Just sold my Silver 172 Cup and bought new 197

[hustlechild]

Hi I just thought I'd let people know that I've just bought a 197. I owned my 172 Cup for three years and although it was a thrilling car to drive I have to say that the 197 is a better car.

I'm getting a bit tired of hearing 172/182 owners bitching about the 197. Take it from someone who's owned both cars, the 197 IS a step up. It represents the new generation of hot hatches, both in its size, styling, build quality and performance.

As more and more of my friends get used to seeing my car, they are loving its juicy sophisticated looks. The 172's and 182's still look lovely, but the 197 is a step into the new generation.

In two or more years time when the engine has really bedded in and there are more of them on the road, I'd like to see what the haters have to say then!

 

[Michael172]

No, i wont and cant accept the truth. heavy car imho. just like all the ph3's are.

e/

pics ?

 

[Markyx2cuk]

what an introduction!!! welcome on the forum

i gotta say that i own both a 172 cup and a 182 and love them both and i hav driven the 197 and really liked that too!! it handles fantastic and the brakes are awesome!!! it even looks the nuts too!! but the one thing i didn't like was that it felt noticibly slower in acceleration!!! but other than that a lovely car

 

[jon_r]

Nice first post! Welcome, though see you've been browsing for a while!

You sold your Silver Cup for a 197 :S Keep telling yourself that....

 

[DougClio16v]

Welcome to CS.. But IMO le silver cup is a much nicer motor.

 

[Lagerlout]

Knowsit Jon.

I loved your old car. :-(

Cup to 197 is a strange one. Odd that you list the step ups as being size and build. Seems odd that you bought a Cup in the first place if those are your priorities.

It's not that we don't like the 197, or that we think the 1*2's are better.... we just think that the 197's are worse. lol

welcome to the club btw.

 

[seb]

lol i love that first post. welcome!

hahahahahaha... roll on 20 pages of total crapola from the chav chariots!

 

[172boost]

I saw a 197 for the 1st time yesterday and I cant believe how 'phat' and sexy it looks. Love the rear diffuser and even though it doesn't do anything it is proper cool.
Good choice mate but the only thing you might regret is not waiting for the cup.:quiet:

 

[Cookie]

A Seb alt

 

[FlameR]

Welcome to CS.

think you need to chill with the moaning already though. People are allowed to express their opinions, hense the idea of a forum. The looks of the 197 are growing on me, the power:weight ratio is the killer in comparison to your old 172 cup.

 

[Peperami]

I like the 197's

:quiet:

 

[Matt X2C]

197's do not do it for me at all, but as long as you like it thats all that matters really.

 

[FlameR]

Haha. It annoys me sometimes this website. People feel like they can't express their honest opinions. Who cares if people disagree. Like I said, they are growing on me. With a few mods, could easily get 210/215 bhp out of a 197 which will cure it's biggest downfall (lack of power)

 

[John D]

That sounded like it came straight from the Renaultsport marketing department to me.

Or maybe I'm just a cynical b*****d

 

[Rich]

Take it from someone who's owned both cars, the 197 IS a step up. It represents the new generation of hot hatches, both in its size, styling, build quality and performance.

A step up into the new world of bigger fatter hatches - yes indeed. Bring on the RenaultSport Twingo for those that want a proper small light hot hatch rather than a big family sized hatch.

Won't argue with the other comments, though looks wise it is subjective though and we all now there is no step up in performance due to the 197 being a beefcake.

P.S The steering feel on the 197 is the worst part about it, I thought my 182 was too light but the 197 takes that to new levels. Fix that Renualt and I will have one as a daily steed.

 

[hustlechild]

Respect to those that have actually acknowledge that the 197 is a great car and in time as more people buy them I think they will accept that times have to move on.

In answers to the questions, I've gone from a 172 Cup because my Cup was aging car with 63000 miles (love every mile) and was costing me a fortune in repair bills.

I've thrashed the guts out of the 172 and would never put that rocket down, but let's remember that the 172/182's have just as many, if not more niggles and faults as the 197.

There seems to be a pattern of people that disrespect the 197's. They seem to be 172/182 owners that perhaps feel threatened or jeleous that times are moving on...

Sorry to be so blunt, but after actually buying this car I think some people really need to grow up!

I have loads of pics of my Cup and will get some of my 197 soon. It's in Abli Blue with Xenon's tinted windows and climate. Didn't bother with the stereo as I have a Alpine and Infinity's to throw in from my old car!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKHOLdnpiOk&mode=related&search=

 

[Gary-Lew]

Hi I just thought I'd let people know that I've just bought a 197. I owned my 172 Cup for three years and although it was a thrilling car to drive I have to say that the 197 is a better car.

I'm getting a bit tired of hearing 172/182 owners b**ching about the 197. Take it from someone who's owned both cars, the 197 IS a step up. It represents the new generation of hot hatches, both in its size, styling, build quality and performance.

