ESP, When introduced

[adrianwaj]

As I am about to pickup an ex-demo 2004 172, I am just wondering when ESP was introduced, the sales person said the 2003 did not have ESP. However, according to this, the 2003 does:

"And speaking of the high country, we were able to test the new-for-2003 Electronic Stability Program (or ESP, which is now fitted to all Clio Sport models) during some very damp and treacherous conditions."

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/XRT_cliosport2.htmhttp://www.webwombat.com.au/

Perhaps ESP was introduced in late 2003 for the 2004 model, just as the 2004 model was technically phased out a couple of months for the 2005 model, which is in showrooms now.

I am concerned that perhaps the 2003 model is the same car as the 2004, both with ESP, and hence I might have been conned into thinking different.

I am paying AUD$29000 on the road, for an ex-demo with metallic silver and 2500kms. If it is a 2004, what build date should I look for?

Cant wait to get behind the wheel.

 

[Turkish]

if its 2004 im fairly sure it will have it IIRC i think it came on for 52/03 plate cars so 2003 MY onwards

 

[dk]

we dont have a 2005 car here, the 2004 car is the 182, the 172 had ESP added in the second half of last year here, whether thats the same as AUS though im not sure, you guys get different sized alloys to us etc.

 

[® Andy]

The exact date for UK cars is in this thread http://forum.cliosport.net/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=2&TopicID=124717&SearchPagePosition=1&search=esp&searchMode=allwords&searchIn=Topic&forum=2&searchSort=dateDESC&ReturnPage=Searchhere ... courtesy of Jeremy who is the Clio brand manager in the UK.

 

[dk]

to save people clicking its march 2002 but not necessarily true for an oz model.

 

[adrianwaj]

Got it. Press release here:
http://www.renault.com.au/renault/australia/news_a.aspclick press release : Renault Clio Sport gains ESP


8th May 2003

In a running change to Renault’s acclaimed pocket rocket, the 124kW 2.0-litre Clio switchable ESP (Electronic Stability System) has been added as a standard feature.


Means that the early 03 models did not have it, but later ones did. In Australia the 182 to is a 2005 car, even though if it followed England it would be 2004 car. Thanks for the replies.