Been looking into getting a 182 recently and thought I better check all my other options first. Although the 182 is incredibly well priced I noticed looking into other cars that Renault is missing a a mid-range "warm hatch" if you will. It jumps from the Dynamique 1.6 (110bhp, £10.4k) to the 182 at £14.7k.
Obviously this doesnt apply to most of you here but I really dont feel the need for a 182bhp 2l Clio or the costs associated with it. Something around 130bhp is plenty enough for my needs on the roads I cover, its the handling that really sells it to me and we all now the Clio is already sorted in that respect.
Anyways, I was thinking a Dynamique S or something like that, no need to dilute the RenaultSport brand with a lower spec car and there are plenty of places for a car to go in the massive Clio range already. Spec up the 1.6 engine, squeeze another 20bhp or so out of the engine and you already have a fairly impressive car, take some styling tips from the 182 and job done.
I guess the main concern is price, theoretically you have a massive £4000 gap to play with between the highest spec Dynamique and the 182, but of course realistically that gap is actually a couple thousand at most. If they can manage it at a OTR of £12,500 its a car I would buy without fail. Although thats in 182 territory Im sure Im not alone in wishing this sort of car was made available???
