Sweep-stake:
Option a. Robin gets sick of this "gutless...breathless...erratic...too sensitive" yet "fantastic" little car by Christmas. Pays out at 3/1
Option b. Robin doesn't get the chance to get sick of it as the trick gearbox breaks because it's a Renault. Pays out at even money
In car matters - heed the Lambert who hails from the North, for he is wise.
Genuine smile on my face at this one, which considering its the hottest day of the year and our office A/C is broken (again), is saying something.
I reckon option a) but I may not have driven the revised g/box. Last time I drove one was November 2013 to be fair, where I said
[color=rgb(64,64,64);font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:1.3em;]"While the previous Renaultsport Clio boasted a naturally aspirated engine endowed with a turbo-like thrust, the new car uses forced induction to create a linear power delivery not unlike the larger endowed [/color]RenaultSport Megane[color=rgb(64,64,64);font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:1.3em;]. In a straight line it doesn’t feel as fast as the figures (0-62mph takes only 6.7 seconds) suggest, but that’s mainly down to the automatic gearbox.[/color]
The six ratios are too widely spaced and the long gearing feels at odds with this car’s frenetic purpose. Selecting Sport or Race mode does little to help – it simply holds the ratios for far too long – but knocking the lever into manual improves things.
Swapping cogs via the steering column-mounted paddles is also a step in the right direction, but we wish they were either longer or pivoted with the wheel as reaching for the next ratio while cornering often results in fumbling fingers and a nudged rev-limiter.
Minor disappointments about the drivetrain aside, the RenaultSport Clio’s chassis is fantastic, and any apparent lack of pace or power disappears at the first corner. The steering could do with a little more feel, but grip is strong and reactions are razor sharp.
Enthusiastic drivers, with the safety aids switched off, can back off the throttle mid bend to entice the rear end into play as it swings around to tighten the corner. Easily controllable, this throttle adjustability is a real highlight, and the harder you drive this car the more it rewards.
Mixed with a supple motorway ride it makes an impressive all-round combination."
So overall it's not a shitter or anything, in fact it's really rather good.
That said, I've just today arranged delivery of my (well Naomi's) Ford Fiesta ST-3 Mountune, which was my old long-term test car. It arrives on Wednesday, and I'm almost as excited about this as the 458 Speciale I have for the weekend. 
haha
