if only it weren't french

 

Yeah.... I've seen the Clio dozens of times and never thought it was attractive outside of its V6 form, and the stripes just make matters worse! What is that, white electrical tape? I know the MINI looks 1000x better, but for me all that matters is the "driving experience". I'd buy a car that was more fun regardless of what people thought it looked like. Hey, I can't tell when I'm driving, right?

For a long time I considered trading up to a BMW M Coupe (S54) - talk about HIDEOUS! I just happen to love how it looks though, because I know it's a fast little car!

 

And Amen to that, brother!

 

The M Coupe is a love it or hate it car....I happen to love it....

 

THANKS FOR CLARIFYING THAT, I couldn't hear you before.

• Style/looks & refinement - MINI wins hands-down.
• Performance - Pretty even here.
• Price - Clio wins hands-down.

Whether the Clio is classy enough is subjective but it deserves a shot nonetheless.

 

Yeah, some Frenchie's poor patchy attempt at giving it the "sporty look"

 

This thread reminds me that when I first saw photos of the Clio I wanted one. What a clever shape. It was an innovative package too. I believe it was universally acclaimed by the EU press.

Yet, a couple years later, when I finally saw it in real life on Spanish streets I barely noticed it. Perhaps it is because there are so many in Europe and they come in all conditions--but mostly dirty and with no performance options. (We might have a different impression if half the MINIs we see are dirty and dented.) The Clio may be one of the few cars that is more striking in picture than in real life. In photos I find its goofy styling curiously attractive.

But that V6 version looks stunning--almost in the same class as the original Renault Turbo (or those zany Matras). I agree with the article's author that such a voluptuous car might look better in a subtle color, such a gray--stealthy. Makes me wish I were young and foolish again and could buy gas for under $1 a gallon. Quel dommage.

 

I totally agree, the Clio would fit right in with the civics, it even looks like a civic!! Just look at those ugly headlights!! The only advantage the Clio had over the mini in several tests that I read was tires, the Run-flats gave the MCS a slight disadvantage...run those tests again with the same tires on both cars then see what happens!

 

From one of the UK's longest standing and most reputable car mags.......Clio 182 versus MCS pros and cons.

http://www.autocarmagazine.com/RoadT....asp?RT=207401

 

I am sorry but having seen the Clio up close and personal during one of my trips in paris, that thing is fugly. The perfect MINI counterfeit candidate, specially with the hood stripes.

The Clio may be the best bang to the buck in Europe, but the MINI has it all over it in the style and cool factor departments. Renaults in Europe are not known for rock solid reliability. Just ask Paul Mullett over at MINI2.com. he used to own a Clio before he got into the MINI.

 

So you avoid every Nissan and Infiniti products too....You better enjoy your MINI now before -god forbid- it gets a French engine in '07...

 

I'm still boycotting those arrogant bastads.

 

You guys gonna shut this thread if you keep on going with those kind of statements...

I'm sure you know so much about them from your many trips overseas... (you better make sure you're not riding on Michelin tires either then...)

 

Since the Clio is not available in the US, its a moot point, but I think I would still choose the MINI. However, I'd have to balance handling (about the same), acceleration (the Clio is faster), and overall value (the Clio is cheaper and it shows).

 

Should that "perfect MINI counterfeit" title be reserved for the Scion xA? Even w/o stripes that thing shouts counterfeit.

 

could be mistaken as i'm not as well versed in french automotive lineage versus others, but i believe the clio is the successor to the old r5..

 

That's correct! The Clio is the successor of the old R5

 

This is the new (Not-For-U.S.) Ford Focus ST. The base model has been out for a while, and IMO looks better than the prior edition (same as current US model) and also better looking than the Clio. Can't touch the MCS though! Pics and info are for the ST model.

"The new Focus ST epitomises the sporty attributes Ford ST models stand for; its pulling power of around 220PS, the new tuned chassis that ensures firmer grip and response from the road, its head-turning design and confidence....
The new Focus ST will be powered by a turbocharged Duratec ST 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder engine, equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Plus the low-profile 225/40 performance tyres on sculpted 18x8-inch five-spoke aluminium wheels."

 

I'm one of those people who loves the MINI for its handling and performance, but don't really care about the interior, nor particularly about the exterior (as long as it's not offensively ugly). As such, I like the Clio very much, and if it were sold here, it would probably give the MINI a serious run for its money in my eyes - all because of the price.

The Clio V6 however, is known to have an extremely large turning radius while the 182 is basically made of cardboard and chewing gum. If Honda came and made the Civic hatch lean and mean again, that would be my obvious choice because of its reliability.

So far, no hatchback on the market today is without its own flaws - it's all about what you can and cannot accept.

 

Yikes, that Clio better be fast, because it's so ugly you certainly wouldn't want to drive slow enough for anyone to recognize you at the wheel.

French auto design is right up there with American auto quality. Or should I say right down there.

 

When we talk abuot Clio. A guy in a Norwegian forum I am a member of just bought a Clio V6. Thats a realy fast Clio!

 

I like it.......saw this article and think the car looks amazing 252 bhb this thing has got to smoke

 

Nice!

But this is clearly NOT in the same league with the Minis. This is a $50,000 car. I would love to test-drive one. I have yet to see one in person on the streets/autobahns/autostradas of Europe. (And I do keep my eyes peeled for anything on wheels!)

I am not intending to thwart any discussion on this car, but just to clarify: the article in the first post of this thread was comparing the Clio Sport 182 to the MCS. (Not the V6 mid-engine version, whic is also AWD I believe.)