Renault got involved with Nissan when they bailed them out with a 49 billion loan (French govt that is) From then on they based the k11 on a lot of clio gear hence the problems. My fitter tells me to steer well clear of them, although, I have since read, that since 2010 all the problems are now sorted - moved production I think...something like that. So for me - I'll stick with the good old k11.
I would have to say though, that a lot of people love em....with all there faults. Read honest john reviews.