Scott have you thought about a R26 rather than another Clio?
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Christopher
ClioSport Club Member
Z4M
If I didn't love Racing Blue so much I'd definitely go for Ultra Red.
Epic colour. Much better than Capsicum IMO. I wish our 133 was Ultra.
Epic colour. Much better than Capsicum IMO. I wish our 133 was Ultra.
981 Cayman GTS
The truth.
UR R26
UR is such a understated colour. I think it's looks awesome on the 197 and 200.
I actually think the 197 looks dated now compared to the 200.
Flame-suit on and awaiting the backlash lol
Flame-suit on and awaiting the backlash lol
Definitely this. I like you Christopher. I did originally want UR for mine, but couldn't get it on the Cup, so went for the RB. Glad I did now tbh as RB is pure awesome. I definitely wouldn't say no to an UR though.
Correct.
Suzuki Swift Sport
I had an R27 and a normal 197, fantastic cars. They do feel slower than the 182's but when I did a track day at Cadwell, there was definitely nothing in it at all! Its just the way the power is spread in my opinion that makes it feel slower. Handling is so good though it more than makes up for it feeling slower, plus they love to rev!
I have had 17 cars now, would def say the R27 is the best car ive had.
I have had 17 cars now, would def say the R27 is the best car ive had.
GW 200 Gone :( BG182
The first part of that is 100% true lol
R27's are that cheap now if I was in the Market for a 197, why wouldn't you get an R27 over a poorly spec'd 197 which 90% of them seem to be...
Pro's:
Best handling hatch for the money
Awesome brakes
decent kit for the money - a/c, cruise control etc.
relatively cheap to insure (when compared with similar performance cars)
Bombproof engine
relatively cheap servicing (again when compared to similar competitors)
brilliant on the track - if you ever go.
Cons
Poor MPG - 25-30 even when pottering around.
Poor re-sale value - black or Nimbus with a/c hold their value best.
Caliper pins have a tendancy to seize
Gearboxes like butter
After a couple of years it gets highly irritating that you have to drive it like you've stolen it to get any kind of acceleration.
Terrible on the motorway
I feel like I'm playing a waiting game for the next thing to break - this may be a Renault trait rather than specific to the 197 but the 197 will cost more to put right.
Ignore people who are saying they are slow - just not true. 182 will be slightly quicker up-hill but that's it - the 197 is a step up in every other department especially refinement and ride quality. I'm speaking without bias as I've owned both. Bottom line it depends on how you're going to drive it. If you've got a bit of spare money then you should be ok as things WILL go wrong with it at some point. If you plan to use it to commute then I wouldn't bother unless you live close to work as they're pretty tedious to drive in traffic.
If i'm being honest I used to love my 197, but after 2 1/2 years of ownership I find it a bit of a chore to drive unless I just use it for a b-road blast. In a nutshell - as a weekend warrior/track car they're superb and will leave you with a big grin on your face. As a daily runner they're costly and tedious to drive, primarily because you find yourself changing gear every 2 seconds...
Best handling hatch for the money
Awesome brakes
decent kit for the money - a/c, cruise control etc.
relatively cheap to insure (when compared with similar performance cars)
Bombproof engine
relatively cheap servicing (again when compared to similar competitors)
brilliant on the track - if you ever go.
Cons
Poor MPG - 25-30 even when pottering around.
Poor re-sale value - black or Nimbus with a/c hold their value best.
Caliper pins have a tendancy to seize
Gearboxes like butter
After a couple of years it gets highly irritating that you have to drive it like you've stolen it to get any kind of acceleration.
Terrible on the motorway
I feel like I'm playing a waiting game for the next thing to break - this may be a Renault trait rather than specific to the 197 but the 197 will cost more to put right.
Ignore people who are saying they are slow - just not true. 182 will be slightly quicker up-hill but that's it - the 197 is a step up in every other department especially refinement and ride quality. I'm speaking without bias as I've owned both. Bottom line it depends on how you're going to drive it. If you've got a bit of spare money then you should be ok as things WILL go wrong with it at some point. If you plan to use it to commute then I wouldn't bother unless you live close to work as they're pretty tedious to drive in traffic.
If i'm being honest I used to love my 197, but after 2 1/2 years of ownership I find it a bit of a chore to drive unless I just use it for a b-road blast. In a nutshell - as a weekend warrior/track car they're superb and will leave you with a big grin on your face. As a daily runner they're costly and tedious to drive, primarily because you find yourself changing gear every 2 seconds...
