The clio does handle better, and the 2.0 sport's and cups both make the clio a very quick car, but what renault say is 182bhp I think is a bit 'generous', I'm not saying its not quick, they are, but they lack torque and mid range anything, it just sort of goes fffffffflllllllllllluuuuuuuuumpppppp *redline*, fllllluuuuuu. if you get what I mean, I have kept up with one (on an a road) in my dads audi, I got past it when he got to about 110, either he backed off, or my superior 276lb.ft ate him.
Punto HGT is the best in the current range, not that many about, and unfortunatly not 'as' quick as the 10yr old mk1 GT's were, but thats the enviromentalists for you. THe punto has always been sorta van like in shape, so whilst other small hatchs aren't that much smaller, the puntos interior space is big and usefull, I can get two 6,0ft guys/gals in the back and they fit no problem, still a good 4" above their heads too!! ANd I can get all my uni stuff in the boot (4x apple box's with cloths/gear/bike stuff, and a laptop bag and a bookbag) without having to lift parcel shelf. Mines a mk1, the mk2s boot is even bigger and sqaurer again.
*edit,just an add--- when I drive mine I have the drivers seat all the way back, then forward one click, still enough space in back, but I just want to be as far away from that round weapon of death as poss, partly that and partly the pedals are quite vertical, and if I was any closer I wouldn't be able to drive the thing, check that while your their.------*edit
Go and take a test drive, fall in love with it and get the last bit on 0%credit.