The 197 is amazingly well built - ive driven a lowly 1.2 - and thought it was exceptionally well screwed together.

I think the 182 however is a quicker car - even in the corners (but negligibly so) i reckon though that your average driver could drive the ST quicker through corners as it gives you plenty more feedback and confidence.

The ST is a better package though, the interior feels special and looks special on the exterior, whereas the clio looks like any other clio with two exhuasts. Also the interior is dire - horrible driving position too! The ST is 4 insurance groups below it - so i can insure it much more cheaply and in my opinion, the better car for day to day driving.

The fiesta though is well built, but the older renaults are screwed together by cheese eating bitter french communists. :P