My trusty 182 is coming up to 3 years old. Time for a change, so I've been looking at either a clio 197 or corsa vxr.
First, the 197. The engine is more flexible than the 182, more mid range, but still revs nicely. More elbow room and nice build quality. Still a good gearchange - but it is seriously undergeared, 6th is lower than 5th on the 182, you really do keep looking for 7th if you are cruising at 60+
Subjective I know, but it doesn't feel as quick as as the 182. Quick certainly, but seems to lack the immediacy of the 182.
Cornering / handling seem at least as good as the 182.
The standard radio/cd is rubbish, only 2 speakers, plus 2 tweeters that appear to have been borrowed from an cheap transistor radio circa 1966.
The Auto xenon lights, climate control & leather that are standard on the 182 are now just about 2k extras, so 18k before discounts.
Second the VRX. In silver doesn't look too garish, though the 18" wheel option looks a bit halfords.
Well finished, and seems to be rattle free. Engine is good, plenty of low end power that just keeps going. No lag, and good gearchange. Performance feels about the same as the 182. Steering is over light and rather dead, handling is OK, but the rear seems a little underdamped, possibly the 18" wheels weigh more than the standard 17's.
Again a cheap radio, but at least has MP3 capability and sounds better than the 197 unit.
No xenon light option, and equivalent spec to the 182 again 18k.
1st run is sold out, so 4 to 6 month delivery.
Both are good cars, fast and capable in everyday use. The low gearing in the 197 puts me off big style, so I'd probably do for the VXR.
But...neither of the above are significantly better than the 182. They aren't faster, more comfortable or better handling.
So, sorry Vauxhall and Renault, I think I'll keep me dosh in my pocket for while, and keep the 182
First, the 197. The engine is more flexible than the 182, more mid range, but still revs nicely. More elbow room and nice build quality. Still a good gearchange - but it is seriously undergeared, 6th is lower than 5th on the 182, you really do keep looking for 7th if you are cruising at 60+
Subjective I know, but it doesn't feel as quick as as the 182. Quick certainly, but seems to lack the immediacy of the 182.
Cornering / handling seem at least as good as the 182.
The standard radio/cd is rubbish, only 2 speakers, plus 2 tweeters that appear to have been borrowed from an cheap transistor radio circa 1966.
The Auto xenon lights, climate control & leather that are standard on the 182 are now just about 2k extras, so 18k before discounts.
Second the VRX. In silver doesn't look too garish, though the 18" wheel option looks a bit halfords.
Well finished, and seems to be rattle free. Engine is good, plenty of low end power that just keeps going. No lag, and good gearchange. Performance feels about the same as the 182. Steering is over light and rather dead, handling is OK, but the rear seems a little underdamped, possibly the 18" wheels weigh more than the standard 17's.
Again a cheap radio, but at least has MP3 capability and sounds better than the 197 unit.
No xenon light option, and equivalent spec to the 182 again 18k.
1st run is sold out, so 4 to 6 month delivery.
Both are good cars, fast and capable in everyday use. The low gearing in the 197 puts me off big style, so I'd probably do for the VXR.
But...neither of the above are significantly better than the 182. They aren't faster, more comfortable or better handling.
So, sorry Vauxhall and Renault, I think I'll keep me dosh in my pocket for while, and keep the 182
