Here's my reviews from when i back to back tested a 182 & gti 180 in Sept '05.
206 was very nice, but whilst the Aegean blue colour is gorgeous, I just couldn’t get on with the external looks or the hideous ‘leather’ parts of the interior - seats were excellent though! It pulled well with a smooth power curve, but little in the way of out and out excitement or any noticeable kick in the rev range (and yes it was warmed up), steering was nicely weighted, but felt quite detached and gave poor feedback comapred to my previous 306 Rallye.
Clio 182 ‘full-fat’ with both cup packs. I got in, turned the traction control off and pulled away …. it felt alive, excellent steering, with feedback bombarding you from all angles. Reminded of the first time I drove a 106 gti, just like a go-cart with the potential for much grinning and idiotic driving. Hit 5k rpm and it took off, spinning round to the redline before you realise its time to change gear. Awesome fun and just what I want, im losing the outright speed of my car, but the buzziness and handling ability more than make up for it . . and it’ll cost bugger all to buy & run (compared to my z3m). Brilliant, i then went and bought a 6 month old RB 182 ...
However, i have since driven a gti180 running bilsteins & 16's. It was a pretty good car tbh, certainly wouldnt be embarassed by a 1*2. Always been tempted by one - purely to prove the haters wrong.