Just thought I'd post up my opinions on the new RS Clio as I've been reading this thread from the start. I'm looking to replace my 2 year old Citroen DS3 THP with something a bit quicker/more fun, although it has been a brilliant car.
The 2 cars I've been watching since they were announced are the RS Clio 200T and the Ford Fiesta ST, I've now driven both of these, although my test drive in the Clio wasn't as long as I would have liked. I'll go through he main areas of each car below.
Engine: Fiesta wins here for me, although they aren't too far apart. It felt like there was more power throughout the rev range, especially when using the full throttle overboost of the Fiesta. Both cars have nearly no noticeable turbo lag. both sound very good for standard 1.6 turbo engines.
Gearbox: Unlike most magazine reviews I'm not too bothered by the Double Clutch only for the Clio. It definitely wasn't as quick as some of the best DCT transmissions but in my opinion is much better than the 7 speed used in the Fabia/polo/Cupra. Full manual mode was great, won't change up for you, although will change down to prevent a stall. Sport mode held on to gears longer and was much more eager to kick down in auto. The fiestas gearbox is a nice manual to use, although not one of the very best. I'd call it a draw on that. The Clios certainly isn't as bad as its made out to be.
Chassis: Unfortunately I didn't get to push the Clio through any decent corners, but the ride was impressive for a hot hatch on the Cup chassis and certainly a massive change frame previous Cup chassis RS Clios. Traction also seemed great.
The Fiesta is harder riding but not overly firm, a fraction harder than the DS3 I'm used too but with better body control. Traction was impressive but TC control did cut in a few times on full throttle in 2nd gear. Grip was great through the corners and the car was adjustable with throttle inputs although I didn't get anywhere near the limit of grip on the test drive.
This conclusion on this is really what your looking for in a car, The Clio felt more grown up, the fiesta more fun and chuckable, closer to previous RS Clios.
Interior/toys: I'd give this to the Clio, felt a lot nicer than I expected and a class above the fiesta as far as materials etc, the tablet/screen worked well, nice graphics, and was responsive much better than the small and slightly distant screen in the fiesta. Seats were much better and more supportive than they look in photos but the Fiestas recaros are better.
Just for a comparison i'll include the prices I've been quoted on PCP finance with a £2500 deposit.
Fiesta ST with all options over 36 months - £16,900 - which works out about £210 a month.
RS Clio Lux with Cup Chassis, over 48 months - £20,900 - which works out at £322 a month.
As it stands there is no contest for me, the fiesta is much better value, although I really liked the Clio so am going to work on getting that monthly payment down to closer to the fiesta.
Sorry for the long post but I hope that helps people still undecided.