Clio 197 @ Geneva Motor Show

[Macca172]

Just got back from the show, and managed a to get inside the new 197.
You can definately get a sense of where the extra weight has come from, the doors feel heavier, and you tend to get that VW sort of thud which you're not used to on a Renault!

The seats felt bloody good compared to the normal 172 seats, and were really supportive, the steering wheel could also be adjusted for height and reach, so I should imagine it would be easier to find an ideal seating position. The gearstick felt more closer, and the peddles didn't seem to be so off-centre compared to the 172, although the car I was sitting in was LHD and they might not be so central on the RHD model.
I asked the Renault girls on the desk for some info on the 197, and they happily gave me a poster of Fernando Alonso, the usual Renault Customer Care I suppose!

 

[Macca172]

some more pics................

 

[Rich]

Nice one, looking forward to seeing one in the flesh.

What was the Black paint like, Metallic flecks?

 

[seb]

this is still growing on me

its a shame it won't do more than 134, as i wouldn't want an old 172/182 passing me

i may well have to go for a test drive at somepoint. I am going to wait for the lightweight cup version with winding windows

 

[seb]

do you think they will do a 'cup' version? but this time actually get rid of some weight unlike the 182 cup?

 

[Macca172]

finally...

 

[Djw Dave]

Still not really into it. Sorry

 

[Macca172]

The black was nice, it was just a sort of flat black, but it did look good. I asked a couple of people about a 'cup' model, but they just pointed to the 'cup racer'. But when I said 'No, the road going cup' they looked at me blankly and said they didn't understand!

 

[crazycup]

I deffo won't be getting one of those, not a fan at all......well unless they bring out a lightweight version ..... if i want a heavy car i will get a VW !

 

[seb]

i am sure they will make a cup, renault have done quite a few variations over the year of the RS. i winder what the optinos list will be like.

I would be tempted with a 'cup' one once the prices are reasonable. as long as it would show a 182/172 a clean pair of heels. otherwise not pareticualry interested. it will have to be a fabulaous drive to make me get rid of the 182.

i also see the 197 is availabe in racing blue!

 

[Englebert]

Mint, can't wait to get in one!

 

[seb]

I deffo won't be getting one of those, not a fan at all......well unless they bring out a lightweight version ..... if i want a heavy car i will get a VW !

bring on the lightweight one. circu 1100kg. now that would be awesome. not possible though might get 50 kgs off it i reckon.

 

[Macca172]

I think I'll wait for a 'cup' model too, plus I want to own a Vee first!

 

[Macca172]

Some pics of the competition.....

 

[R20 CWH]

looking forward to a test drive to see what sort of difference the weight has made to the handling, also how much ££££'s the brembos will be

 

[grwms83]

that pug looks well smart, as does the funky citreon thingy. not too sure on the 197 yet though, or the new c type-r. looks a bit ' s**t'

 

[dk]

surely the brembos are standard?????

anyway, looks ok, still not lighting my fire but will wait for the test drive.

In Autoexpress this week they reckong the V6 may be making a return too!

 

[ajketley]

YES to the clio cup (yellow one) and for some reason the c1 gt actually makes me want it! :S

 

[ant]

that 207 is sooooooooo much nicer than the clio.

 

[R20 CWH]

surely the brembos are standard?????

apparently option only

 

[Fletcher]

Good pics mate, i still prefer the look of the MK2 172 and 182 though.

 

[Ady182]

After a little time its really startin to grow on me, stick me down for a test drive

 

[Guy]

197 looks dull big and boring.

tiny bonnet

engine looks crap

dials look as boring as the current RS ones.

hidden exhausts??
brembos an option??

clio v6 for me next for a couple of months hopefully then a golf r32 i think.

 

[Dubai182]

If the actual road going version of the 207 actually looks like that i'd be seriously tempted...it looks the nuts but so does that clio cup racer. I wonder what the 197 cup will be like? Apparantly due for release early next year....
John

 

[dk]

apparently option only

oh right, didn't see it on the option list.

 

[Dash]

surely the brembos are standard?????

anyway, looks ok, still not lighting my fire but will wait for the test drive.

In Autoexpress this week they reckong the V6 may be making a return too!

Author: Jeremy



Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 4:59 pm Post subject: Maybe A New V6 (autoexpress)

Definitely no new V6

 

[dutty_112]

clio cup is sex

 

[the1]

It looks to me that Renault are going down the road of "Options"....
Am I right in thinking this makes more money for Renault?.

Why does everything have to be an Option now a days?....

 

[RobHardyUK]

i think the new clio looks really really nice!! just its supposed to be 16.5k, and u can get a focus st for a grand more... just hope it is less than say 16 or something. no doubt people will be gettin discount from renault. looks nice though.

 

[dk]

Author: Jeremy



Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 4:59 pm Post subject: Maybe A New V6 (autoexpress)

Definitely no new V6

doh, maybe i should spend less time in the pics of gf's thread

 

[GarethM]

i like it although thought it should have been quicker
the cup is nice too