Recent content by Guvna!

Get a 182 if you want decent economy. The 197 and 200's guzzle.

I thought Seat had a little play with the roll bars and springs to make them handle better? A remap brings them to life doesn't it?

I thought they were pretty decent for handling? Well compared to the MK4 Golf anyway. How did you find the 197 after the 182? A mate of mine went back to a 182 after his 197 as the 197 just didn't feel quick enough.

Is that with the wind behind you? I thought they did 35mpg tops.

With you 100% on that. I wouldn't buy the new RS Clio. I'd buy the ST simply because hot hatches should be 3 door and manual. Some say Renault lost their way a bit after the 182 but I don't agree. The brakes and handling of the 197/200 are terrific.

What are the old Fords like compared to the 172 Cup in terms of handling etc? I'm talking about the XR's and RS Turbo's.

I think the Phase 2 172 could be firmer. The 172 Cup is very good out of the box. Renault seemed to sort that issue out with the 182 Cup suspension.

Just pure snobbery. We all know the French make the best hot hatches haha. I'd probably have a Cup next time, simply because there is less electrical to go wrong. I think they'll appreciate nicely too.

How do you mean the original product? The 172/182 in standard form or the ST 150?

I completely agree. A few of my mates said 'Ohh it's French, it'll fall apart, should have got a Civic' bla bla bla'. When it did break which wasn't very often, the parts were cheap and easily available. Not the case on the German cars.

Simply because they are French. A lot of people won't touch a French car because 'they are hassle'. Some people don't like how small they are but I must say I loved my 172. It was great when I wanted fun and it was comfortable to sit in on the motorway when needed. I've got an E90 320d now...

That's one thing I did notice about the 197 I had a go in. It didn't really have the 'speed thrill' my 172 had. It was doing the same speed but as it was a bigger car, it didn't feel it. Think that's what makes the 172/182's even more fun. I guess Renault really did stretch every last ounce...

Right I get ya. Is there a reason why the Clio 197's are noticeably more thirsty than the 172/182's?? I was always under the impression it was the gearing as they seem to rev quite high.

Think you're right. Not all of them though. The Cups and Trophy will appreciate. The 172's and 182's are great because apart from the tax, which is ridiculous IMO they are cheapish to insure, they are fun and more impressive is the MPG. My old 172 used to easily do 42mpg + on the motorway...

Yeah spot on. 0-100 there is pretty much nothing in it between a 172 Cup and a Type R but out of 4th and into 5th in the Clio is where the Type R really seems to pull away. What differences could Renault have made to the gearing? A 6 speed box would have destroyed the fuel economy wouldn't it?