R27 first drive...

[Gstar2006]

Had a go in my ex's R27 tonight. I've now got her old 172.

First impressions are obviously that wow, in LY it really is a lovely looking car.

Jumped in the drivers seat and the seats seriously hug you, probably a little bit tight for me across the top of the back but for the drive tonight I found it ok.

They're a lot louder inside than the 172 and although quick it didn't feel as rapid as the 172 to me but in the corners it seemed to just grip and grip and grip. Where I know the 172 would have understeered the R27 was just holding on and had plenty left but I wasn't pushing it.

The 6 speed box is really smooth and puts the 172 box to shame and the suspension although firm doesn't seem as harsh as the 172's.

Jealous but in 4 years time I shall see if she wants to sell me that one like she did with the 172.

G

 

[theduck]

nice little write up. I think the 197 is just different power delivery. I was out with vdust182 yesterday and there was no noticeable difference

 

[alanc1000]

Its good to at least hear a review of a 197 from someone who has actually driven one!! A lot of people here say they prefer a 182, 172 cup or whatever when they havent even driven a 197.

They are completly different cars, i remember my 172 (02 plate) had a serious understeer issue on roundabouts etc in the wet and I dont even drive all that fast, and I also remember how much quieter the engine was (or the exhaust at least) compared to when i bought my 182 like you say.

I still feel that i could chuck the 172 and 182 around a bit more than my 197, despite the understeer, and the 182s are (IMO) noticably more nippy with more torque (the 6 speed box on the 197 requires much more work to get the most out of the performance). I'm not too sure on the brakes though - my are glazed so dont work great but i would say they are better than the 182 and 172.

I'm on a 197 standard at the moment, and will be getting a used R27 next (soon hopefully), cant wait to check out how the cup packs handle.

 

[Gally]

strange you must still be very good friends!
amd nice write up btw, 27 is a great drive.

 

[Gstar2006]

Yeah we still get on great. I got to drive the R27 tonight and she sorted out the nando's in Nottingham. Double bonus

I wasn't pushing it tonight as it was wet and loads of traffic about so didn't really get chance to compare the brakes, plus mine on the 172 do need doing soon so wouldn't have been a fair comparison.

I'm still getting used to the 172 as a daily drive but have found that understeer in the wet is shocking. The first day in the wet and I nearly came a croper on a little corner when half asleep at 6:30am. Where my big auto BMW 318 just went round it the 172 powered it's way onto the other side of the road. Glad there was no other traffic about and certainly made me a bit warier of it after that.

The extra bits and bobs in the 197 are nice like the keyless entry and start/stop button. Toys but cool toys non the less

I think overall the R27 is a really nice drive. It seems a complete package. Everything is really smooth and there's no creaks or bumps as you're going plus the sound of the exhaust as you wind it up past 5k does bring a grin to your face.

Shall be putting some time and effort into my 172 in a bid to make it more sure footed in the bends. If I can keep up with her in the R27 then I know I'm getting there

G

 

[Michael172]

Its good to at least hear a review of a 197 from someone who has actually driven one!! A lot of people here say they prefer a 182, 172 cup or whatever when they havent even driven a 197.

They are completly different cars, i remember my 172 (02 plate) had a serious understeer issue on roundabouts etc in the wet and I dont even drive all that fast, and I also remember how much quieter the engine was (or the exhaust at least) compared to when i bought my 182 like you say.

I still feel that i could chuck the 172 and 182 around a bit more than my 197, despite the understeer, and the 182s are (IMO) noticably more nippy with more torque (the 6 speed box on the 197 requires much more work to get the most out of the performance). I'm not too sure on the brakes though - my are glazed so dont work great but i would say they are better than the 182 and 172.

I'm on a 197 standard at the moment, and will be getting a used R27 next (soon hopefully), cant wait to check out how the cup packs handle.

Ive driven a 197 cup and its a much nicer car than the 172. The Mk2 Ph2 is dated now and the MK2 Ph1 looks shite.

However the 197 did seem more relaxed through the rev range and wasnt all that fast - ive driven faster. The 172 did have a more explosive feeling to it when caining it imo. It felt incredibly stiff and grounded when i drove it though and as a whole i would definately consider buying one when i turn 21 if they exist with less than 20k on the clocks which i think they will. Another note - it was loud inside the cabin.

 

[theduck]

Ive driven a 197 cup and its a much nicer car than the 172. In what way?

