Yep, after having just re-installed the back seats and crossbar, the 172 drags a fair bit more. I used to be able to pop past other cars and now its all the more laboursome. I have no actual figures to provide. The cars rattles are lessened with the seats back in.
To take them out:
-remove pivoted boot shelf
-go into boot, push seats forward
-take off plastic cross bar protector.
-remove cross bar with 17mm wrench on the two bolts (apparently crossbar gives no structural rigidity)
-use straigh head screwdriver(get exact size) to unscrew central bolt (or ideally some star shaped head)
-unscrew at middle in between the two seats the two bolts with spanner, (for second bolt, sit in passenger section)
-take both back seats out
-keep all screws somewhere and replace two crossbar screws to stop water potentially spraying into cabin.
-Put back before going back to Renault otherwise might lose warranty
optional
-rotate seatbelt holder against metal and place rug or towels over the new large space.
-get yourself a sleeping mat and sleeping bag and go camping in the back
