Changed my mind about 197

[-Leigh-]

Just called in Tesco petrol station to check tyre pressures, and there was a 197 in.

Now, I've never been a fan of the 197, I just think it looks too big and mpv like.

Now, I like them. If they look the same as the one I have just seen. It was a similar colour to arctic blue (albi?), but had a cup spoiler and white cup wheels, and it looked quite low to, but it was driven by a bloke bout 60 so I'm doubting he's lowered it.

Anyway, I would have one if it looked like that, and now I'm wishing I just spent all my money on a new 197 instead of the 182.

 

[AlexS]

I have to agree, the first one I liked was an Albi too. People harp on about LY and white on here, if I had one it would be Albi Blue or Ultra Red.

 

[Ollie82.]

I thought i was the only one. Albi blue is the colour that got me liking the 197......i still wouldn't buy one, but i appreciate the colour.

 

[theduck]

could have been racing blue as its an option. For me I want Racing Blue and white speedlines

 

[-Leigh-]

It wasn't racing blue.

 

[Day]

Wheelbarrow Syndrome all over again in many cases lol

 

[Revels]

I like them, but I have done from the start!

 

[FlameR]

they are nice. better built than 1*2's as well, but for some reason I still prefer 1*2's.

 

[-Leigh-]

Wheelbarrow Syndrome all over again in many cases lol

Don't get it? I'm not from Salisbury and I'm not married to my Mum so that may be why!

No doubt they're built better, just never got used to the looks, until the one I saw. I still don't like the normal ones, only with the wheel and spoiler combo I saw tonight.

 

[Bluebeard]

I've loved them from the start.

Nimbus with Matt black wheels FTW.

 

[Fletcher]

they are nice. better built than 1*2's as well, but for some reason I still prefer 1*2's.

Me too.

 

[Day]

Wheelbarrow Syndrome all over again in many cases lol

Don't get it? I'm not from Salisbury and I'm not married to my Mum so that may be why!

No doubt they're built better, just never got used to the looks, until the one I saw. I still don't like the normal ones, only with the wheel and spoiler combo I saw tonight.

I think you are confusing the stereotype with something a little closer to home You ain't to far away from Six Fingered-Handley...

The "Wheelbarrow" refers to when the 182 first came out, everybody hated them at first.

It's the same with the 197.

I like em, will wait for the prices to plummet (already started) though.

 

[Schweppy]

Feel same as u xzibit! They have really grown on me and i'm going to look at changing mine within 12 to 18months! RB with white speedlines FTW!

 

[Christopher]

hated them at first

now i think they're nice looking, but i prefer the 182 to drive

 

[Prong]

My First clio was the 197, thought it was brilliant to start with but after 3 months I was already bored of it. Doesn't feel as quick as the 172 or 182. Have since bought a 172 cup and IMO is alot more fun.

 

[joanne]

I wasn't too keen on them at first but they have grown on me....so much so that i've ordered one! I'll definately miss my 172 Cup though after owning it for 4 1/2 yrs!

 

[Iridium]

Don't think I'd have white now to be honest either, it's gonna be WAY too common in a years time heh. Also, looks a bit 'faux jap' to me somehow? Although I must admit, the white cups with black wheels still look fskin stunning to me...

I'd probably have RB or black. I couldn't have a bright yellow car ever, I'd just feel like a c**t hehe

Dan

 

[Neil G]

First one I saw in the metal really changed my views towards it....just a great looking motor

 

[-Leigh-]

I think you are confusing the stereotype with something a little closer to home You ain't to far away from Six Fingered-Handley...

The "Wheelbarrow" refers to when the 182 first came out, everybody hated them at first.

It's the same with the 197.

I like em, will wait for the prices to plummet (already started) though.

Six Fingered Handley is half way between us, so we're both at risk.

Ah, I get it now, do you know, the 182 exhausts are the 1 thing I dislike about my car. I think they look terrible, much prefer the 172 style. (why did I buy it again?)

I wish I took a pic of this car now. It looked different to normal 197s just because of the small touches. I think the 197 (even the R27) looks high and heavy, but this one looked low and nimble. Wierd how small things like wheels and spoiler can make the world of difference.

 

[Timmay]

what is it with old people and albi blue? ive seen several pottle about - bastids

 

[sharkaroo]

I would like one, but only an F1 cos the values of normal 197's will drop like a sack of sh!t, like the trophy the F1 will be able to retain its value a little bit better.

i saw a 55 yr old in a red f1! lol

and im from Salisbury so watch your lip!

 

[-Leigh-]

I would like one, but only an F1 cos the values of normal 197's will drop like a sack of sh!t, like the trophy the F1 will be able to retain its value a little bit better.

i saw a 55 yr old in a red f1! lol

and im from Salisbury so watch your lip!

You married to your Mum too?

My Mum is from Salisbury, reet pikey she is. I joke, she's alright. And so are people from Salisbury.

 

[sharkaroo]

No not married to your dissapointment! F1 LY ftw!

 

[Alan]

Haters..

 

[ForceIndia]

197 better looks, better cabin, better brakes, more grip.
1*2, more fun.

 

[Phill1978]

197 better looks, better cabin, better brakes, more grip.
1*2, more fun.

172,182 doesnt stand out at all its not exciting to see one on the road where as with a 197 its at least a novel experience and there is a wry smile when you line up at the lights.

 

[Gaz_]

197 FTW!!!! The haters are turning

There will be sme nice Albi 197 pics come spring. Few mods coming first

 

[Se7en172]

My white cup stands out like an alert penis! I have so many comments and head turns its uncanny. I am debating weather or not this is a good thing though!

 

[Brasseye]

looks nice and better car but not as much fun for me

 

[DebV6]

I was the same, was never a fan when they first come out, but now I really like them.

 

[Ben H]

The 197 is more like a Clio 16V in profile - looks the nuts in the flesh, but subtle too. Those fat rear arches (missing on the 172 / 182) aren't cheap to produce, are there for a reason and look great.

My experience with the 16V was always that it attracted the more mature driver back in the day; I think the 197 has started like that too because of the subtle style. Personally, I wouldn't be seen dead in a car with over-size wheels, a big spoiler or questionable styling cues - and I think a lot of other people think the same (especially those that don't use forums!).

For a lot of 197 drivers, the competition for their money would have been a smart A3, Golf or Alfa.

 

[Josh@Renparts]

Like nimbus for the stealth look.

Albi for a bit of show.

 

[mgarvey]

I'm with Ben H on this one. I'm a 30-something family man and drive a BMW 320d Touring. My wife hates it so she used to pile all our baby clobber in her Modus whilst I drove an empty estate car.

Now she has a Scenic and I'm free to replace my Beemer with something sportier - and I have to say the 197 is looking very appealing.

It is sporty without having outlandish spoilers etc, and is quite capable of being driven 'normally' if you are not in the mood (though I suspect that won't be very often).

Right now I'm looking at the 197 against some strange bedfellows:

VW Golf GTI - Fantastic but a bit pricey for a car that isn't really any faster. DSG sounds good though

Vauxhall Corsa VXR - A likely competitor but possilby a little too 'boy racer' for me

Mini Cooper S - Good car but too impractical and a little pricey

BMW 1 Series - Nice, especially the 130i or 123d, but a bit overpriced for what it is. I could get two 197's for the money basically

Alfa 159 - Bit more like what I have, but cheaper and more unusual. Nasty dealers though

Merc C-Class - Worlds apart from the 197, but it is what I originally had in mind to replace the BMW, and is still an option (albeit a bit too expensive).

Anyway, it just goes to show how the Clio appeals to a fairly wide market these days. I guess it has grown up!