my 197 test drive

[ColinG]

My local dealer benfields of carlisle has just got 2 197's in..the demo in black, and a racing blue for the showroom..

first off i have to say..pictures do this car no justice..it is a big car and made my v6 look teeny but it does look impressive in the flesh, especially in black.

So..off we went..1st opinions interior is a massive step onwards in quality, dash is nice although looks a bit empty in places..the air con part etc is tiny and there is alot of plain panels with nothing on them, minimalistic..if you will?

The steering wheel is superb!! feels extremely nice in the hand as is alot smaller than the mk2 as for the seats the same can be said for them..they hold you in nice and tight and seem comfy

I gave the car a fair bit of stick..up to 7250 and the gearlight in the 1st 3 gears and the most obvious thing you notice is the 5k kick has totally gone..the power is now very spaced out the gearbox is a dream..ultra close ratio and feels precise..this was the highlight of the car for me..taking the car to the gear light and changing drops the revs to just about 6k a much smaller drop than the 182 which went to about 5k..its a manic experience and sounds tasty too!

I would definately consider a 197 cup with recaro's, to all the doubters..go drive one..then make your mind up!

I also asked the guy about colours..i said..so..what if i want a liquid yellow one.."sorry sir theres only 5 colours available on the car" but what if i WANT a yellow one..would it be possible..."i dont see why not they are mainly made to order although you would pay extra"

so i guess this could apply to white too?

 

[Ad]

think its unlikely that you would get one in a none stock colour....imho

 

[SimonV6]

it is a big car and made my v6 look teeny

Thats the one single point that would stop me buying one To big for my liking







Simon

 

[edde]

think its unlikely that you would get one in a none stock colour....imho

It can be arranged either get it aftermarket done or get friendly with Renault Uk.
Porche do the same sort of thing (hence why there a pink Boxter) its £2k or something like that though and you have to wait ages.

I'd be interested in trying to explian to the insurance comapany a white one though saying it came out like that but its not a normal colour.

 

[tameracingdriver]

Good review - but what of the handling, what did you think of that.

I always felt that the one thing the 182 could have done with is a 6-speed box.... as there are times when, particularly at around 50-70 mph in the 182 when you are sort of caught between gears... you have to be going 65 in 3rd before you get decent acceleration in 3rd, and there often seems little point in changing to 2nd if you are doing any more than about 55.

I imagine this close ratio gearbox and the fact it sounds as though the power is probably more evenly spread across the rev range (and, obviously, the fact it has more power to begin with) that helps it perform similarly to the 182 despite all that extra weight.

 

[Justin]

quite fancy getting a test drive in one, but would be worried i'd sign up for one on the day lol..

 

[Ad]

It can be arranged either get it aftermarket done or get friendly with Renault Uk.
Porche do the same sort of thing (hence why there a pink Boxter) its £2k or something like that though and you have to wait ages.

I'd be interested in trying to explian to the insurance comapany a white one though saying it came out like that but its not a normal colour.

Well there was a guy who wanted a liquid yellow meggy (off the megane forum) and he was told no, regardless of what he would pay.

Was allowing for aftermarket. lol.

 

[AnthonyR]

Does anybody see in the UK a nimbus one?

I have some picture's of it from a renault club belgium meeting....

 

[ColinG]

The handling was very chuckable of what i could try the roads were quite busy,

He said to come back when i had a bit more time or they would even bring the car out to my house and let me try its abilities on my local roads i know well..i love the service at benfields!!

also worth of note is that the car had 42 miles on the clock...so very very tight

tell you what though..if i ever had to sell the v6..or if i ever get bored and want a new car..the 197..albeit with cup version..would be well up my list!

The dealer did say that the i.d packs may arrive along with recaro's although information is very sketchy as of yet..

go and drive one you'll love the thing!!

 

[GazCB]

They've not done the id paint on the meggys though, have they?

 

[Pistol Pete]

Had my test drive today, and agree with everything ya say.
Very nice motor but wont be getting rid of me Trophy just yet(felt alot quicker when i got back in the trophy, but a far more comfortable ride in the 197.

Perhaps later as im getting older?