Renaultsport Clio 197 F1 Team Edition

[Lee]

I think everyone expecting too much from Renault so early in the life of the 197. This model is just like the original Megane F1 was. It's a way of introducing the "cup pack" essentially. Then as with the Megane range it will be available to add to standard cars a few months after the F1 edition has been out.

I'd expect to see the new Clio range mirror the path of the Meganes a little more than the last one, although I'd hate to see the Trophy name used on a Clio that wasn't something a bit special.

 

[rich[182]]

Let's face it, most Joe Public hot hatch owners (and I mean those that don't even visit the likes of Cliosport) aren't interested in ever taking one on the track, and prob wouldn't even come close to pushing the cars already good handling to the limits on the twisties

The singlemost lacking aspect of the 197 is the mid range punch (or lack of it) and the delivery of what it's got, unless Renault shed a minimum of 75kg and provide the equivalent of a remap from factory it aint gonna change jack diddly by further improving the handling

In a 197 straight line sprint you'd have to think twice and be on your game to even attempt to take on a Cooper S, the new turbo Cooper S, Corsa VXR, new Fiesta ST170 and even the Seat FR diesels etc

 

[Neil G]

In other words it hasn't got enough mid range and long gearing for average joe to cruise at 100 plus like the do on their VW & BMW diesels