197 Cup with Recaros. Nimbus in 2012. Glacier White in 2022

Sir_Dave · Apr 3, 2012

Brett said:
I see where your coming from with the armrest Dave.

Glad someone does lol

Although, after driving home with it in last night, i dont think i'll be keeping it - armchair stylee doesnt suit the french f4rtbox. In fact, i've removed it already.

Nick172Cup said:
Oh and Dave - Having looked at the pictures on the computer now, like Dan said WTF are them tyres on it!

As Mike put it, Fortuna by name, fortunate not to fall off the road at the 1st corner. They are quite frankly abysmal. Have ordered some Hankook V12 Evo's for it, so will get them on asap.

Someone also suggested that the pedal vibration might be tracking related so will get that done as well, although it would seem that its engine related - does it between 3-4k rpm even when in neutral/stationary - engne mounts maybe?

Bux said:
Looks great mate! Bit of deja vu

Will. said:
<3 Hero spec.

Glad you both approve

Knuckles said:
the recaros, do you fit 'nicely' in them? I was expecting the harness holes to be above my shoulders, being 6foot odd they're a bit below my shoulders. Comfy as f**k nonetheless :approve:The exhaust looks amazing! I've got some form of aftermarket system on but it doesn't look half as good as that! Swapsies?

I seem to fit ok, i am only 5' 7" though, so not exactly blessed in the height dept

Very comfy though, much more suppotive than the Trendlines in the Trophy, albeit not as squashy for lounging on long journeys! Exhaust is growing on me, although the sound at 6k+ wont do the mpg any good - probably why its languishing around 29mpg at the moment ... will be filling it up again later on though, so interested to see whether the trip computer is accurate or not!

Sir_Dave · Apr 4, 2012

Just got through the 1st tank of fuel. Trip computer said 29.2mpg lol .... although that has included 85% use in the BMW lane of my private road, at a consistent speed of circa 75-90 leptons. However, after hearing that they arent the most accurate & tend to underread, i thought id work it out manually as well. But no, it is actually doing 29.2mpg

Also, the front tyres are quite simply awful, wet/greasy roads last night = huge understeer/wheelspin. The latter being especially impressive considering the huge hole in the power/torque curve at 3-4k rpm. Above that however, it is really rather good fun, again, the gearbox really does help keep it on the boil from 2nd through 5th - very similar to the old Gti6 box imho, not brilliant from a standing start, but once moving, very well spaced ratios ...

Jimbo_M · Apr 4, 2012

Thats a great looking motor dude, nimbus is a fantastic colour and you dont see too many of them around! Im sure you will enjoy her!

Knuckles · Apr 4, 2012

Sir_Dave said:
I seem to fit ok, i am only 5' 7" though, so not exactly blessed in the height dept Very comfy though, much more suppotive than the Trendlines in the Trophy, albeit not as squashy for lounging on long journeys! Exhaust is growing on me, although the sound at 6k+ wont do the mpg any good - probably why its languishing around 29mpg at the moment ... will be filling it up again later on though, so interested to see whether the trip computer is accurate or not!

pfft, im only doing low 30's with a commute lol! in 6th from 3.5krpm to about 5k my exhaust sounds similar to a scooby lol! then it starts to scream

that doesnt help either

Drew. · Apr 4, 2012

I concur with the tyres, dealer put two on the front of mine before i could protest, they really undermine the car, i think the bare rims would be better, so i too am looking forward to some better boots. Looks good btw

Gally · Apr 4, 2012

I really didn't like the box in the 2 I drove.

Infact I drove 3 and lots of standard MK3's. Just didn't feel great for a sporty hatch. It felt "tall" if that's even possible.

Christopher · Apr 4, 2012

gally said:
I really didn't like the box in the 2 I drove.

Infact I drove 3 and lots of standard MK3's. Just didn't feel great for a sporty hatch. It felt "tall" if that's even possible.

Really? It's exactly the opposite.

In fact, early 197's pre-2007 were wayyyy too short. 70mph was 4k RPM. lol.

The later 197's and 200's are perfect. Keeps it right on the boil.

leeroybrown · Apr 4, 2012

Davvvvve! We need a trophy update pal.:hail:

Am bored of your 197 already :slap:

chris_p · Apr 4, 2012

Christopher said:
Really? It's exactly the opposite.

In fact, early 197's pre-2007 were wayyyy too short. 70mph was 4k RPM. lol.

The later 197's and 200's are perfect. Keeps it right on the boil.

I dont think he meant the gearbox.