The Mk2 Ph2 is dated now and the MK2 Ph1 looks s**te. matter of opinion, i think they all still look very good, but just dont look new.

However the 197 did seem more relaxed through the rev range and wasnt all that fast - ive driven faster. What are you comparing to? From experience a 197 is just as quick as a 182.

The 172 did have a more explosive feeling to it when caining it imo. Thats because the 'kick' is less pronounced in the 197. Just different power delivery.

It felt incredibly stiff and grounded when i drove it though and as a whole i would definately consider buying one when i turn 21 if they exist with less than 20k on the clocks which i think they will. Another note - it was loud inside the cabin.

 

[Darren S]

Good write-up there. I've still yet to drive a 197, but purely in the looks dept., I still prefer the Mk.2. And when I look at the pics of cars like Middo's I can't think for the life of me how they can look 'shite' as Michael says.

The 197 Cup with the extra spoiler looks the tits. But I know, hand on heart - I'd still want to see a 182 Trophy outside my house, than the 197.

D.

 

[Michael172]

Ive driven a 197 cup and its a much nicer car than the 172. In what way?

Looks newer, nicer interior, bigger car.

The Mk2 Ph2 is dated now and the MK2 Ph1 looks s**te. matter of opinion, i think they all still look very good, but just dont look new.

True, i cant argue with that, but this is an internet forum isnt it. But the interior of a ph1 is dated as is it's exterior. Still like the ph2 172 and 182 but it is on it's way out, but I STILL LIKE IT.

However the 197 did seem more relaxed through the rev range and wasnt all that fast - ive driven faster. What are you comparing to? From experience a 197 is just as quick as a 182.

My 1.2 16v is faster than the 197 and 182.:clown: The 172 felt faster and perhaps more aggressive.

The 172 did have a more explosive feeling to it when caining it imo. Thats because the 'kick' is less pronounced in the 197. Just different power delivery.

Didnt even notice a kick tbh, there was a lot more down at the bottom of the rev range though, certainly more torque.

It felt incredibly stiff and grounded when i drove it though and as a whole i would definately consider buying one when i turn 21 if they exist with less than 20k on the clocks which i think they will. Another note - it was loud inside the cabin.

 

[theduck]

there is less torque low down in a 1*2 then a 197 though...

 

[Michael172]

I knew youd say that . There feels to be more. But like you said, different power delivery.


Middo's does look good though and flame red's like DWJ OR DJW John's or whatever his username is, thats pretty tidy, but take a std ph1 i just think theyre a bit old and the interior is fowl (all, of course, explicitly, in my opinion - i dont think everybody here will think the same for a second). But hey i dont even own a sport, just a shitty 05 dynamique.

 

[MistaT]

I've had a good drive of a few 197s on a track.

I've only driven a 182 FF once, and my trophy so can only compare 197 cup to trophy, and they're quite different. Both have positive and negative points.

I think the 197 in the right colour looks best, safer, feels more solid and nicer interior.
The Trophy is definitely more fun to drive in all circumstances, wouldn't mind the 197 brakes but then it'd have big wheels which would ruin it

I'm getting a white 197 cup next i've decided, just because it's a newer car and is similar. May be a fair amount of time though as i love the trophy!

 

[sideways danny]

there is less torque low down in a 1*2 then a 197 though...

That's not what the graphs say

 

[theduck]

there is less torque low down in a 1*2 then a 197 though...

That's not what the graphs say

oh? I had read previously this was the case

 

[Gstar2006]

I couldn't stretch to a Trophy. There was a guy from here selling his who lives in Loughborough which is only up the road from me,and was up for about £9k but that's more than double what I paid for the 172 and I just couldn't justify it.

Just realised that the ex went from a little old M reg 1.4 RT with alloys and side skirts, think it was a dealer special edition thing, was burgandy metallic type colour with a gold pin stripe and sticker along the side. Then she had the silver 172, now she's got the R27. That's 3 in a row.

I like all the RS Clio's and even the old 16v's used to be on my list but I went with a 205 GTi instead at the time.

Looks wise I've seen a few 197's about now and liked them but I think the R27 in liquid yellow really stands out and show's off the lines of the car and the focal points like the rear diffuser and arch vents really well.

