Clio specs question

[pentoman]

My friend is buying a newer (just replaced shape) Clio to replace her L-reg 1.4 RT.

The Renault dealer told her not only that the 1.2 16v is more powerful than the old 1.4, but also that the newer 2004 model will be lighter than her old L-reg one.

I think both of these are wrong but can't find any specs to help so PH - plese help!

[loose cannon]

clio 2 im sure is not lighter than the clio 1, the 1.2 16v isnt to bad not sure its more powerful than the old 1.4 before my time at renault, though she really should go for a drive in a 80 or 100 bhp 1.5 diesel its a very perky motor and better than the petrol equivalent's in my opinion bar the 172/182's my mother now has a clio 3 86bhp diesel which she loves and it's her first diesel

[pbirkett]

The 1.2 16v is the same power as the old 1.4 8v unit in the Mk1, but as already said, the Mk2 is definitely a much heavier car, i think its around about 80 kg difference thereabouts. So the old 1.4 Mk1 is a slightly quicker car than a new 1.2 16v, but theres really not much in it. The 1.4 is a little more "grunty", although I would use that word sparingly when talking about a 1.4

I agree with loose canon about the diesels as well. Thats what i would go for over any of the petrols bar the 2.0 16v models or the 3.0 24v models. The Dynamique DCI-100 was actually marketed as an alternative to rival the likes of the Pug 206 GTI HDI, so it gains a sportier specification, such as discs all around and a few other bits and pieces. These can be chipped up to around 120 bhp too, and in a car as light and agile as a clio, that would be as much fun as you could have in a car like this until you get to the likes of the 2.0 models.

[medusa]

Bought a new Dynamique S two weeks ago, the 1.5 diesel. Pulls well great economy seems a good little run about. Took a 1.6 petrol model out as well before deciding which one to go for, I think the diesel pulls better and £50.00 a year road tax is quite nice. I do not mind it not being very quick as long as I have a silly car for the odd trips out though.

Edited by medusa on Sunday 7th January 23:08

[pentoman]

Thanks all.

I think the talk of chipping and all round disc brakes is not going to interest the potential purchaser (a female Geography teacher, think of a blonde version of "Nicole" so much as it is the rest of us but thanks anyway for the comments! A 120bhp clio sounds interesting. Are the small petrols better or worse than the small diesels? Even with fancy modern bits I can't imagine a 1.5 TD is going to fly, add the noise & refinement issues, plus the fact a petrol Clio should still do up to 40MPG or so, and it doesn't seem as desirable as a larger engined diesel.

I wish I could think of something other than a Clio to recommend that will appeal to her, but I can't. She seems to have her heart set anyway..