Sir_Dave · Apr 4, 2012

gally said:
Just didn't feel great for a sporty hatch. It felt "tall" if that's even possible.

Sorry, struggling to understand what you mean .... must be the language barrier?

If you mean the box, i think its great. If you mean the car feels tall ie big, you're right, its massive lol. Makes Sarah TT look like a toy car

leeroybrown said:
Davvvvve! We need a trophy update pal.:hail:

Am bored of your 197 already :slap:

Trophy hasnt moved since last Friday, is now SORN as well, so updates will be limited, unless you want me to start a Twitter style feed for it:

DirtyShedTrophy@Twitter: Its Saturday, im dirty & i have no tax
DirtyShedTrophy@Twitter: Its Sunday, a bird just sh4t on me & i have no tax. That 197 looks massive.
DirtyShedTrophy@Twitter: Its Monday, a dog pi55ed on me last night, im really quite filthy, smelly & that 197 is getting all the attention
DirtyShedTrophy@Twitter: Its Tuesday, that 197 is dirty as well now. Ha, you'll stay that way forever now.
DirtyShedTrophy@Twitter: Its Wednesday, Budgie guy keeps coming over & looking at me. Apparently im worth more in parts. Ginger c*nt.

leeroybrown · Apr 4, 2012

I get was Gally is saying, I have drove a few early 197's and I felt exactly the same.

Currently removing coffee from my screen I laughed some much at your Twitter feed hahahahah

Scrooge · Apr 4, 2012

Lol @ Twitter feed.

MarkCup · Apr 4, 2012

Sir_Dave said:
DirtyShedTrophy@Twitter: Its Saturday, im dirty & i have no tax
DirtyShedTrophy@Twitter: Its Sunday, a bird just sh4t on me & i have no tax. That 197 looks massive.
DirtyShedTrophy@Twitter: Its Monday, a dog pi55ed on me last night, im really quite filthy, smelly & that 197 is getting all the attention
DirtyShedTrophy@Twitter: Its Tuesday, that 197 is dirty as well now. Ha, you'll stay that way forever now.
DirtyShedTrophy@Twitter: Its Wednesday, Budgie guy keeps coming over & looking at me. Apparently im worth more in parts. Ginger c*nt.

FLOL, that could be the exact same for my Cup, just sits there unloved now. The 200 gets all the attention.

Porkie · Apr 4, 2012

Great to drive, but so so ugly. Glad you like it though!

I dont like cars with clutches as every day car or road cars tbh!

I am 36 though! OLD!

LOVE THE TWITTER FEED!

Knuckles · Apr 4, 2012

Porkie said:
Great to drive, but so so ugly. Glad you like it though!

I dont like cars with clutches as every day car or road cars tbh!

I am 36 though! OLD!

LOVE THE TWITTER FEED!

you got me thinking he bought a 200 for a second there. the 197 is the better looking of the two. FYI

the FF versions have cruise control so that helps lol

Brett · Apr 4, 2012

Knuckles said:
you got me thinking he bought a 200 for a second there. the 197 is the better looking of the two. FYI

the FF versions have cruise control so that helps lol

Helps you change gear ?

I get what you mean though. cruise is useless on busy motorways, but when your travelling along a motorway on a long drive with little traffic its a god send. Can't wait to use it going to Le Mans.

Christopher · Apr 4, 2012

+1

Essential for long journeys.

I might see 30mpg on the way to LM by using it.

Sir_Dave · Apr 4, 2012

Christopher said:
I might see 30mpg on the way to LM by using it.

You wont lol. Cruise actually makes the mpg worse, so unless you are sitting at 60mph, your 200 has no chance of getting to 30mpg

I do miss it though, having to alternate between holding the accelerator down with your left/right foot due to angle tiredness is FTL.

Glad you all like the Twitter feed btw

Christopher · Apr 4, 2012

Climate's nice too.

Sir_Dave · Apr 4, 2012

Christopher said:
Climate's nice too.

I have windows.

Gally · Apr 4, 2012

Christopher said:
Really? It's exactly the opposite.

In fact, early 197's pre-2007 were wayyyy too short. 70mph was 4k RPM. lol.

The later 197's and 200's are perfect. Keeps it right on the boil.

No no not the ratios. Tall was the wrong word, more the stalk and throw. It never felt as tight as Dave describes. And as I said before I was so disappointed with how light the steering was.

Budgie · Apr 4, 2012

LOL at the Twitter Feed.

C**t.

recaro182 · Apr 4, 2012

Dave will this see a track? Would be good to see just how slow these barges are

Sir_Dave · Apr 4, 2012

Budgie said:
LOL at the Twitter Feed.

