My clio 172 which was immaculate on 35k when i bought it with 1 owner, lasted 5k miles then my drive shaft snapped, then i had an issue with the cam sensor and loom, loose gear box mount - which i then replaced with powerflex, now ive got a rattle because of the extra rigid mount! Touch wood since fixing those issues all is ok ...
Prior to this i had a 182 which never missed a beat, again build quality not the best though. Have to say i think its a lot to do with luck not just how you look after it, i had a focus rs after the 182 which was awesome not a single problem, regularly service well maintained no expense spared the build quality was on a different level to the clio, however i sold it and the guy that bought it had nothing but trouble!
I think generally as most have said, look after it and it should be ok....i dont think the majority buy a clio sport for its build quality and reliability, they buy it for the performance and because of the smile it slaps across your face...hence my return to the cliors.