Test drove the clio200 today - My thoughts

[Paul.]

Well i made the trip over to the local stealers today to see what all the fuss is with these. Having seen a lot of pics of them on here in white / green / LY i really really didnt fancy it at all. However its safe to say that pics do these cars NO justice so far from the ones ive seen anyway. Ill try and break it down as i seen the car / how it drove / options.

First impressions - I was very surprised and just how much better it looked than from any pics. The car in question was in GW with the 17'' satin black speedlines , recaros , heated/folding mirrors. It looked fantastic. Outside it looked a solid wee car and was very eye catching. The rear of the car looks far better than the 197 even with the ''fake'' tailpipes and all the lines of the car worked and flowed well with the colour. The interior was a VERY nice place to be. In comparison to the 182 it looks and feels much much more solid and better built and more spacious. The recaro seats with the yellow detailing looked awesome and felt very secure and the dials looked alot more modern with the rev counter in yellow.
HOWEVER , the front end - From the pics i thought it looked shocking!! In the metal - it still doesnt look great at all. The lines around the headlights look out of place and the black defuser/mini scooby spolier under the number plate looked silly. Softend the whole front end up The headlights too were far too rounded and bubbly which was made worse by the lack of option for xenons

The Drive - Within almost 5 seconds of touching the accelarator (i know they need a few miles on the clock to loosen up) i felt disappointed. IT seemed lifeless and lazy and almost like it had NO pull.:S But things changed to say the least , after being allowed to ''open'' it up on the B road. The power delivery between my 182 and this car is VERY different. The 182 packs a punch as soon as you nail the right hand pedal but this never came to life until between 4-5k revs. It felt effortless in comparison to my car and although it didnt feel as quick it certainly was. Is it as exciting to drive as the 182????? - NO. Doesnt it feel safer , as quick and need to be revved to bring it to life??? -YES.
The handling of the car is what shocked me most. The thing was PLANTED with very little body roll. I gave it some stick going into a couple of the bends and the grip just felt endless. There was never a chance of it sliding or understeering/oversteering and the seats held you in firmly!:approve: The stopping power from the Brembos was insane!!! The car felt like it stood on its from plate when i hit the pedal (hi darren)

Overall impressions compared to the 182- The 200 is definitly a far better built car , has a much nicer interior , feels more grown up and handles like a dream. However , the 182 feels a better ''drive'' where you really need to focus when giving it the beans and feels far more exciting to drive. Of course that will probably change with a 200 thats well broken in. The 182 still looks better imo and has more ''character''. Overall im very impressed with the new clio and will be going back on Saturday for a longer drive.

 

[Craig.D]

What dealers got this one in Paul??

 

[dmn1989]

hi

 

[Paul.]

What dealers got this one in Paul??

bishopbriggs

hi

x

 

[Gorms]

Nice write up.

Paul

 

[AK]

Good write up Paul.

 

[mccabe172]

Is that in Scotty land mate?

I went out in one last week and I was really impressed with the acceleration with three adults in. I think it is quicker than a 182 personally but the application of power is very linear, like a k20 in a Honda, your going quick but dont feel it. Love the fact it revs so freely as well, again very much k20 like.

Brakes, yes, fantastic only other car that comes close, not better, that I have driven is my old mans TT an 07 plate 3.2 thing.

Even, though I didnt drive and I am gutted I didn't is the handling and chassis. Its awesome for price.

What did you think of exhaust note?

I am guessing your the guy who has been on meg sport? Have you driven a meg yet?

 

[Paul.]

yes thats me. Not driven the r26 yet.

The note of the zorst was very nice and more obvious than my old standard 182 system. Interesting you use the word bargain. I just feel that 16k for a clio is not money well spent tbh. An r26 can be had for 4k cheaper and im sure would be a better car.

 

[Gaz_]

define better?

 

[alanc1000]

An interesting write up and good feedback. I'd be interested in opinions between a 197 and 200, i wonder if there really is any difference, i guess its way too early to tell.

You considering a 200 seriously then Paul?

 

[mccabe172]

Honest mate I am not sure. I ve drove three megs now and one was great the other two, I dont know, just did not feel right. In one instance the salesman let me test drive the r26 back to back with an r27 and i seriously felt the r27 to be more composed on road, it had more feeling and more communication with the driver. It did not have the thump of the 182 but by looking at the speedo I was deinately doing similar or even more speed. Dont get me wrong i ve seen the stats with the r26 and spent friday morning comparing the new evo article on the 200 to the test they did on the r26.

