Few of you on the site know me, a few dont, i have owned and built 2 of the quickest clios on the site, and ive owned 3 valvers in total and an RT. I bought the car i have always wanted last week, an Audi S3. Ive owned and driven many cars, been to many race meets and 1/4 mile events, and i just wanted to say, that for me, the MK1 clio is still the best car i have owned. The 2l clios i owned especially. With the right mods, as far as im concerned, few can match the clio for all round pace, straight line acceleration, there are some 2l clios the can hit 100mph form stnding in sub 15 secs, which is ridiculous for a FWD hot hatch. And as for corners, im yet to drive a car with as much feedback and traction across a wide range of bends. Had many encounters in the clios the best of the bunch being out acclerating 2 different Boxsters, latching on to a carrera for a short while and playing with an M5 through the twistys. Add to that the usual scooby and CTR bahsings, id say its pretty clear that the clio can hold its own even in todays new hot hatch era. The S3 ive always wanted, as an all round package its the best car i have owned, the interior, build quality, good pace and handling for a a standard car, but it defintily lacks the raw feel the clios had. The cars i have mentioned above(M5, carrera, boxster etc.) are obviously much superior cars, and i would love to own any of them, but the clio, especially for the money, offers something that other cars dont, and thats a mssive grin every time you press the loud pedal, and a massive adrenaline rush when you fly around sweeping bends. Just thought id share my views with eveyone, and yes i am bored. very bored. Also on the look out for a toy 2l clio, heard my old black ones for sale at a reasonable price and a 14.4 1/4 mile time with hardly any mods....
http://erc.qmuc.ac.uk/cliosport/gallery/full/1061668074__Dsci0043.jpg