I'll hopefully get another drive in the dry on quieter roads so I can give the R27 a bit more stick. It's definitly quick, there's no question of that but as I said in my first post for some reason my 172 "feels" quicker. Hard to describe and it's probably just a feeling but that's just how it came across in first impressions. I was probably being a bit more careful with it as well considering it's £14k of car and I'm driving it third party only! In response to people saying about low down torque. I think the 172 seems to pull harder from lower when in high gears at low speeds but that's probably just down to the gearing on the 197 being a bit longer. I may be wrong but again that's how it felt

Loving the anthracite alloys and big red brembo's on the R27 as well, forgot to mention them. I've already seen others asking if they can fit on a 172 and I agree, it'd be nice but considering the complications I think there's other options that'd be as good with less hassle.

I think the R27 seems a bit more "grown up" if that makes sense. The build quality, the smoothness of the car and solidness almost makes it feel slightly German! Whereas my 172 makes me feel like a big kid again, like when I had my 205 GTi a whole 10 years ago

G

 

[Steve]

^^ that was me, it's Sold

197 Cup, R27 or R26 will be it's replacement.

When the right combo appears.

 

[Gally]

I
I think the R27 seems a bit more "grown up" if that makes sense. The build quality, the smoothness of the car and solidness almost makes it feel slightly German! Whereas my 172 makes me feel like a big kid again, like when I had my 205 GTi a whole 10 years ago

G

lol i got the instant feel of it being grown up aswell mate and i think a lot of people like that, maybe a little older people as i know i guy he has two kids and bought a black 27 but he wouldnt have 1*2.
cant comment on 182's but i would have a normal 197 over the 172 on pure driving alone then add factors on build quality ect... just my 2p tho

 

[vdust182]

When me and theduckeatspork were out on sunday, there was hardly any difference, i was quite easily keeping up in the corners, and me not knowing the roads.... :rasp:

Power in a straight line is nigh on identical also, but as all the sunday drivers were out it ruined it a bit. Still, good to have a little blast with one though.

 

[Timmay]

as she has an r27 in LY its a shame shes your ex

 

[ForceIndia]

Both good cars, I've driven pretty much all the RS clio's. I prefer the more 'raw' feel of the ph1 172, but I can see the appeal of the 197's, just not for me.

 

[theduck]

When me and theduckeatspork were out on sunday, there was hardly any difference, i was quite easily keeping up in the corners, and me not knowing the roads.... :rasp:

Power in a straight line is nigh on identical also, but as all the sunday drivers were out it ruined it a bit. Still, good to have a little blast with one though.

I didnt know half those roads either lol., Still learning the cars limits to so should hope you were keeping up. Most those corners I could have taken at the same speed in my punto

 

[Poopensharten]

Its good to at least hear a review of a 197 from someone who has actually driven one!! A lot of people here say they prefer a 182, 172 cup or whatever when they havent even driven a 197.

They are completly different cars, i remember my 172 (02 plate) had a serious understeer issue on roundabouts etc in the wet and I dont even drive all that fast, and I also remember how much quieter the engine was (or the exhaust at least) compared to when i bought my 182 like you say.

I still feel that i could chuck the 172 and 182 around a bit more than my 197, despite the understeer, and the 182s are (IMO) noticably more nippy with more torque (the 6 speed box on the 197 requires much more work to get the most out of the performance). I'm not too sure on the brakes though - my are glazed so dont work great but i would say they are better than the 182 and 172.

I'm on a 197 standard at the moment, and will be getting a used R27 next (soon hopefully), cant wait to check out how the cup packs handle.

Ive driven a 197 cup and its a much nicer car than the 172. The Mk2 Ph2 is dated now and the MK2 Ph1 looks s**te.

However the 197 did seem more relaxed through the rev range and wasnt all that fast - ive driven faster. The 172 did have a more explosive feeling to it when caining it imo. It felt incredibly stiff and grounded when i drove it though and as a whole i would definately consider buying one when i turn 21 if they exist with less than 20k on the clocks which i think they will. Another note - it was loud inside the cabin.

Suppose this is a matter of opinion mate, one i thinks b****cks non the less but imo

 

[richard1]

The R27 Is a lovely combo of spec. IMO.

I've just replaced our 197 Cup demonstrator with a Full Fat 197 specced as close to an R27 as possible.

By Christ does the price add up!

 

[Kneel]

When me and theduckeatspork were out on sunday, there was hardly any difference, i was quite easily keeping up in the corners, and me not knowing the roads.... :rasp:

Power in a straight line is nigh on identical also, but as all the sunday drivers were out it ruined it a bit. Still, good to have a little blast with one though.

