197

[tameracingdriver]

The fact its continually bested in road tests by the Golf GTI, Astra VXR and Focus ST surely means with the Megane, renault has not produced a class leading car.

I suspect the 197 will become class leading anyway, even if its not better than the 182, simply because in its class, there is no competition. I mean, Ibiza Cupra? Same pace, but bland turbo charged engine, and lack of handling. Fiesta ST? Good handling but lack of pace.... this is a theme that can be repeated over and over for all of its rivals.

However, whether it becomes class leading or not, i wont be selling my 182 for one, not ever.

 

[Tyson-182]

^^^ Agree totally!

I will give the 197 a chance (test drive), etc, but i don't think i will trade in my 182.

I liked the comment about their next car being a step above the 182, not to the side. I couldn't agree more!

Tyson.

Tyson.

 

[the1]

^^ Yes, but don't forget the 197 will have to compete with the new 207 GTI that has around 180bhp from a 1.6 turbo lump and looks mint . I think there's also the new Corsa GSI with its 140bhp 1.6 engine. With a 175bhp 2.0l version due out in 2007.

 

[GazCB]

2.0 N/A engine >> 1.6 turbo

torque, turbo lag etc

"There's no replacement for displacement!"

 

[Swervin_Mervin]

As a daily hack I'd definitely consider one. For all out driving thrills though I'd keep the mk1.

 

[Jay]

I'll wait for a test drive....

 

[portland]

Still not convinced myself. Although the 6 speed and fade resisting brakes are nice, it's just too heavy and sits too high.

 

[Neil G]

the 197 has some good additions....especially those Brembos

 

[BIG jts]

We are due our 197 demo's around the end of may...

 

[Timmay]

i still think renault have let themselves down with the rank new clio - i would always choose a 182 over a 197

 

[Ally]

I'm going to reserve judgement until I see one in the flesh. But I sure as hell won't be buying a new one: £16k on a clio and it doesn't even have climate control as standard? Renault are having a laugh.

I know it's a size bigger and I'll probably be shot down for saying this, but when you can get a "basic" Focus ST for only £1.5k more (or less than £16k if you shop around), I think it's got to be considered a rival. And I know what appeals more to me at the moment, although not having driven either.

 

[GazCB]

I think I'd rather have the ff megane for £15k or the megane cup for £14k!

 

[dalla]

I really like, but i think i'll settle with my Valver for a long time to come, then i'll just get some hobby car on the side. I've been dreaming of a bank's Lotus Europa, but i'll have to wait for a couple of years, i finish my education in a ½ year, and i'll have to save some money.

 

[Rich]

^^ Yes, but don't forget the 197 will have to compete with the new 207 GTI that has around 180bhp from a 1.6 turbo lump and looks mint

New 207 Gti wont look anything like that concept.

 

[Ross16V]

i love the look of them.

 

[Swervin_Mervin]

Does everyone really think Renault will sell it at list? Can't see that.

Climate control? Are you gay?

As for it not being as good as the 182, fair dos. But then that's not as good as the 172 Cup and that's not as good as the willy. It's called evolution.

 

[Daniel]

Does everyone really think Renault will sell it at list? Can't see that.

Climate control? Are you gay?

As for it not being as good as the 182, fair dos. But then that's not as good as the 172 Cup and that's not as good as the willy. It's called evolution.

Here Here!!

 

[GarethM]

im still undecided about the 197, im sure peole will get used to it but i cant se it being as good as the williams or RS-1

 

[raf182]

Does everyone really think Renault will sell it at list? Can't see that.

Climate control? Are you gay?

As for it not being as good as the 182, fair dos. But then that's not as good as the 172 Cup and that's not as good as the willy. It's called evolution.

I spoke with a dealer a few month's ago, it was a 'genuine' conversation rather than just the usual gobble that you get from them and he said that Renault had specifically mentioned that they did not want the car to be discounted the way the 182/Megane had been. Whether or not this turns out to be true is anybody's guess!

Oh..on a side note..Im pretty sure I saw a black 197 on the M42 a couple of weeks back. It really caught my eye as it had that 'look' plus also the bigger silver badge on the side. Before Im shot down it was coming the other way and it was a very quick glimpse!

 

[JonK]

I really hope that they do a roof spoiler as an option. The F1 'derived' defuser may mean it isn't really needed, but I don't think the car looks finished without one.