197 - just checked it out - WTF?

[chris79]

I had a 172 cup from new until my son arrived 8 months ago then I had to switch to a family scenic ...

Anyway, just checked out the photos etc of the new 197 and I can't believe Renault have taken what I considered "the best" hot hatch available and basically fucked it all up...

Here's what I think:

1) I don't care if the engine is more powerful.. its heavier, the extra size and weight is wrong for this kind of car....

2) It looks like a cross between a 206, a punto sporting, and a nissan primera... I hate the styling, what the fk are those stupid plastic bits on the rear bumper supposed to be??

3) the front looks crap, it looks more hairdresser than superior hot hatch...

4) Long live the 172 cup, the best renault hot hatch to date.

 

[edde]

4) Long live the 172 cup, the best renault hot hatch to date.

That enought to start a god argument but the Williams is still better in many people (including mine) eyes.

Its a good car the 197 IMO I don't like the fact its gone bitg but so has the opposition. Also the systling down to personal choice I think it looks quite good a bit to strong for my taste though.

 

[polarbert]

It looks like a micra.

I burst out laughing when I first saw that air dam as well. 40kgs of downforce my arse. Since when has the 182 been unstable at the rear to warrant a f**king air dam?

Its necessary on a 430 Ferrari. But not on a overweight hot hatch. I dont care what anyone says, it really isn't justifiable, its just a marketing gimmick.

 

[edde]

It looks like a micra.

I burst out laughing when I first saw that air dam as well. 40kgs of downforce my arse. Since when has the 182 been unstable at the rear to warrant a f**king air dam?

Its necessary on a 430 Ferrari. But not on a overweight hot hatch. I dont care what anyone says, it really isn't justifiable, its just a marketing gimmick.

I'd think it is justifiable and the 182 can have a touchy rear if you like being silly or getting caught out.

 

[Day]

The one I sat in a few days ago had a lopsided glovebox door.

Nice to see the build quality has got better!

 

[Mark5290]

Didn't they give the Megane 2's rear axle more aggressive toe-in so that it held the road better?, and is partly to blame for excessive and premature wear of the rear tyres on the 17" wheels.

Why could they not have done something similar with the new Clio.

 

[Grandpa Munster]

Didn't they give the Megane 2's rear axle more aggressive toe-in so that it held the road better?, and is partly to blame for excessive and premature wear of the rear tyres on the 17" wheels.

Why could they not have done something similar with the new Clio.

Because it wears the tyres out, you should know, you had a Megane with 17s.

 

[Rob669]

I had a close-up look at one in Renault in Southampton, it was a nice red colour - but that's about all I can say in its favour TBH. Just too big a car now for my liking, too heavy looking, nothing bad-boy about it (Williams are the best looking IMO). Maybe a lightweight version will come out in a year or so and then perhaps I'll think about it. Not impressed really.

Cheers, Rob669

 

[aaronc]

They look better in the flesh.

Its a Renault Sport Clio which has finally grown up.

 

[Gareth]

i've had a look and sit in one at Goodwood today, they are very smart cars. Will reserve true judgement on driving experience until Brands next month, but I have always liked the look of them, granted they are bigger, but when your 6ft 3ins that's a good thing.

 

[steveV6]

4) Long live the clio V6, the best renault hot hatch to date.

Amen brother

 

[Bubbles]

Its a Renault Sport Clio which has finally grown up.

Yep, Grown up... put on some weight and turned into a nasty looking frumpy Ford KA

 

[fizzy_drink]

Everytime I see a 197 from now on, I'm going to shout: "YOU FAT BASTID, YOU FAT BASTID!!!!!"

 

[wozzaa]

Always liked them since i saw the first pictures. But then again i like the 172 shape as well.

Id buy one though. But i'll wait till they release the other versions cup possibly trophy again to see what there like. Plus I want some better colours. and bigger is better for me as well i didnt fit in the older one too well because im a bit larger than most people. With my seat all the way back i used to have to move my legs when i wanted to get into 5th my knee was always in the way.

 

[Rich]

Spent more time in them at Goodwood, adding Racing Blue to the seen colours list, still not feeling it. Still need a drive though.

Much prefered the Black 3 door Megane with full leather Recaros.

 

[al]

Everytime I see a 197 from now on, I'm going to shout: "YOU FAT BASTID, YOU FAT BASTID!!!!!"

Then the 197 turns round and says "f**k off" lol!!

I think I kinda like it, but it's waaaaay to expensive for what you get, would rather go for a 225.

 

[kully]

pmsl...............take it nobody likes it then

 

[Josh@Renparts]

It looks like a micra.

I burst out laughing when I first saw that air dam as well. 40kgs of downforce my arse. Since when has the 182 been unstable at the rear to warrant a f**king air dam?

Its necessary on a 430 Ferrari. But not on a overweight hot hatch. I dont care what anyone says, it really isn't justifiable, its just a marketing gimmick.

Im sure they spent all this time and money designing it and just slapped it on at the end for a laugh. Clearly you know a lot about car design.

 

[G_F]

To be fair, its a good car,(minus the seats) not as good as Willy or my late RSI (the ole girl) The prices "must" drop and they will, otherwise they wont be worth the money, thus, a move to, vauxhall, ford, etc

Deals will be struck on the dealer fore courts...

 

[GazCB]

Everytime I see a 197 from now on, I'm going to shout: "YOU FAT BASTID, YOU FAT BASTID!!!!!"

Screw that, actions speak louder than words and unless you're having a drag from the lights, I reckon a 172/182 would show it who's the daddy! (just)

 

[Munson]

They look better in the flesh.

Its a Renault Sport Clio which has finally grown up.

FFS it's a Clio, a supermini. Why does it need to grow up? Thats what the Megane is for. People forget that the Clio is in the Fiesta sized class, not Astra/Focus. Well it was anyway

 

[Fletcher]

I agree i don't think they needed to make the 197 that big, id still go for a Meg trophy over a 197 any day.

 

[Richy123]

I don't think it was made for us 172 cup drivers although I love the brakes. This 197 is less raw and focussed perhaps aimed at the ladies and people that would normally buy german and steer clear of tracks. Only problem is I would rather have a civic type-r or mini cooper s than the 197 however I would choose my 172 cup over all of those cars.