I have had 2 Glanza's and now I'm buying a Clio. I can't fault the japs for their engines they are bullet proof and 200bhp is very easy on one irregardless of what people say. My last one was 260hp and the one before was 190hp. The Clio handles better out of the box, the standard shocks on a V are w**k. The V will also sting you for insurance it being an import. However nothing beats boost and I would not hesitate getting another however my rs200 is my new company car. You can buy a decent specc'd V for cheap these days that will kill a 172. But if you are to buy one, let the previous owner spend the money making it handle as well as a 172 etc. to make a Glanza's realistically comparable to a 172 handling wise, you are looking at at least new shocks and springs or coilovers, a rear arb and maybe a front one aswell. An anti lift kit, panhard rod and a few other bits. But at the end of the day they are both great cars, depends what you want really.
I agree about the interiors aswell.
The best car in standard form is probably the 172.
