Autosportfoto

Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup triumphs at what car? Used car of the year awards

The Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup was today named best Fun Car in the What Car? Used Car of the Year awards.

The UK's biggest car buyer's guide described the power-packed Renault as one of the best ever in its class and said the French marque has set the benchmark for rapid small hatchbacks ever since the Clio 16v and Clio Williams.

And the former Renaultsport 200 Cup is clearly a favourite with What Car? readers, after being named its Best Hot Hatch for three years on the spin.

What Car? editor-in-chief Chas Hallett said: "We awarded the Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup its used fun car award as it is simply one of the best hot hatchbacks ever made and what's more, it's a total bargain with prices averaging £7,250."

The awards celebrate and honour the nation's best used car buys, with motorists invited to vote for Britain's most trusted used car makers online.

Used cars are hugely important to What Car? readers, and public opinion as well as its "sheer driver engagement" swayed the judges in favour of the Renaultsport, which has a maximum speed of 141mph and goes from 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds.

The guide said the previous version of the range-topping Clio has "a high-revving naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine" and "lightning quick" six-speed manual gearbox, describing the overall ride as "a hoot" in awarding its under £10,000 fun car category trophy.

Fuel economy, with an impressive return of 34.4 mpg, low repair costs and its five- star NCAP rating were also singled out for praise.

For more information on the What Car? Used Car Awards see www.whatcar.com.