MINI war erupted! Some Clio fanatic named "Rexme" (probably the guy I beat on the street) came on the site to defend the Clio and things started getting interesting.
It´s kind of a long thread but interesting nonetheless as it got pretty heated at times and sparks were flying with every post.
Have a look...

Here´s the link:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...amp;topic=9549

_________________

 

Mini Cooper S plz.

 

Does anyone have any more information on the up and coming renault model that will replace the clio sport

 

>>HEy everyone,
>>I live in Sydney, Australia and am about to buy a mini cooper S.
>>
>>However, all my friends have been trying to convince me to get the renault clio sport - saying its much better in safety and engine etc.
>>
>>What do you guys say, which one should I get and why?

The Clio certainly is hideous. It looks like a Focus, but if you're into the anycar econobox look, get one and be happy.

 

Listen to Tigger and Project WonderBoy: get the MINI. Better bloodlines and a bloody better car.

 

Others have well noted that this site will be prejudiced toward Minis. Possibly you were even seeking affirmation to counter the din of those leading you from the car you want. (You are a good person and people like you. They will love you in a Mini.) Ok, so I am among the prejudiced but, that said, here is my reason why you should go Mini.

I once owned a Renault R5 or "La Car" as they marketed them in the pre-wehateallthingsfrenchandwillevenusethetermfreedomf ries" days. The car tried to kill me on several occasions!!!

 

get the mid engined v6 one or the MCS.


more pics and info

 

Good evening,

I had a rental Clio in Europe while I lived there last year for a couple of weeks. IMHO, I think the Clio had a smoother ride, seemed a bit easier on petrol (tho in Australia, petrol isn't as high as continental Europe). The Clio is larger inside, however... Option for option (kit) the same, a Clio would be less, tho I'm not sure how that translates into resale either. I would think a Clio would depreciate more, as it is common.

That was about where it ended. I found the Clio to be less of a handler, the interior felt cheaper and overall, I just didn't get too excited by the design. I also found the Mini seats better than the Clios. guru220- the V6 Clio is quite good (haven't driven), tho I hear it is pricey? Probably more than the
John Cooper Works MCS...

Their is an excellent comparison in July 2003 BBC Top Gear Magazine. Peugot 206 GTi 180 vs. Mini Cooper S (JCW), vs. Clio 172. Conclusion line, and I quote "Happily, there are no winners and losers here. But if you can afford it, the Mini is the most entertaining all-rounder."
Were I in the same boat I'd go for the Mini :smile:

My $.02AUD.

Caio,

-Matt

 

You stole my line GURU........get the Midengine V6! clio!
or the cooper S

 

where do you find more information about the midengined V6, how much will it be?

 

kuneman- their is a link on the post from guru220 (click on more pics and info.)
with a price of ~37,000 Euros, quite pricey. Not sure what the RRP price is in Australia... Were it me, I'd bite the bullet and spend another 10,000 Euro and go for an M3 :smile:

http://www.renault.com.au/renault/vehicles/Index.asp

Manuf page...

cheers,

-Matt

 

As much as I like the V6 Clio as well (damn that thing looks pretty aggressive..), I hate to say that I heard it wont be coming to Aust. I think Motor said that it would cost close to an S3 Audi hence would be priced out of the market.

Either way, I advise you to test drive both first.

Cheers

 

Hello Kuneman

I like the look of the 2003 Renault Clio Sport V6 and if there is a dealer here in California I would have buy one. hehhehe

Exceptionally nimble handling, impressive fuel efficiency, 18-inch rims and twin-
exhaust system. The 2003 Renault are capable of reaching 100km/h from rest in
under 7.0 seconds, but the '03 model is even quicker

Also here are some more pic of the Clio Sport.