Used test: Renault Clio Gordini vs Suzuki Swift Sport
The Renault Clio Gordini and the Suzuki Swift Sport are both tiny tots that offer driving thrills and back-road pleasure on a limited budget. But which one makes the most sense as a used purchase...
Our Verdict
There’s a lot to like about the Renault Clio. It might not have the out-and-out oomph of its Renaultsport Clio 200 sibling, and it’s certainly not as sharp to drive as that car, but it’s fun, likeable and even pretty practical, thanks to a spacious interior and a handily sized boot. Its stripes and low driving position help to give it the air of a small performance car, even if ultimately it’s not that quick. It’s also comparatively rare in this lower-powered and insurance-busting 128bhp 1.6-litre Gordini guise.
However, it was the Suzuki Swift that got our vote when these two cars were new – and it does now, too. It’s more fun, for starters, feeling much quicker and more agile than the Clio; its precise handling makes it a joy on a winding country road. It’s better-equipped and seems to make as much financial sense at this age as it did when the car was new – we thought it a hot hatch bargain then and that seems to hold true for a used version now.
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1st – Suzuki Swift Sport
For Quick; great fun; loads of kit
Against Small boot; lofty driving position
Verdict For this sort of money, no other hot hatch comes close
Rated 4 out of 5
2nd – Renault Clio Gordini
For Plenty of grip; practical; cheaper insurance
Against Missing safety kit; not very quick; poor steering
Verdict A good buy, but doesn’t excite as much as the Swift Sport
Rated 3 out of 5
Specifications: Renault Clio Gordini
Engine size 1.6-litre petrol
List price when new £14,000
Price today £5995*
Power 128bhp
Torque 114lb ft
0-60mph 9.2sec
Top speed 120mph
Fuel economy 42.2mpg (official average)
CO2 emissions 155g/km
Specifications: Suzuki Swift Sport
Engine size 1.6-litre petrol
List price when new £13,495
Price today £6,250*
Power 134bhp
Torque 118lb ft
0-60mph 7.9sec
Top speed 118mph
Fuel economy 44.1mpg (official average)
CO2 emissions 147g/km
Price today is based on a 2012 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing
Read more:
Renault Clio review
Suzuki Swift review
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