45SET is back in the game... Kinda...

[DC2-PWR]

What's it like compared to the DC5R Robi? Any advantages on it rather than being comfortable?

[Setanta]

These are nice little beasts and, being French, they have to be good at running away

[45SET]

What's it like compared to the DC5R Robi? Any advantages on it rather than being comfortable?

Stock-for-Stock... I'd take the Clio. But the Integra is from 2002, and the Clio is from 2008 (First released in Europe in 2006). I'd imagine that the Integra would take to mods better then the Clio, but I honestly haven't really looked into it, and also can't comment.

The two cars are very different... but very similar. Without a doubt, the K20a2 is a much more "exciting" engine, then the F4R in the Clio. K20 is much more frantic from 5,500 RPM, and you push it to redline a fair bit. The F4R is lifeless from idle to 2,000 (And I mean lifeless). But from 2k-5k it's great. Plenty of usable power, and the car doesn't have to be screaming it's head off to feel like it's moving. I remember when I first got the Integra (Up until the last time I drove it), I enjoyed taking it out to 7k+ on a regular basis. The Clio actually has a stock Shift Light in the tacho... It's turned on maybe once, and that was just to see if it worked.

But without a doubt, the Clio chassis is much better (Again, stock for stock). I'd compare it to my Integra, when I ran bigger sway bars front and rear, Tein SS coilovers, my WedSport SA90's (17x8 +35) with decent rubber. The Clio runs progressive springs up front, and linear in the rear (Which is also a torsion beam). A heap of Clio guys (And there is a big group in Australia) say that adding a set of H&R lowered springs (Progressive all round) makes a MASSIVE difference, and actually improves handling (Also lowers the car by 30mm).

The PCD is 5x108, so I'm basically limited to OEM Volvo rims, or O.Z. racing. I've found a set I want to get, but I'll need the parts I have for sale to sell before I even consider doing anything - Which I'm not really interested in doing.

But as for your original question. It's more comfortable then the Integra, and more enjoyable... stock-for-stock

[DC2-PWR]

Good review! What's the breaking like compared to the Integra (stock for stock)?

It seems like the car was designed/engineered by some race minded people, surley doesn't sum up to a Suzuki Swift or Corollas.. what people come to mind when they see a little Clio. Sleeper spec yo

[45SET]

Car runs 4 spot Brembos up front, & being a tad bit lighter then a DC5R, braking is fantastic.

All the RenaultSport cars are made in a factory in Dieppe, France (Different factory to where they make the run of the mill Renaults), so they did spend a fair bit of time engineering the car. If you ever get the chance to drive one, take up the offer with both hands!

[DC2-PWR]

Wow 4pot!!!! What were they thinking when they designed the car! Surely a track competitive car

For 16k It is really competitive on the market with all the hardcore features. Great buy!

[rhys.l]

Great choice of car! A few friends of mine owned the older versions of the Clio Sport and they were fantastic cars. The steering was an area I found to be on another level to my dc2r - so quick, direct and communicative. A mate currently has a Megane RS 250 Cup Trophee and it's also a hoot to drive

[45SET]

I recently bought a new set of tyres - RE002's. The car drives perfectly in the wet and dry, and I'm even more happy with it then when I originally bought it!

I went for a fairly long drive over the weekend, and not only was the car a hoot to drive along the roads, but it was really comfortable, and made me want to take it on a few more long drives (2 day).

This was my weekend in two pictures