HyperAlloy Combat Chassis
...if anyone is still reading these lol.
Had a test drive today and coming form a 182 cup here's what I think
Plus points
The interior is a huge step forward for renault, looks nice and actually seems to be built properly. There were no squeeks or rattles throughout the test drive, despite the firm suspension.
Seats are great, nicely finished and a snug fit. Better than the 182.
The steering wheel is an improvement, nice shape and size. I don't know why they fitted that huge wheel to the 182
The actual steering is a mixed bag. It's very light and gives little feedback, I can't "feel the road" like I can in my 182. However it is very direct and precise.
The gear box is hugely improved. The throw is shorter and the action is much more precise. You can slot up and down the gears very quickly.
The exhaust has a much more gruntier tone to it which I like. It didn't seem too noisy when pootling around either.
The car looks good, better than it does in pictures. It's a very broad and muscular machine that's sure to have road presence.
I won't comment on handling, we weren't on the right kind of roads for that.
Overall the car is a big step up quality wise. This is a superior vehicle to the 182, make no mistake.
Bad points
Performance....I know others have commented. The car seems to have less low down pull than the 182. Surprising given the extra power and shorter ratio box. It just didn't seem eager to please like the 182 does. Granted it didn't have many miles on it, but my 182 was better in this repect when it was new. I could forgive this if the power was there up top, but it doesn't seem to be. This car is slower to 100 than the 182 and having driven it I can see why.
The car still has that highly irritating throttle lag that was common to all mark 2 clios with FBW throttles. I was hoping that this would have been improved as it kind of detaches you from what the car is doing in this respect. I didn't like the position of the pedals in much. I had size 11 shoes on and I did accidentally step on the throttle and brake at the same time as I think they are a little too close together.
Price. Anyone buying one of these today is off their head. The deal today was £17.5k before any extras were added. Over the next 6 months this car will depreciate by at least £1000 over and above the usual depreciation. The salesman agreed and said it wouldn't be sensible to buy one now, wait 6-12 months and you will have far better deals on offer. If you have to buy something today buy a meggy and pocket the £2.5k difference. Ideally this car needs to slot into the 13-14k bracket to be competitive.
As it stands I don't think this car will go into the history books as a classic hot hatch like the 205 gti or 172. It an excellent car but it's not a hooligan which is what a classic hot hatch requires. I'm hoping renault can pull something off with a cup or trophy version. Having said that it is an excellent car and it deserves to do well. I'm sure it will meet the needs of a lot of people, but I suspect the hot hatch enthusiast will be looking elsewhere.
Had a test drive today and coming form a 182 cup here's what I think
Plus points
The interior is a huge step forward for renault, looks nice and actually seems to be built properly. There were no squeeks or rattles throughout the test drive, despite the firm suspension.
Seats are great, nicely finished and a snug fit. Better than the 182.
The steering wheel is an improvement, nice shape and size. I don't know why they fitted that huge wheel to the 182
The actual steering is a mixed bag. It's very light and gives little feedback, I can't "feel the road" like I can in my 182. However it is very direct and precise.The gear box is hugely improved. The throw is shorter and the action is much more precise. You can slot up and down the gears very quickly.
The exhaust has a much more gruntier tone to it which I like. It didn't seem too noisy when pootling around either.
The car looks good, better than it does in pictures. It's a very broad and muscular machine that's sure to have road presence.
I won't comment on handling, we weren't on the right kind of roads for that.
Overall the car is a big step up quality wise. This is a superior vehicle to the 182, make no mistake.
Bad points
Performance....I know others have commented. The car seems to have less low down pull than the 182. Surprising given the extra power and shorter ratio box. It just didn't seem eager to please like the 182 does. Granted it didn't have many miles on it, but my 182 was better in this repect when it was new. I could forgive this if the power was there up top, but it doesn't seem to be. This car is slower to 100 than the 182 and having driven it I can see why.
The car still has that highly irritating throttle lag that was common to all mark 2 clios with FBW throttles. I was hoping that this would have been improved as it kind of detaches you from what the car is doing in this respect. I didn't like the position of the pedals in much. I had size 11 shoes on and I did accidentally step on the throttle and brake at the same time as I think they are a little too close together.
Price. Anyone buying one of these today is off their head. The deal today was £17.5k before any extras were added. Over the next 6 months this car will depreciate by at least £1000 over and above the usual depreciation. The salesman agreed and said it wouldn't be sensible to buy one now, wait 6-12 months and you will have far better deals on offer. If you have to buy something today buy a meggy and pocket the £2.5k difference. Ideally this car needs to slot into the 13-14k bracket to be competitive.
As it stands I don't think this car will go into the history books as a classic hot hatch like the 205 gti or 172. It an excellent car but it's not a hooligan which is what a classic hot hatch requires. I'm hoping renault can pull something off with a cup or trophy version. Having said that it is an excellent car and it deserves to do well. I'm sure it will meet the needs of a lot of people, but I suspect the hot hatch enthusiast will be looking elsewhere.
