I bought a Clio 172 back in 2004 and I loved it. At that time I was looking for a pure performance hot hatch and that's exactly what I got. I bought a Golf GTI DSG in 2008 because I'd gotten married and had a couple of kids. I have to say, as much as I thought I'd miss a manual transmission I don't. I love a flappy paddle transmission now and don't ever fancy going back to a manual. I'd held off upgrading my current car because I wanted my next car to have the same. Up until now my only option was another Golf , but the new Golf GTI is just too much of the same for too much money. For me, I think the new Clio sport is spot on ! Now that Im in my 40's with a young family I'm looking for a good little car with loads of features that's performance orientated and I don't think there's too many that offers you 5 doors, a flappy paddle gearbox and sat nav as standard for way less money than a Golf GTI, at least not in Australia there isnt. As far as the look of the car, obviously opinions on looks are subjective but I really like the way the new car looks. I think it's evolved nicely. In fact , I'm sure the more you see them on the road the more they'll grow on you. Just on a side note, I think the Fiesta looks like a bit of a girls car : )
I know I'm only one segment of the market, but in time Im sure Renault will release limited edition models to suit the hard core fans.
Just felt I had to have a bit of a rant as I think the Renault really has been unfairly sledged since it's release, especially by dickhead reviews like the one on fifth gear!