Theres some really interesting stuff being done here by you guys, apart from the slightly angry stuff its a good read
The idea with EPAS (Electric power assisted steering) systems is that they reduce the parasitic losses on the engine, hence manufacturers like BMW applying ZF's system to the 3-series. The idea is to continue developing the most fuel efficient vehicles possible, this will come with a slight performance gain. Not a lot, I don't dare mention a number.
But a traditional HPAS (hydraulic) system I am reliably told draws 2.5 to 3% of the engines power. This comes from constantly moving around about 8 liters of fluid and energizing the seals, etc. Also an EPAS system doesn't constantly hold pressure while driving in a straight line, it simply turns off. Hence recent claims of up to 6% improvements in mpg, which I think is a bit hopeful.
EHPAS (the system involving the saxo pump idea) is a halfway house, its pump slows from about 75,000 revs to around 1,000 when there is no steering request. Yet engineers haven't been able to come up with a system as efficient as full EPAS and the future looks like EHPAS and HPAS will be phased out.
Of course the power for an EPAS system needs to come from the car, but due to the reasons stated above HPAS needs to ask for more energy more of the time. It is by its nature less efficient I'm afraid.
The comments on the steering feel and efforts are all valid really because steering is an extremely subjective topic, its down to the individual to decide how they like their car to feel.
Is the Clio always assisted (1.0, 1.2, 1.4's etc)?
If so the whole platforms suspension geometry will be designed to allow greater loads through the steering arms, therefore greater efforts at the wheel. This can be compensated for by slowing the rack ratio, however as already mentioned this involves more turn lock to lock. Or if you can live with the greater efforts on the same rack ratio then no problem, unassisted steering will make your car more efficient.
The 1.2 rack idea sounded quite interesting, especially if you believe it runs a similar rack ratio? ("2.5ish", it doesn't take much to change on centre steering response considerably, but it does sound like you find it really nice!) Although parking efforts must be a bit tricky.
One more bit I read was regarding a HPAS rack without any fluid flow. Correctly put by someone else (with some cool rally clips) this is a nightmare !
Hope this helps the discussion, I think you can see I could ramble forever on this, Sorry!
