Which model: 1.2, 1.4 or 1.4 TDI

[keefy]

How old is the 1.2 CLio? If it's like a 10yr old version, it will undoubtedly be a lot lighter than modern superminis and therefore a bit quicker with a comparable engine in it.
I have just got rid of a 12yr old 1.4 Fiesta and have driven a new 1.4 Fiesta. Mine was way quicker - it weigherd about 250kg less.

I test drove the 1.9TDi 100 and 130 and plumped for the 130, as I wanted the poke.
But, in your case, I would say that it's between the 1.4 petrol and diesel (as I think is the general opinion). The diesel would probably be more drive-able but a bit more costly and perhaps not worth the extra on 12k miles/yr.

Best to test drive the both - you'll quickly come to a decision I think.

 

[Leigh15]

TBH the diesel's probably going to cost you more to run than either of the petrols if you're only doing 12k per annum. Incidentally, its also a 3 cylinder engine same as the 1.2 petrol - not that it's a problem.

Of the two petrol models i'd choose the less powerful 1.2 every time. The 1.2 revs so freely it feels faster and is much easier to drive than the 1.4. Also, IIRC the 1.2 Stylance gives climate control and the 1.4 sport only has basic aircon.....

 

[muddyboots]

I'd definitely say 1.4 TDI, should feel the quickest of all 3, and that's without having to rev it's nuts off to squeeze power out of it.

 

[Brummy]

TBH the diesel's probably going to cost you more to run than either of the petrols if you're only doing 12k per annum. Incidentally, its also a 3 cylinder engine same as the 1.2 petrol - not that it's a problem.

Of the two petrol models i'd choose the less powerful 1.2 every time. The 1.2 revs so freely it feels faster and is much easier to drive than the 1.4. Also, IIRC the 1.2 Stylance gives climate control and the 1.4 sport only has basic aircon.....

there were 'various''models' of the 1.2 the Award?? the stylance?
some were kitted with pretty good bits.. mp3 player. steeing wheel controls , aircon etc ... and the 1.2 aint that bad.. it'll blatt up and down the m6 comfortably day in day out and it does actually out perform some larger engined cars too

 

[Goot]

She's currently got a 52 plate Clio, 51k miles.
Motorway twice a day for work: Warrington -> Manchester and monthly trips to Birmingham. The rest is town driving.

I made the mistake of letting her 'borrow' my car this morning (brake light bulbs went on Clio last night), she starting to appreciate the performance over the Clio.......NOOOOO... its too fast for you.

Lets just say the brake light bulbs were replaced first thing this morning.
Now, where's my Leon????

Back on topic, when I do book test drives, I going to try and arrange for them to be done on the same day.

Goot

 

[justlivyalife]

Straight after the other Try getting a long test drive. I'm only 18 but I managed to have an hour long test drive (though it was accompanied) on all sorts of road types. I then drove my 307 down the same roads on the way home. Gave me a good comparison .

 

[loonymoon]

We tested a 1.4 16v Sport (75bhp)

And I don't want anyone to take offence here - but it was quite possibly the most useless engine I've driven (ever)

quiet, smooth (there's a reason), comfy, reasonable spec

but absolutely nothing in the guts department

3rd gear, slight incline 3 up - WOT & nothing happened - so the smoothness is because there's no oomph

1.4PD all the way if the price is within £1500 you'll break even & it'll be worth more at reslae

I do agree with MOrk here - however I don't quite agree that it's the most useless engine ever - mind you it probably is the most useless engine M0rk's driven ever...!!

It all comes down to budget. What can you afford (as with everything). I had a 2002 Clio 1.2 as a courtesy car when some idiot went into the back of my 1998 1.4 Fiesta. Now, there may well have been something wrong with the Clio as it was a courtesy car and probably not well looked after but I found it SLOOOOOOOOW compared to the fiesta. Now I admit I also find my 1.4 75ps Ibiza slow compared to the Fiesta, but if it was as bad as the Clio was I would not have bought it, AND it has many other saving graces.

When I was looking for a car in March this year (my beloved Fiesta had 90k and was starting to show it), I couldn't afford a new car. The Ibiza offered a LOT for the money and I considered the 1.4 TDi too.

However as M0rk said the mark up was about a £1000 for a similar age ( about 1 year old) and spec TDi as for the petrol version. In the end I worked out that with my mileage it would take me over a year to break even and as the TDi was really out of my range anyway I plumped for the petrol. It is slow - but that depends where you've come from. If your other half had had an older 1.2 Clio I'd say she'd find the Ibiza slow for the engine size, but she's got a newish shape one it's probably going to be a bit slower than the Ibiza 1.4 75ps.

Having said all that I enjoyed driving the Ibiza 1.2 too when I had that as a courtesy car. It's quicker off the mark in town, it rev's more freely but it does run out of steam more on the Motorway. The 75ps 1.4 16v takes some getting used to as it does require a more proactive approach - but now I'm used to it, it's fine and I can live with the lack of guts.... as I now know where I can kick it and what I can and can't do with it.

My advice is - if you can afford it go for the 1.4 TDI - as you say you'll keep it for 5 years or so and it'd definately have paid for itself by then.
Next go for a 100ps version of the 1.4 such as the new DAB (if you can afford new)

But definately get her to test drive but also realise that the car may take some getting used to before she's completely happy with how it drives. Even a 1 hour test drive won't do this.

 

[stu666]

I'd go for the 1.4 100bhp engine which is very refined when driving normally and also has a good bit of take off anywhere after 3200 revs then accelerates very forcefully to appx 6500 (not that i'd expect your wife to do that lol).

My mother Has the 1.2 12v polo(ibiza's less sporty cousin) which drives ok but if you dont drive like a mum it'll be less efficient than the 1.4.

I would go for the 1.4 100bhp because its nice and refined/efficient also there is power when you need it e.g. overtaking lorries/pulling away from chavs up yer hole.

 

[davels]

i had a 1.4 petrol revo'd it felt very quick in first and second but from third on theres not alot there even with a remap (this was an 2003 model though don't no if that makes any differance) on the other hand when i had the new 1.4 derv ibiza referance(base model) as a courtesy car it felt very nippy, nice torque curve and even quick getting to motorway speeds. i was very impressed. the only down side was it sounded noisy compared to my PD130 but i don't know if that is down to mine being looser due to more miles or not