I now own a 197 after a 172, 16V, Williams and various other Clios - some of you may remember me from the past!
The 197 is a more mature hot hatch than most, but that doesn't mean it's less hardcore than its predecessors. If anything, the most striking aptitude of the 197 is to go from civilised around-town hatch to all-out hot hatch at the driver's whim. In this way, it reminds me most of my old 16V.
Of course, the improvements are there too: no rattles, better perceived build, more space, outstanding handling etc. Granted, the spec is lower than the later 172 and 182, but xenons, climate and 6CD were very much bonuses in my book - I prefer a set of Brembos and proper wide arches at the rear (hark back to the 16V and Williams again). Renault will almost certainly up the basic spec as they did with the Mk2 RenaultSport Clios over time: the Ph1 172 was comparatively low spec and cost £16k new and the 16V was almost £14k by the time of its demise.
These forums have a tendency to critically question all new variants - like we all did with the 172, 182 and Cups. Time will be kind to the 197 as it has been to all hot Clios that have come before.