The above is right to be honest. I drove a Fiesta ST when they first came out and they do feel rather flat in my opinion. I'm sure that they come alive with some mods but, in standard trim, they leave a bit to be desired in my view.

I run a Clio 197 as a daily and have had a 172 Cup in the past. For a daily, I would 100% take a 197/200 over a 172/182. The 1*2 does feel a bit more raw, but the more modern cars are a bit nicer to live with by virtue of being a bit bigger and more grown-up. That's not to say that they don't have their flaws - the gearing is short so the fuel economy isn't world beating and the front suspension requires careful maintenance - but they are a good steer overall. Try and buy one with timing belt done recently as it avoids a bit of initial cost (c.£500) but the life is ok (60k/5years) and better if you can find one that's had the front swivel joints replaced - they use a similar front suspension arrangement to a MK2 Focus RS with twin pivot hubs. They are pretty tough overall though. With fresh suspension and decent rubber, they are an extremely capable car. If you can find one with the optional Recaro seats, it's worth going for and, if you are willing to spend a bit more, a 200 Cup (or a regular one with the Cup chassis option) is the one to have; it has the best spring/damper/roll bar combo and a slightly quicker steering rack. Autocar did a video when they came out and a MK2 Focus RS couldn't get away with it on a twisty track.

The 197/200 is a bit more expensive to buy than a Fiesta ST, but worth it in my view. The Fiesta is marginally nicer inside, but the Clio is the more capable car in my view, and looks better with the wider arches etc.