Auction Car of the Week: Renault Clio V6

The ordinary Renault Clio was designed to carry four people, some shopping and perhaps a cocker spaniel or two. 

For the V6 version, however, Renault removed the rear seats and fitted a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine in their place, creating one the wildest production hot hatchbacks ever sold.

In fact, calling this ultimate Clio a hot hatch feels slightly inadequate. It is closer to a small-scale supercar –  one that just happens to share a few parts with your Auntie Gladys’s runabout. 

This 2004 Phase 2 example, finished in stunning Iliad Blue, will be offered for sale by Iconic Auctioneers at CarFest later this month.

A Clio after a gym workout

The first Clio V6 debuted in 2001, using a mid–mounted 230hp version of Renault’s ‘L’ V6 engine – also found in the Laguna, Espace, Safrane and Avantime.

The Phase 2 facelift seen here followed in 2003, increasing output to 255hp and introducing chassis modifications designed to make the feisty Clio less inclined to swap ends.

Power goes to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, while the engine sits transversely behind the two seats. The Clio’s rear wheelarches were widened to accommodate the new layout, providing the stance of a supermini that spends most of its waking hours at the gym.

New parts – and no sticky switches

This Clio V6 is presented in smart condition, with refurbished alloy wheels and a recently repainted front bumper. The cabin has also received attention, including replacement (non-sticky) switches and genuine Renault floor mats. Anyone familiar with French car dashboards from the early 2000s will understand why the former is worth mentioning.

Recent parts fitted include four Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, replacement rear shock absorbers and new rear brake discs and pads. A Quiksilver rear silencer provides a modest departure from standard spec – and probably a fruitier exhaust note, too.

Its most recent service was completed by a main dealer 250 miles ago. This included a new cambelt, water pump, spark plugs, engine oil and filters. The car is accompanied by its original books, service history and V5C document.

Bid on this Renault Clio V6

With nearly 75,000 miles recorded, this is not a delivery-mileage car destined to be tucked beneath a fitted cover. It is a thoroughly enjoyed and well-maintained example of Renault at its most wonderfully irrational.

It might lack rear seats, meaningful luggage capacity and much connection to a normal Clio, but these are minor details. After all, nobody ever bought a Clio V6 because it seemed like the sensible option.

Iconic Auctioneers’ estimate for the Clio is between £35,000 and £45,000 – potentially cheaper than a new VW Golf GTI. Tempted? Get yourself to CarFest at Silverstone on Saturday 29 August.

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