I have to say that the straight line speed is identical, I got beat by a 182 but reckon it was him hitting the loud pedal 1st as was the case when playing about with my friends 172 and me beating him once or twice and him beating me once or twice (then stalling, lol). Having driven his 172 I can honestly say to me theres not 1 part of the 197 that isn't atleast a slight improvement over the 172 but then thats how it should be. The power delivery is smoother and doesn't 'explode' at 5k but then it does definately pull a lot harder from 4k onwards. The handling is better, but by how much I dont know all I know is it inspires a lot more confidence and the few times I've pushed it too hard it was very predictable and easy to pull back. It is definately true that the car comes better as the miles go on and the looks in person are again imo much better, nice and wide etc etc. The brakes on the 197 are possibly one of the best bits, those big brembo's are awesome!!!

 

[vdust182]

Well give it a couple of months once you know the car, and then we'll see what you can do :rasp:

Ref: theduckeatspork

 

[Gstar2006]

as she has an r27 in LY its a shame shes your ex

Yeah I do wonder sometimes..... :quiet:

G

 

[Iridium]

I love my R27, and would recommend them, or any 197, to anyone. Fantastic cars in every way IMHO.

In fact, I'd sell it to any of you as well seen as I'm unable to drive anymore Long shot of course, but if anyone happens to have a hand control'd automatic and wants to part/ex...

Everytime I catch a glimpse out the window, I could cry...

 

[Gstar2006]

I love my R27, and would recommend them, or any 197, to anyone. Fantastic cars in every way IMHO.

In fact, I'd sell it to any of you as well seen as I'm unable to drive anymore Long shot of course, but if anyone happens to have a hand control'd automatic and wants to part/ex...

Everytime I catch a glimpse out the window, I could cry...

What happened mate if you don't mind me asking? I know Steve who has just sold his Trophy is a possible cash buyer for the right R27, he commented as such on another thread.

G

 

[GinandGasoline]

as she has an r27 in LY its a shame shes your ex

Yeah I do wonder sometimes..... :quiet:

G

was surprised when we met you that the two of you were no longer an item... have you got it to the speeds she did on the test drive yet?

 

[Iridium]

I love my R27, and would recommend them, or any 197, to anyone. Fantastic cars in every way IMHO.

In fact, I'd sell it to any of you as well seen as I'm unable to drive anymore Long shot of course, but if anyone happens to have a hand control'd automatic and wants to part/ex...

Everytime I catch a glimpse out the window, I could cry...

What happened mate if you don't mind me asking? I know Steve who has just sold his Trophy is a possible cash buyer for the right R27, he commented as such on another thread.

G

Probably easiest if I just link to here really mate, http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?t=352172. Explained in full. I haven't even advertised it yet, it's just so hard to so suddenly let go, I mean of driving as a whole, as I loved it so much, and the R27 is the best car I've ever owned. Every single drive put a smile on my face, even if I wasn't spanking it. Still, that's how it is, and it ain't gonna change.

Dan

 

[Bubbles]

Nice to meet you Gstar!

Your ex is a fittie i would!

 

[Gstar2006]

That's a really rough blow Dan but keep fighting mate!

was surprised when we met you that the two of you were no longer an item... have you got it to the speeds she did on the test drive yet?

Nice to meet you Gstar!

Your ex is a fittie i would!

Hey you two. Unfortunatly you didn't meet me that day as I was working.

That was the ex who followed in my footsteps and got ex'd at the end of last year.
She wasn't allowed to speak to me during the 4 1/2 years they were together but since they split we get on great again. A bit too great sometimes then it gets confusing. Trying the "friends" thing at the minute but easier said than done... He wasn't impressed when he found out your name either FunkyMunky ha ha. Same as me

Maybe you'll get to meet us again and put a face to my name. I'm about twice the size of the other guy btw.

It's service time for the R27 and she had to have the exhaust fixed under warranty. Also shock horror she caught the rear offside arch going up a multi storey in Nottingham 1 week after she picked it up and has since taken about 6" of paint of the nearside front alloy on a kerb

"My" 172 is going into the bodyshop on Friday to get the little scuffs and chips sorted. I think the alloys are shot from her parking so a nice set of dark coloured alloys is on the cards in the next couple of months.