C**t.

lol xx

recaro182 said:
Dave will this see a track? Would be good to see just how slow these barges are

Yeah, will do a couple of days in it im sure - hopefully sooner rather than later!!

Although as per at Brands, cornering speed comparisons between cars on cut-slicks and road-tyres are slightly pointless :rasp:

Christopher · Apr 4, 2012

Any luck with the pedals mate?

*Badger* · Apr 4, 2012

It's a nice bus, but it just doesn't compare to your old M3. But if it saves you a sack of cash to fund a house then so be it. Glad the armrest has gone as it looked gash. I envy the MPG tho.

Gaz_ · Apr 4, 2012

Might be worth looking at these if going for V1's, bit cheaper, rated them on my 172 Cup, not seen anyone with them on a 197 yet

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-C...CarParts_SM&hash=item2c6406cb2c#ht_1574wt_932

Iain C · Apr 4, 2012

Like it. Great spec and colour

Rob · Apr 5, 2012

Loved the twitter feed, good work.

Glad you removed the arm rest, just looked wrong.

I've come to the conclusion you've probably bought the best looking mk3 that exists, so good going on that.

Sir_Dave · Apr 5, 2012

g@z said:
Might be worth looking at these if going for V1's, bit cheaper, rated them on my 172 Cup, not seen anyone with them on a 197 yet

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-C...CarParts_SM&hash=item2c6406cb2c#ht_1574wt_932

Dont think they fit unfortunately :dapprove: Bilstein only list them for the 2.0 normal clio, not the 197/200, hence no one has fitted them yet!!

Slight error by Demon Tweeks there me thinks. Shame really, <3 Bilstein stuff.

Rob said:
I've come to the conclusion you've probably bought the best looking mk3 that exists, so good going on that.

Why thank you

alanc1000 · Apr 5, 2012

only just spotted this, congrats on the 197 and its nice to read a review from someone who has actually driven one for once! Looks great dave!

Gaz_ · Apr 5, 2012

Sir_Dave said:
Dont think they fit unfortunately :dapprove: Bilstein only list them for the 2.0 normal clio, not the 197/200, hence no one has fitted them yet!!

Slight error by Demon Tweeks there me thinks. Shame really, <3 Bilstein stuff.

Why thank you

Not so sure on them, the pic looks right with the strut, and it specifically lists them as for 197, where as the ones you're thinking of just said 2.0 litre

Herr Flick · Apr 5, 2012

Can't believe you sold an M3 for a bloody clio.
Least i sold it for another awesome car.

Tony Hunter · Apr 6, 2012

The lovely Sarah looks well chuffed lol.

Sir_Dave · Apr 7, 2012

rich89 said:
Can't believe you sold an M3 for a bloody clio.
Least i sold it for another awesome car.

lol, didnt you buy a Subaru? Not sure that qualifies as awesome :quiet:

Tony Hunter said:
The lovely Sarah looks well chuffed lol.

Well, yes. She's not the greatest fan im honest, although she might change her tune if she drives it i suppose! Which brings me onto the next review nicely...

Done 600 miles in the 197 this week, & to be honest, i spent all last night look at BMW's on Autotrader, rather surprisingly, motorway work isnt its strong point lol. Not really any worse than the 182, but 36mpg plays 31mpg, and that ruddy exhaust, bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Makes the BTB on the Trophy seem sociable lol. Needs removing asap really.

But then, we all know that the 1*2/197/200 was designed for a different type of driving, so this morning, after getting up early for a 5km sprint/jog/walk, i decided to take the clio out for its own type of run ... a proper one, no girlfriends allowed

Needless to say, the car was pretty much in its element, & well, when the revs are constantly above 5k, you dont really notice the flat spot at 3k ... brakes are epic, steering weights up well enough and the daft exhaust rasps, pops, bangs and burbles like a good 'un. The gearbox is fantastic - quick fire like a CTR, great ratios for keeping it on the boil like a Gti6, to be blunt, its in a different league to the 'thing' in the 1*2 lol. Have sussed heel & toe as well now, wider shoes + a harder stab of the throttle = sorted. Keep it above 5k rpm and it really does cover ground pretty well, zinging its way to the limiter time and time again, all the while, not sounding like its about to rattle to death like my other miley shed

So yeah, i like it, cant wait to put it on track and explore the limits of the chassis properly. Oh, and get it sideways.

Got home and fitted my Parrot handfree, which means ill be keeping it for a little while at least

Bad pictures of some nice scenery, apologies for the car in the way ...