Having said that though mate there are plenty of people who have gone the other way around and "prefer" that its down to personal choice isnt it?
Shaunbrass, It's not really a case of "my car is better than yours"
Sure, the 172cup seems to be fastest in a straight line because it's lighter, and obviously that will help with agility too.
But the fact remains, you can't have fun on the roads today without it... Unless you live in an area with no hidden junctions, no cars parked at the sides of the road for kids to run out from, and all fresh tarmac for even braking....
Anyway, as I said, I was considering a 172cup recently. I can control myself enough to not let the lack of ABS be a big issue (or tissue..), but it's the lack of air conditioning that puts me off. If I found one with AC though... Hmmm. Still, I do a massive commute, and get free diesel. Can't afford to keep a 120d, and the Clio dCi will do for now.