Brilliant write up mate. Think you've summed it up brilliantly.
Fiesta ST-3
Thanks for the write up mate.
Fiesta ST-3
Right I've made my mind up AND now I'm catching the train to work everyday I want a toy so have decided on a 197 R27 F1.
I would prefer a black one but the Nimbus is seriously growing on me. So one of those would also be cool. Anyone selling or know of one for sale, let me know. Budget is 8k miles no more than 35k.
I would prefer a black one but the Nimbus is seriously growing on me. So one of those would also be cool. Anyone selling or know of one for sale, let me know. Budget is 8k miles no more than 35k.
3 MPS, MX5
Why would you want an R27 over a high spec 197, is there any difference other than the options and a plaque and graphics?
I ask this because I'm selling my partner's high spec 197, not that I'm offering it you as it is over you budget but genuinely curious to know why you would only want an R27.
3 MPS, MX5
My partner's Nimbus looks good IMO but I can understand what you mean about looking brown (just looked out the window) but in a nice way.
After I bought the 197 my step daughter and her boyfriend went and bought an 08 GW 197 with every option the same as ours except the electric folding mirrors. They look good together and I like both equally as much.
That looks amazing. Nice and clean. Just how they should look. Ergo no added bullshit.
FYI my choice would be a Nimbus R27, but the chair wear would worry me.
Fiesta ST-3
I love the looks of the 197 and the 200 is probably out of my price range for a car, and if I'm honest I don't like them that much. In regards to the cup, it's getting old now. Finding lots of little problems all the time. I've never 100% loved it as there has been a lot of little niggles on it. I have a new job now so more budget and I get the train to work so MPG is no issue really.
Not many lovers of AB on here.
I've got to say it's an under estimated colour.
I've had mine since April and it's been a dream. It's used as a daily so i went for non cup packed but i do plan on getting some KWV1s on it.
I've not had any problems with it but I'm 5 months off getting its cambelt done, the late 56 07 and 57 are coming due for cambelts now and 06/early 56 should have theirs done.
The only thing this car was missing option wise was the recaros but the standard seats are by far some of the most comfortable seats I've used. Mine has the pano sunroof too which you don't see much on the 197.
Be realistic when buying. Expect the earlier gearboxes to sit higher in RPMs then the later models as they revised the gearbox in 2007. Listen for grinding with the gearbox as these cars do chew their boxes.
Engine mounts are known to not be the best so check those too.
The exhaust manifold can crack so check for cracks were it joins. Normally you can hear the exhaust blowing when it happens though.
Steering wheel wear and recaro wear are also common defects.
They kangaroo when cold. I've found super unleaded helps this lessen and no the ECU 'fix' Renault issued doesn't work. A remap can lessen its severity though.
You will have to work the car to get the most out of it but I've found it a reasonable cruiser and have done 450 mile trips in it and not suffered like i have in other cars.
Be aware the car does get loud when you drive it at motorway speeds so i just turn my music up a bit more (when i go through a tunnel window down music off and appreciate)
Cup and cup packed do not include a jack, mine did. No spare wheel, you get 2 tins of the tyre repair spray stuff.
It does attract a lot of looks and is such a stunning car. I still love it and would not change it (I've had 4 cars since last year so that's saying something)
Very reasonable boot size and the 197s are 5 seaters (200s are 4 seaters)
The handling on them is among the best and they really are one of the caressive had the most fun driving.
The none cup version feels like a nicer cabin to be in. That's due to the cup having a cheaper lighter dash.
Keyless entry and push start/stop are a blessing.
I've got to say it's an under estimated colour.
I've had mine since April and it's been a dream. It's used as a daily so i went for non cup packed but i do plan on getting some KWV1s on it.
I've not had any problems with it but I'm 5 months off getting its cambelt done, the late 56 07 and 57 are coming due for cambelts now and 06/early 56 should have theirs done.
The only thing this car was missing option wise was the recaros but the standard seats are by far some of the most comfortable seats I've used. Mine has the pano sunroof too which you don't see much on the 197.
Be realistic when buying. Expect the earlier gearboxes to sit higher in RPMs then the later models as they revised the gearbox in 2007. Listen for grinding with the gearbox as these cars do chew their boxes.
Engine mounts are known to not be the best so check those too.
The exhaust manifold can crack so check for cracks were it joins. Normally you can hear the exhaust blowing when it happens though.