As more and more of my friends get used to seeing my car, they are loving its juicy sophisticated looks. The 172's and 182's still look lovely, but the 197 is a step into the new generation.

In two or more years time when the engine has really bedded in and there are more of them on the road, I'd like to see what the haters have to say then!

Your having a laugh i take it, Two or more years when its bedded in !, What you going to do in the meantime , the 172/182 was quick out of the box,197 is to heavy , and its gear ratios are way to low .Thats why it was left behind in the group test in the EVO mag shootout by the other hot hatches. Renault need to try harder on this model. I went to buy one, 24 hour test drive on a 3.5k car was enough for me to make up my mind.Ended up buying a 2.0 138 DYN S for the wife . Each to their own mind and welcome

 

[FlameR]

Yeah we all need to grow up as we aren't all grandad's that have bought a spaz chariot to pick our pension up in. Step up or Step off

 

[Clio_Craig]

i love the 197 m8, great choice, and albi blue is the best colour in my opinion

 

[AlexS]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKHOLdnpiOk&mode=related&search=

Why is it that in every 197 video it hangs its arse out on the corners like a monaro!?

 

[Peperami]

If you like the 197 so much, why do you need to come on here and bait people into an argument as to which is better?

If you know its better can you not just be content in knowing that? You own one, be happy.

And why do 172/182 owners have to put the 197 down? You dont own one, so why bother? Its not your car, its not your problem really is it.

Is it like, "Goodness me, someone has posted saying they like their 197, i am so annoyed i must post my feelings against it immediately"

Live and let live guys...

 

[Graham Gooch]

First post is straight out of 'how to win friends and influence people' lol!

 

[DougClio16v]

Respect to those that have actually acknowledge that the 197 is a great car and in time as more people buy them I think they will accept that times have to move on.

In answers to the questions, I've gone from a 172 Cup because my Cup was aging car with 63000 miles (love every mile) and was costing me a fortune in repair bills.

I've thrashed the guts out of the 172 and would never put that rocket down, but let's remember that the 172/182's have just as many, if not more niggles and faults as the 197.

There seems to be a pattern of people that disrespect the 197's. They seem to be 172/182 owners that perhaps feel threatened or jeleous that times are moving on...

Sorry to be so blunt, but after actually buying this car I think some people really need to grow up!

I have loads of pics of my Cup and will get some of my 197 soon. It's in Abli Blue with Xenon's tinted windows and climate. Didn't bother with the stereo as I have a Alpine and Infinity's to throw in from my old car!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKHOLdnpiOk&mode=related&search=

Hmmm.. I have to disagree on that point. IMO the Clio 182/ 172 is far from extinction and has plenty more years left in them. I myself plan on getting a 182 after this, for the simple fact that I just love the shape of Clio's.

As for other vehicles, I still see plenty of well looked after and sought after cars such as VW Golf MK1's, original Mini's, Civic's (well a civic isn't sought after, but proves a point lol), the original square-ish Impreza's etc which some people still appeals too.. Also the cars I have just mentioned all have had facelifts and versions, such as the Golf and I don't even know now how many lifts.. Is it now upto MK.8 now??? But have they moved on?.. No. The Clio 182 and 172 for sure will be a car still on the scene for years to come and I think if people look after them, then they will still be a desirable car to have.

And Im 1 of the people that is not really jealous of the 197 tbh. I dislike most modern shaped cars, prefer older models.

 

[rory182]

I aint a massive fan of the 197's front end, sits a bit too high for my liking, looks amazing from back and side and angles from back / side, it's a nice car and handles extremely well and if you're happy good!

 

[hustlechild]

Hi GTVLEW

I take it you also have a 182, judging by your picture?

Clearly you havn't driven a 2Ltr RenaultSport engine for more than a few thousand miles, otherwise you'd know that they don't fully bed in until at least 30k.

The 197 feels slower because it's a bigger car! Have you ever been in a Lotus Elise? Probably not, or you'd no what I'm talking about.

And who would want to rant a car when you first own it, that's nuts!?!

Let's have a little discussion on the 172/182's shall we? Seeing as I owned one for 3 years...

How about the drivetrain that sounds like a tank?
What about the annoying longthrow gearbox?
Where is the six gear when I need it at 70 on the motorway? (just like you have pointed out on the 197)
What about the torque steer?
What about the constant need to reset the tracking?
What about the rock hard unforgiving Cup suspension that over time adds more and more rattles to the cockpit!
What about the poor build quality and long list of faults that most owners endure?

As I said originally I've owned both cars, the original for 3 years. The excuses are weak. Many great cars have faults, as I've demostrated above.

Get your head out of Evo and start reading a few more reviews mate. There are hundreds out there....

 

[-Leigh-]

Was this an ex-demo from Westover Renault in Salisbury by any chance?

 

[John D]

Where is the six gear when I need it at 70 on the motorway? (just like you have pointed out on the 197)

Er....does'nt the 197 rev just as high at 70mph as a 182 even with its 6th gear, because the gear ratios are so short?