Bargain wise, my mate has got his for 15 k BRAND NEW. What other car can you buy brand new for that with the same performance and useability?

Yes, I think the r26, though, is an even bigger performance bargain. Especially the white one on pistonheads at 13500. What has also surprised me further is that the renault dealers seem cheaper than the independants at the moment when it comes to second hand sales. There is a nice ly for 12995 on the trader.

 

[Tav]

I'd disagree about the 182 having punch from any revs, to me it's exactly as you described the 200...no go untill it starts to climb on cam at 4000rpm and then more pronounced go at 5000rpm when valve timing changes phase.

 

[Peachie]

I have a 200 and the handling is definitely a selling point. I am still in the running in stage so haven't seen the full potential yet. It does feel that the grip round corners is limitless, certainly farther than I would dare push the car!!!

The engine is obviously still loosening up, but at about 3000 revs there seems to be a kick and then again at 4500 upwards. Previously I have driven an ST where the power is there instantly no matter what gear you are in or what rev counter is. But the handling of the 200 beats the ST hands down. I am intrigued as to how it will run when the engine is fully run in. Need to get a few more miles on the clock!!

Carol

 

[b1lly]

I'd disagree about the 182 having punch from any revs, to me it's exactly as you described the 200...no go untill it starts to climb on cam at 4000rpm and then more pronounced go at 5000rpm when valve timing changes phase.

+1

there's feck all punch till 5k in the 182, its quite disappointing tbh

 

[Brett]

I'd disagree about the 182 having punch from any revs, to me it's exactly as you described the 200...no go untill it starts to climb on cam at 4000rpm and then more pronounced go at 5000rpm when valve timing changes phase.

It doesn't. Its where the engine starts to come towards peak efficency. Been covered many times before....

Good write up though. I'd like to drive one myself, but my local dealer has no Renaultsports in atall. I went to see if they had a 1*2 in last week and nothing

 

[Tav]

So when does the valve timing change come in? It's funny how it's a distinct two stage system on the 182 that acts like a switch and is accompanied by a very obvious induction noise bark and a harder shove in the back...pretty binary way of reaching peak efficiency? Only other car that I've driven that has anywhere near the same characteristics said Type R on the back...but obviously the reason for it's behaviour is quite different.

 

[stu197]

The back looks far better than the 197??thought they only changed the deffuser and tailpipes

 

[dmn1989]

expensive because you put 1875quid worth of options mind

 

[mccabe172]

My mate who has bought a 200 had a teg and he reckons the handling round corners, especially roundabouts, is up there with the teg. Again slightly different cars, but I was in the back when he went round a roundabout at some speed and I was sold!

i ve always thought the 182 has a good bit of shove from any revs, just seems to pull and pull to me.

What surprised me with the 200 was how it was hard but not over hard? The suspension system and setup seemed quite complaint and soft, but then a good fluidity when attacking corners. Much like a certain Trophy a once owned.

 

[Craig.D]

expensive because you put 1875quid worth of options mind

Any further info on the Megane 250......Darren? this time next month i,ll have money burning a hole in my pocket.

 

[Flying Frog]

My 200 rs has only about 700 miles on it but already I can feel the engine lossen up and it is true that when the timing change at just over 4500rpm you are entering a different ball game all together. My good it is fast and responsive and the braking like no other. It feel slower and less responsive because it safer and more sound insulatation and more comfy ut when you look at the needle of your speedo you realize how responsive it is.

 

[Stevo_Nimbus_R27]

Trust me the 200 will have some serious pulling power when it gets above 15k on the clock.

My R27 has done 28.5k miles and I am not kidding when I say the speed feels insane, it's just screams at you and rockets down the road like a missile!! It's as responsive as my old 172, perhaps more because the traction is so good that it can cover ground and gather up speed so quickly with no wheel speed or torque steer.

I've raced R32's, 330i's and WRX Subaru's from standstill and none of them are any faster than my R27.

I'm proud to say this as I think the Clio is an affordable drivers car that turns more heads than any of those above.

If anyone is thinking of buying 197 or a 200 my advice is just buy it and trust in Renault.

 

[Cr1spy69]

Trust me the 200 will have some serious pulling power when it gets above 15k on the clock.

