Another option you might want to look at is buying a MK1 172. I have seen these in the high 6s for early ones.
You then have the option of a few mods. shocks, springs, strut brace, steel brake hoses, induction, exhaust, decat, chip and you will have a Clio that will keep up and handle as well as any other 172/Cup - apart from those that have a turbo or throttle bodies !