G

 

[Bubbles]

Oh blimey! sorry babe.. too many ex's

But welcome to clio ownership

i had a play with a black 197 this morning on the way to work.. round the round about and down a long straight (i looove coming off that roundabout!) i was grinning lots miss my 182 though

 

[GinandGasoline]

Hey you two. Unfortunatly you didn't meet me that day as I was working.

That was the ex who followed in my footsteps and got ex'd at the end of last year.
She wasn't allowed to speak to me during the 4 1/2 years they were together but since they split we get on great again. A bit too great sometimes then it gets confusing. Trying the "friends" thing at the minute but easier said than done... He wasn't impressed when he found out your name either FunkyMunky ha ha. Same as me

Maybe you'll get to meet us again and put a face to my name. I'm about twice the size of the other guy btw.

It's service time for the R27 and she had to have the exhaust fixed under warranty. Also shock horror she caught the rear offside arch going up a multi storey in Nottingham 1 week after she picked it up and has since taken about 6" of paint of the nearside front alloy on a kerb

"My" 172 is going into the bodyshop on Friday to get the little scuffs and chips sorted. I think the alloys are shot from her parking so a nice set of dark coloured alloys is on the cards in the next couple of months.

G

to think she damaged it within a week! hope she gets it sorted out though... what was the exhaust fault? can't say i'd noticed anything wrong with it tbh!

nice to know i'll be able to get little updates on the old car though :approve:

good luck with the 172... i was reading your first few posts wondering why there was no mention of a VX, but didn't think much of it!

 

[jayxx83]

i agree 197 are mint and look mucho agressive, had a drive of one and constantly encourages you to stir that box it. i dont rate the mk2 ph2 172, look to plain and ordinary as standard imo. love the old skool look to ph1 172, but still miss my 182 which was perfect wen on the ragged edge!

 

[Iridium]

That's a really rough blow Dan but keep fighting mate!

Aye mate, but, s**t happens doesn't it eh Just gotta plug on and make the best of it!

By the way, if anyone is interested, mines a June 2007, 07 plate, Liquid Yellow R27, 14k miles approx, and was serviced and given new tyres just over 2k miles ago. It's in beautiful condition and still has plenty of warranty left too, which is always nice It has the Renault Tunepoint for iPods or any MP3 player / USB stick with tunes on to play through the headunit.

Sorry for the cheeky plug, that's as close as I've got to having the balls to advertise it yet. Mods, if this is out of order, please just delete it, not move it to the ad section or anything, thankyou

Just a note on the brakes - they can get the car from 100-0 in just a shade over 4 seconds apparently, that's supercar territory, as quick as an R8 or F430 Scuderia (look it up if you don't beleive me). And they feel every bit that good on the road, they're the best I've felt on any road car I've driven.

Dan

 

[Gstar2006]

to think she damaged it within a week! hope she gets it sorted out though... what was the exhaust fault? can't say i'd noticed anything wrong with it tbh!

nice to know i'll be able to get little updates on the old car though :approve:

good luck with the 172... i was reading your first few posts wondering why there was no mention of a VX, but didn't think much of it!

Yeah she'll get the arch and alloy sorted. The arch surprisingly isn't as bad as I was expecting after she'd rang me to tell me what she'd done. It's only gone down to the white primer in a couple of spots and some of scratches did polish out. Will need blowing in. I still would have cried if it were me scraping a week old car! Think the alloy scrape will be the first of many though. Seriously the 172 alloys are in bits!

The exhaust just started blowing suddenly. Think it was the mid section.

I don't think I'd fit in a VX220 tbh and if I had one it wouldn't be vauxhall yellow. :dead:

Oh blimey! sorry babe.. too many ex's

But welcome to clio ownership

Thanks Bubbles, it's been a long time coming. I swear she had the 172 because she knew how much I wanted one as I was always banging on about them before we split way back in 2003! 5 years on and it's mine

No need to be sorry either. Too many ex's. I'd not wish to comment. You've met 50% of hers however a much smaller percentage of mine!

G

 

[GinandGasoline]

the gearbox cables were replaced, and my mate at renault that did the work said to me the exhaust was dropped down, along with the rear axle i think to get access... sounds like it could have started from that then if it just suddenly went in the mid section... but that's what warranty is for!

lol at vauxhall yellow - you'll love the attention liquid yellow gets if you're allowed to drive it more often