172 money pit
Hi all,
After owning a Focus ST (the mk2 225) for 18 months, I've had to sell it, and have taken the plunge into the world of RS Clio's.
I've had my new car (an 03 172) for a few days now, so I thought I'd post my first thoughts on how the two compare...
Firstly, to set the scene, the ST was without doubt the best car I've ever owned. It was perfect (for me) "out of the box" and was the only car I've had that I wasn't tempted to mod in some way. Secondly I didn't want to sell it. The company that my wife worked for collapsed, and we needed some cash so she could start something on her own.
In comparison with the ST, the Clio's engine seems keen, free and easy to drive. I'd feared that it might seem lacking in torque after the ST's turbo, but in the light-weight Clio, no problems at all.
The Clio's steering is also more direct, and you can place it exactly where you want it. Although I never felt that the ST was vague, it didn't feel as pin-point accurate in hindsight.
I'm not going to compare the interiors too much, as originally the cars were at a different price point, so you'd expect different materials / finish etc. The everything-on-a-stalk Renault approach to the controls is annoying because to operate the twisty end bits you have to take your thumb off the wheel - ie let go of it. The controls in the ST could mostly be operated with at least your thumb and forefinger still on the wheel, so you still had some kind of grip on it.
Brakes, stereo, aircon, xenons are good on both, although the ST did seem to have some bass to the stereo that belied it's OE status.
Unfortunately that's the end of the favourable comparison...
There are 2 main points that let the Clio down IMHO...
The seats are OK to look at, but offer questionable support either to the side or under the thighs. When you start pressing on, I'm immediately aware that I'm not supported very well even though the bolsters seem to be fine. I wonder if the base may be too hard? It feels like you're sitting on a pub bench rather than a supportive sports seat. I can see now why people fit Recaro's.
The Clio's gearbox is gash. End of. After a string of Germans & the Focus, the Clio's gearbox is simply poor. It makes me die a little bit every time I use it. It reminds me of the cable operated box in my Corrado, which needed the slightest of pauses as you move through neutral in order to make the change as smooth as possible. That's fine if you're cruising, but not great when you want to make progress.
The Clio's got such a reputation as a pocket rocket, I'm genuinely surprised about both the seats and the gearbox, and I'm willing to accept that it may just be my car.
Oh, and finally an appeal for help. WTF is up with the intermittent wipers? They don't work at all. I don't seem to have any sensor stuck to the windscreen, so I don't think they're automatic. They just do nothing. Is there a relay I need to check?
Cheers
Chris
After owning a Focus ST (the mk2 225) for 18 months, I've had to sell it, and have taken the plunge into the world of RS Clio's.
I've had my new car (an 03 172) for a few days now, so I thought I'd post my first thoughts on how the two compare...
Firstly, to set the scene, the ST was without doubt the best car I've ever owned. It was perfect (for me) "out of the box" and was the only car I've had that I wasn't tempted to mod in some way. Secondly I didn't want to sell it. The company that my wife worked for collapsed, and we needed some cash so she could start something on her own.
In comparison with the ST, the Clio's engine seems keen, free and easy to drive. I'd feared that it might seem lacking in torque after the ST's turbo, but in the light-weight Clio, no problems at all.
The Clio's steering is also more direct, and you can place it exactly where you want it. Although I never felt that the ST was vague, it didn't feel as pin-point accurate in hindsight.
I'm not going to compare the interiors too much, as originally the cars were at a different price point, so you'd expect different materials / finish etc. The everything-on-a-stalk Renault approach to the controls is annoying because to operate the twisty end bits you have to take your thumb off the wheel - ie let go of it. The controls in the ST could mostly be operated with at least your thumb and forefinger still on the wheel, so you still had some kind of grip on it.
Brakes, stereo, aircon, xenons are good on both, although the ST did seem to have some bass to the stereo that belied it's OE status.
Unfortunately that's the end of the favourable comparison...
There are 2 main points that let the Clio down IMHO...
The seats are OK to look at, but offer questionable support either to the side or under the thighs. When you start pressing on, I'm immediately aware that I'm not supported very well even though the bolsters seem to be fine. I wonder if the base may be too hard? It feels like you're sitting on a pub bench rather than a supportive sports seat. I can see now why people fit Recaro's.
The Clio's gearbox is gash. End of. After a string of Germans & the Focus, the Clio's gearbox is simply poor. It makes me die a little bit every time I use it. It reminds me of the cable operated box in my Corrado, which needed the slightest of pauses as you move through neutral in order to make the change as smooth as possible. That's fine if you're cruising, but not great when you want to make progress.
The Clio's got such a reputation as a pocket rocket, I'm genuinely surprised about both the seats and the gearbox, and I'm willing to accept that it may just be my car.
Oh, and finally an appeal for help. WTF is up with the intermittent wipers? They don't work at all. I don't seem to have any sensor stuck to the windscreen, so I don't think they're automatic. They just do nothing. Is there a relay I need to check?
Cheers
Chris
