182 compared with mk 3 Clio diesel

[tameracingdriver]

My 182 is now at Reno and today I got use of a mk3 diesel, pretty much poverty spec to tell you the truth, so i dont know if its a 65 bhp model or the 80 bhp model, but I'd imagine its probably the former.

Anyway I just thought I'd give a few basic thoughts on the car in comparison - although I wont focus too much on performance and handling because its hgardly a fair comparison.

Anyway, lets talk about the performance a little anyway. I'd say it feels fairly gutsy, a little like the 182 feels beltween about 2500-3500 revs, although obviously its not a high revving car and with that in mind, its clearly nowhere near as quick, as you would expect. Also, 1st and 2nd are a bit flat and lifeless, and it performs best in 3rd onwards.

Handling wise, I'd say the diesel only felt slightly softer sprung than the 182, and although I havent pushed it to the limit, I'd say it probably handles ok for its size. The steering lacks feel and feels artificial though, but then that could be expected from a non sporting model anyway.

As for the interior, i'd struggle to say it was any better than the mk2, but again that may not be a fair comparison all in all. It does feel a little more roomy, but the driving position is definitely no etter and overall, it feels like your driving an MPV. To be honest, i find it difficult to imagine what they could do to the 197 to make it feel less MPV like, i'd say it wasnt really possible just by making the seat lower and suspension lower. Sitting in the 182, the difference is like going from a 182 to a sports coupe, there is that much difference.

Overall you can see its a more modern car, but ultimately it does seem like it will be another step towards more safe but less involving cars. Also the trip computer was showing 43 MPG which to be honest, i'd expect better - I get 30 out of the 182!

 

[Phill1978]

lol i get 37mpg out of the cup with town/urban driving and ive had 42mpg before on an average over the course of 1 months driving (800miles) tbh buying a diesel at 1k higher list then paying extra money at the pump and having to give a lot more throttle to keep pace with the traffic sometimes makes diesels only slightly better.... than a lightweight petrol. add weight on a petrol and they do make a diffo but a 172/182 are so light that they dont actually need to use much fuel compared with other sporty cars. the new 197 petrol RS with its 1210kg (min) kerbweight will with extra power and weight only really do about 32mpg.

for both light weight and economy try a dci clio 65mpg easy and lighter than a 172cup !

 

[polarbert]

Hey mate, first time I've seen you post on here, as opposed to PH!

 

[tameracingdriver]

Hey mate, first time I've seen you post on here, as opposed to PH!

Hi mate

Drove it home from work not so long ago, and some of the roads are open country type roads, and this is where you can really appreciate the difference of the 182 over one of the lesser diesel models. Where the diesel did feel quite nippy in town, it feels completely breathless and out of its depth on the open road. Overtakes I would normally go for in the 182 i completely chickened out of with this, and the body roll was monumental, particularly with it being such a high feeling car.

Another thing I noticed was I could see the drivers of cars like MPV's in my rear view mirror now whereas before all i could see is their headlights. This car is just so much taller than the old one.

To be honest with you, if I imagine the Mk2 with the same engine, I feel I would still much prefer it to this.

The only thing I feel is better is perhaps the build quality subjectively seems a bit more solid, and the gearshift is less vague, but lets not get carried away here, this is still no VAG car!

 

[edde]

The engine will losen up a lot if you have to keep it a while just keep it above 3k all the time to speed it up.
43mpg is a bit low the Mk3's a bit heavier and its noticable. However when its got some more miles on anything under 50mpg unless its town driving shows somthing wrong.
A diesel is about 50% more economical than a petrol.

 

[tameracingdriver]

Hi Edde... thankfully mate, i believe i am getting my 182 back today, which will make me happy i can tell ya

 

[tameracingdriver]

Well I've just got the 182 back, and frankly, its hard to believe based on that DCI I had that the 197 could be anything like the 182.

On the positive side, I think the 197 will be better built than the 182.

The 6 speed box will probably go some way to overcome its weight, in combination with the extra power.

However, its difficult to see how they could do much about the frankly very MPV like stance of the Mk3... when i got back in the 182 it felt like i was practically sitting on the floor after the Mk3.

Another thing that took my by surprise was how heavy the controls felt on the 182 compared to the Mk3. All the controls feel very mechanical and weighty compared with the Mk3. They will have to work miracles IMO to make it handle as well as the old one, as it very much seems to carry on the tradition of every advancing model becoming safer and more "assisted" than the last. The steering in particular was very odd feeling and lightweight.

The Mk3 is a decent enough car with decent build quality, but I think old school hot hatches have died with the 172/182/Cup/Trophy, and while the new one will sure enough be fast and will be able to corner quickly, i get the impression its lack of sporty driving position and disconnected driving experience will ultimately be its letdown.