(I probably learnt that from Evo )

 

[Peperami]

Hi GTVLEW

I take it you also have a 182, judging by your picture?

Clearly you havn't driven a 2Ltr RenaultSport engine for more than a few thousand miles, otherwise you'd know that they don't fully bed in until at least 30k.

The 197 feels slower because it's a bigger car! Have you ever been in a Lotus Elise? Probably not, or you'd no what I'm talking about.

And who would want to rant a car when you first own it, that's nuts!?!

Let's have a little discussion on the 172/182's shall we? Seeing as I owned one for 3 years...

How about the drivetrain that sounds like a tank?
What about the annoying longthrow gearbox?
Where is the six gear when I need it at 70 on the motorway? (just like you have pointed out on the 197)
What about the torque steer?
What about the constant need to reset the tracking?
What about the rock hard unforgiving Cup suspension that over time adds more and more rattles to the c**kpit!
What about the poor build quality and long list of faults that most owners endure?

As I said originally I've owned both cars, the original for 3 years. The excuses are weak. Many great cars have faults, as I've demostrated above.

Get your head out of Evo and start reading a few more reviews mate. There are hundreds out there....

Issues

 

[hustlechild]

No mate, it's brand new from Platinum in Trowbridge :0)

 

[-Leigh-]

No mate, it's brand new from Platinum in Trowbridge :0)

Oh right. Just wondering as you're in Wiltshire lol. Just as I absolutely ragged the f**k out of the demo car, wouldn't want anyone owning it lol.

 

[hustlechild]

Hehe...Prob along with many others!

 

[Ad]

an interesting topic for sure....

 

[quickshift]

is the 197 better than the trophy imo no no no no way

so how ever much this car has come on its not raw enuff simple end off and
( i await sebs b**ch back ) id rather have a corsa vxr than a standard 197

the fundementals are there but needs improving simple just like the 172 182 etc

 

[Hawkeye]

He laid the bait and you all jumped onto it like rockets.Its all a matter of personal preference.You are obviously gonna try to justify getting a different car to yourself.The proof will be when he starts constantly wondering why he only ever sees the back of 172/182's and never the front...

 

[S77CCP]

Nice choice mate, glad your happy with it.

But, you will be annoyed when you can't lose the 'old generation' RS Clio down a back road'

 

[rustybolt]

lol, my my.

197 engine bay has the same mounts as the the 225 RS engine ive been told. Another tuner told me this, if its true are they planning on releasing a 225 Turbo MK3 Clio?

If so then come on and argue that the 197 is quick, my guessing is that it'll be trading in sharpish.

God i hope he's right...

 

[Gaz_]

Hi GTVLEW

I take it you also have a 182, judging by your picture?

Clearly you havn't driven a 2Ltr RenaultSport engine for more than a few thousand miles, otherwise you'd know that they don't fully bed in until at least 30k.

The 197 feels slower because it's a bigger car! Have you ever been in a Lotus Elise? Probably not, or you'd no what I'm talking about.

And who would want to rant a car when you first own it, that's nuts!?!

Let's have a little discussion on the 172/182's shall we? Seeing as I owned one for 3 years...

How about the drivetrain that sounds like a tank?
What about the annoying longthrow gearbox?
Where is the six gear when I need it at 70 on the motorway? (just like you have pointed out on the 197)
What about the torque steer?
What about the constant need to reset the tracking?
What about the rock hard unforgiving Cup suspension that over time adds more and more rattles to the c**kpit!
What about the poor build quality and long list of faults that most owners endure?

As I said originally I've owned both cars, the original for 3 years. The excuses are weak. Many great cars have faults, as I've demostrated above.

Get your head out of Evo and start reading a few more reviews mate. There are hundreds out there....

Mate, that is weak!!! I actually love the looks of thw 197 (in the flesh they are awesome) Would like one with your spec, just had a nice payrise too..... its something to think about!!! Thing is, the 197 will rev in 6th, as much as a 172 in 5th due to how close together the ratio's are. I dont have to keep reseting the tracking on my cup?! (watch them curbs )I'm also sure with time the 197 will rattle, but having sat in a clio 3 they do feel a step above. Your argument about Cup suspension is lame. Its a Cup..... ie more focused than a regular 172, so its to be expected?! :S Also i bet the 197 wont torque steer due to its size and weight (joke)

 

[tollan172]

mk2 all the way!!! love them, The 197 is a "lets go shopping daddys car" sorry for use guys that like it but i love my 172's aggresive looks and i hate big cars i mean im only 21 cmon who needs a big car! in my books 172-182's all the way!!!!

 

[Peperami]

Nice choice mate, glad your happy with it.

But, you will be annoyed when you can't lose the 'old generation' RS Clio down a back road'

That said though, a 172 wont lose an 'old generation' williams down a backroad either.

 

[Gaz_]

i'd have a 197