Sluggish Clio RS 200

[Rob Thomson]

A few months ago my brother bought a very tidy low mileage 200. Initially he was very happy, but it seemed to lose performance. I had a quick drive in March, and it seemed really sluggish pulling away (no torque), and a slower than I'd expect at high revs. My 172 Cup felt night and day more lively.

Then lockdown started, he SORNed it, and hasn't driven it since. This weekend he's had a good look over it. He reckons everything seems good. Timing is spot-on. No fault codes. Plugs look good.

Any ideas?

 

[Crybert]

When was the timing done? How do you know it’s spot on?

 

[Rob Thomson]

Timing was done just before he bought it, so maybe February this year. I've lent him my timing tools, which he's checked it with.

Cheers.

 

[Matt W]

It’s heavier than the 172 cup.

 

[car.crash]

Fuel will degrade too. 6 months it won’t be at its best.

 

[R-Sport.]

Possible Cam sensor failure leasing to VVT not working top end.

 

[Rob Thomson]

Yep, I appreciate it's heavier than the Cup but it felt crap to me, particularly when pulling away. Really gutless.

Definitely didn't feel right, and brother's adamant it had changed.

 

[Rob Thomson]

Fuel will degrade too. 6 months it won’t be at its best.

It felt crap in March. Probably got worse now it's got old fuel!

 

[Rob Thomson]

Possible Cam sensor failure leasing to VVT not working top end.

How does the VVT work on the 200? Guess it's a bit more sophisticated than the 172/182s?

 

[Mbeau]

I have driven a few. Including a 200 on a track day at Brands. In comparison to 172/182 they feel slow.

There is a good reason everyone seems to return to the 172/182.........