Having given the Clio the first proper thrash today since we bought it, I can honestly say that it's as great as I remember. On tight country lanes I struggle to think of anything that I could hustle as quick as this; Certainly I'd leave a Zed for dead, regardless of power differential. The chassis and feedback is that good, that for the first time in years I enjoyed driving FWD again.
The balance of the thing is incredible, and that engine... Oh man, it just loves to rev! Fantastic little car, it really is. More pure fun than the BMW, that's for sure.
I'll have to pinch it more often I think...