My R27 has done 28.5k miles and I am not kidding when I say the speed feels insane, it's just screams at you and rockets down the road like a missile!! It's as responsive as my old 172, perhaps more because the traction is so good that it can cover ground and gather up speed so quickly with no wheel speed or torque steer.

I've raced R32's, 330i's and WRX Subaru's from standstill and none of them are any faster than my R27.

I'm proud to say this as I think the Clio is an affordable drivers car that turns more heads than any of those above.


If anyone is thinking of buying 197 or a 200 my advice is just buy it and trust in Renault.

Off a cliff perhaps? :lolup:

 

[Stevo_Nimbus_R27]

Off a cliff perhaps? :lolup:

I've had races with standard WRX (not an STi), a 330i or and R32.

Upto about 60 in a straightline I've kept with them which makes me very happy :rasp:

 

[christian rea]

I read a right up on this the otherday and it didnt seem a bad little car, i'm still dissaointed it hasnt recieved a turbo but hey the french ould probally c**k that bit up .
Also the price shocked me a little compared with others but then again its renault .

 

[Fletcher]

Paul have you driven a 197 before?

 

[Stevo_Nimbus_R27]

Why does it need a turbo if it can stay with a 300bhp focus rs. You could say the same for the Honda s2000. The high revving naturally aspirated engine is all part of the fun of this car. It's addictive and insane when run in.

 

[Tav]

Why does it need a turbo if it can stay with a 300bhp focus rs. You could say the same for the Honda s2000. The high revving naturally aspirated engine is all part of the fun of this car. It's addictive and insane when run in.

They'll move to a smaller capacity turbocharged engine in future I'd think...more torque, better MPG and more flexible...I'd like to see then stick with N/A and introduce direct injection ala VW/Porsche. More mpg, less emmisions and more power, might let them downsize to an 1800.

 

[coatesy]

WHAT! you're saying a clio can keep up with a focus rs theres 115bhp difference pal

 

[jack_davey]

My god! This thread is full of some absolute garbage!

 

[Steve]

WHAT! you're saying a clio can keep up with a focus rs theres 115bhp difference pal

Motorway, No
Long A roads, No
A2B cross country where the fun is YES; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQEm1c2SETk

The RS engineers need a fooking medal, i've had serious motors in my time & nothing puts a smile on your face like the RS versions.

Not many cars for 15K that have low running costs & give as much fun

 

[mccabe172]

On some roads and circuits like the autocar road yes but the focus still pull away in a real world situation. I think millbrook just suits smaller lighter cars, as the focus is one hefty bugger.

When I had my remapped trophy I left numerous 197s for dead but I couldn't keep up with a 54 plate sti until he hit the corners and caught up a little bit.

For me, i am really tempted with the 200 and I think it would be a perfect companion for track days and ring trips.

 

[mccabe172]

love that clip, it has caused a right stir!

 

[coatesy]

theres also fifth gear that showed a focus rs keeping up with a skyline gtr no way can a clio 200 do that.

 

[JonC]

WHAT! you're saying a clio can keep up with a focus rs theres 115bhp difference pal

theres also fifth gear that showed a focus rs keeping up with a skyline gtr.......

So what your saying now is that it is possible that a car with a big power deficit can still keep up with a more powerful car?!

 

[Ali]

Good write up... Tbh, i prefer the safer for planted feel now a days compared to the loose and on the edge feel. Bit like coming from the williams to the 172...And then for some the 172 to the 197...It's getting more grown up.

I'd like a wee shot in one too!

 

[Paul.]

when i say better i mean build quality , handling etc like i said in my first post. And when i say the 182 is responsive from when hitting the pedal compared to the 200 thats exactly what i mean. Until 4krevs in the 200 i felt literally nothing. Yes it was moving quickly but i didnt feel it. When i got back in the 182 to come home it felt like a rocket again. I DO KNOW that when the engine has a few more miles on it , te 200 will most likely be a diff story.



Ive not driven a 197 but been out in 1 (alans) n he drove along the B road HARD so i do know what the r27 is capable of in terms of handling and speed. As i say i will be going back on saturday for a longer drive.

 

[Ali]

You need a shot in a decent RS clio paul!

 

[Paul.]

You need a shot in a decent RS clio paul!

id love a shot in the vee mate

 

[Ali]

Fcukin insure it and you can have it for the weekend!!