Steering wheel wear and recaro wear are also common defects.
They kangaroo when cold. I've found super unleaded helps this lessen and no the ECU 'fix' Renault issued doesn't work. A remap can lessen its severity though.
You will have to work the car to get the most out of it but I've found it a reasonable cruiser and have done 450 mile trips in it and not suffered like i have in other cars.
Be aware the car does get loud when you drive it at motorway speeds so i just turn my music up a bit more (when i go through a tunnel window down music off and appreciate)
Cup and cup packed do not include a jack, mine did. No spare wheel, you get 2 tins of the tyre repair spray stuff.
It does attract a lot of looks and is such a stunning car. I still love it and would not change it (I've had 4 cars since last year so that's saying something)
Very reasonable boot size and the 197s are 5 seaters (200s are 4 seaters)
The handling on them is among the best and they really are one of the caressive had the most fun driving.
The none cup version feels like a nicer cabin to be in. That's due to the cup having a cheaper lighter dash.
Keyless entry and push start/stop are a blessing.
Martin_172
ClioSport Club Member
if they are as slow as everyone makes them out to be i might have a go with one next time im in the GT!!
R-Sport.
ClioSport Club Member
Mint 1*2's for sale-
I Must admit I thought they were slow as anything, however 2 weeks ago when I had the nimbus cup I had a Cupra R sat up by arse on the way to bluewater-
The road to bluewater round the back is long straights & nice sweeping roundabouts-
I actually destroyed the cupra across the r.abouts ( The clio had brand new contis as well) & I rung the neck of the clio out of the first 3 gears & the cupra was disapearing into the yonda going backwards, I guess his driving wasnt great but even so I was expecting to get beaten up-
It reminded me of my old celica- you have to keep the 197 way up in the rev band to get teh best of it- if you get the revs below 4k theres no torque at all ( something the 200 is better at)
s
The road to bluewater round the back is long straights & nice sweeping roundabouts-
I actually destroyed the cupra across the r.abouts ( The clio had brand new contis as well) & I rung the neck of the clio out of the first 3 gears & the cupra was disapearing into the yonda going backwards, I guess his driving wasnt great but even so I was expecting to get beaten up-
It reminded me of my old celica- you have to keep the 197 way up in the rev band to get teh best of it- if you get the revs below 4k theres no torque at all ( something the 200 is better at)
s
They're not slow, they just feel a bit lazy due to the weight and relative lack of torque to haul it along. If keeping up with other cars in a drag race is important, then they're fast enough, but they really don't feel especially fast, and it's how a car feels that is most important. To me at least.
Martin_172
ClioSport Club Member
how do they feel low down compaired to 172/182's? my ph1 eats up ground no problem doing 5k gear changes when just cruising about
surely the gearing makes up for the weight difference a good bit, my mk3 6 speed standard dci 106 with 180lb/ft is quicker than my standard mk2 5 speed dci 100 was with 150lbft, and is probably not far away from what it was like with it when it was mapped with 130hp/190lbft, and it weighed probably the best part of 300kg less!
surely the gearing makes up for the weight difference a good bit, my mk3 6 speed standard dci 106 with 180lb/ft is quicker than my standard mk2 5 speed dci 100 was with 150lbft, and is probably not far away from what it was like with it when it was mapped with 130hp/190lbft, and it weighed probably the best part of 300kg less!
Perfectly quick enough. Just a slight initial disappointment compared to a 172/182.
I felt like I was waiting for something to happen that never came. That's how I'd sum it up.
Far better car though. Slightly dodgy electric steering on the one I drove, but it was an early car, and I understand they did improve that aspect.
I felt like I was waiting for something to happen that never came. That's how I'd sum it up.
Far better car though. Slightly dodgy electric steering on the one I drove, but it was an early car, and I understand they did improve that aspect.
Turbo LY R27
I dont think they are that bad low down. I own a 182 and an R27, there is a bit more low down in the 182, but the 197 isnt as bad as its made out sometimes. I prefer the power high up in the 197, i think it pulls harder all the way to 7.5, the 182 fizzles off over 6.5 imo.
I do prefer the 197 as a car, its flatter and i take for granted the brakes sometimes!! But as i say to most people they are both different drives. Both great for different reasons.
I do prefer the 197 as a car, its flatter and i take for granted the brakes sometimes!! But as i say to most people they are both different drives. Both great for different reasons.
Yours is boosted though?
Lol. You'd hope it was ok when it's been charged!!
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