Another Clio 197 Question ?
Discussion
From other threads, seems the 197 was good - with better build and convenience than the previous RenaultSport Clios, but not as involving or fun to drive as the best 172s/182s.
However, if going for a 197, which is the optimum model - ie were there any improvements/upgrades during the build period? What are the relative merits of the various specs, such as the F1? Any essential options?
much appreciated
However, if going for a 197, which is the optimum model - ie were there any improvements/upgrades during the build period? What are the relative merits of the various specs, such as the F1? Any essential options?
much appreciated
Geneve said:
From other threads, seems the 197 was good - with better build and convenience than the previous RenaultSport Clios, but not as involving or fun to drive as the best 172s/182s.
However, if going for a 197, which is the optimum model - ie were there any improvements/upgrades during the build period? What are the relative merits of the various specs, such as the F1? Any essential options?
much appreciated
I have a Phase 1 (early) 172 but haven't driven a 197.However, if going for a 197, which is the optimum model - ie were there any improvements/upgrades during the build period? What are the relative merits of the various specs, such as the F1? Any essential options?
much appreciated
I suppose it depends on what you want, you may already know what I'm about to say.
They come in various versions (off the top of my head)
197 - The comfy version with the 'nice' interior
197 plus Cup pack - 'Nice' interior again (as above) but with the 'Cup' chassis
197 Cup - 'Cheaper' interior but lighter weight. Maybe the 'enthusiasts' version. I don't think it has climate control
Essentially the 'R27 F1' is the 197 plus Cup pack and with all the options such as Recaros. This would probably be my choice.
Kind of depends what you're aiming to do with it.
If it's just for the road the limited edition R27 was the best, if you can get one in Liquid Yellow with Xenons then that's effectively the best combo.
There were some VERY late 197s in a "Lux" trim that are effectively every single option you could have invluding leather trim xenons etc.etc. but very hard to track one down.
Something like http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2744951.htm .
If it's just for the road the limited edition R27 was the best, if you can get one in Liquid Yellow with Xenons then that's effectively the best combo.
There were some VERY late 197s in a "Lux" trim that are effectively every single option you could have invluding leather trim xenons etc.etc. but very hard to track one down.
Something like http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2744951.htm .
It's to replace my brilliant little 205 GTi (now sold - http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2875245.htm )
Looking for something a bit bigger, more practical, not too fragile, that my wife will drive and is still fun.
One thing I really liked about the 205 GTi was the superb chassis and steering, with such a compliant ride. For road use, I'm not keen on the current fad for big wheels, skinny tyres and a rock hard ride.
Is the Cup Chassis or R27 ride comfort an issue?
Looking for something a bit bigger, more practical, not too fragile, that my wife will drive and is still fun.
One thing I really liked about the 205 GTi was the superb chassis and steering, with such a compliant ride. For road use, I'm not keen on the current fad for big wheels, skinny tyres and a rock hard ride.
Is the Cup Chassis or R27 ride comfort an issue?
Geneve said:
It's to replace my brilliant little 205 GTi (now sold - http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2875245.htm )
Looking for something a bit bigger, more practical, not too fragile, that my wife will drive and is still fun.
One thing I really liked about the 205 GTi was the superb chassis and steering, with such a compliant ride. For road use, I'm not keen on the current fad for big wheels, skinny tyres and a rock hard ride.
Is the Cup Chassis or R27 ride comfort an issue?
I'd seriously suggest you try and sit in one on the move or drive one ideally, it's a very very subjective thing.Looking for something a bit bigger, more practical, not too fragile, that my wife will drive and is still fun.
One thing I really liked about the 205 GTi was the superb chassis and steering, with such a compliant ride. For road use, I'm not keen on the current fad for big wheels, skinny tyres and a rock hard ride.
Is the Cup Chassis or R27 ride comfort an issue?
http://clio197.net/forum/ is the best source of information and there have been many pages of debate on the whole cup chassis thing. Personally if I compare it to the 'sports' suspension in the old mans A5 the Clio is actually more forgiving. Sure if the roads you drive are rough it will pick up on that more than your average run about but then you get the plus side of it feeling very responsive and it taking corners like it's on rails.
The standard chassis is fine but..... it's a 'hot hatch' going for the soft option isn't quite the idea
Also I can't believe you sold that 205 it looks perfect!
Geneve said:
It's to replace my brilliant little 205 GTi (now sold - http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2875245.htm )
Looking for something a bit bigger, more practical, not too fragile, that my wife will drive and is still fun.
One thing I really liked about the 205 GTi was the superb chassis and steering, with such a compliant ride. For road use, I'm not keen on the current fad for big wheels, skinny tyres and a rock hard ride.
Is the Cup Chassis or R27 ride comfort an issue?
With the last 2 comments you say ("rock hard ride" and "ride comfort an issue")Looking for something a bit bigger, more practical, not too fragile, that my wife will drive and is still fun.
One thing I really liked about the 205 GTi was the superb chassis and steering, with such a compliant ride. For road use, I'm not keen on the current fad for big wheels, skinny tyres and a rock hard ride.
Is the Cup Chassis or R27 ride comfort an issue?
I suspect the Cup chassis also found on the R27 F1 might be too hard. The best you can do is try one out. The first time I tried a 197 cup my wife thought it was too hard so we bought a non cup. We then did a track day at Spa and really regretted not having the cup. Now I have a Clio 200 with cup pack and a 172 with coilovers for track use and as that is adjustable, if I have it on hard, I need a sports bra for teh road. (I am a man!)
The Cup suspension is no issue for me (or wife) and the 197 cup suspension is softer.
Try one out and you'll be smiling whatever you get.
I'd go for one built feb 08 onwards, due to a gearbox revision. Cold start hesitation is an issue on most. Wear can be an issue on the recaro side bolsters. If i had my time again i'd go for a 197 with cup chassis, rather then the straight cup version, F1 version has recaro's, cup chassis as standard and are not much dearer then the others.
GrumpyTwig said:
Also I can't believe you sold that 205 it looks perfect!
Yes it was (is) a little gem.I have more serious cars, but I do enjoy some of the inexpensive fun/collectables - had various over the years - Porsche 356, BMW 2002tii, E30 M3, Lancia Monte Carlo, Merc 2.3-16v, 911 Club Sport, Elise S1, etc - all original/low mileage examples, bought carefully, and sold for pretty much what I paid (sometimes a bit more). The 205 Gti was a prime example - loved it.
I know a 'Trophy' would be more special/collectable, but a 197 might meet my current requirements better.
GrumpyTwig said:
Also I can't believe you sold that 205 it looks perfect!
Funnily enough the 205 GTi is still for sale - the original sale just fell through.http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2875245.htm
Doesn't effect my potential RenaultSport Clio purchase though, as the 205 is so nice I'll happily keep it
Geneve said:
It's to replace my brilliant little 205 GTi (now sold - http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2875245.htm )
Looking for something a bit bigger, more practical, not too fragile, that my wife will drive and is still fun.
One thing I really liked about the 205 GTi was the superb chassis and steering, with such a compliant ride. For road use, I'm not keen on the current fad for big wheels, skinny tyres and a rock hard ride.
Is the Cup Chassis or R27 ride comfort an issue?
I've the 197ff plus Cup pack in the best colour Looking for something a bit bigger, more practical, not too fragile, that my wife will drive and is still fun.
One thing I really liked about the 205 GTi was the superb chassis and steering, with such a compliant ride. For road use, I'm not keen on the current fad for big wheels, skinny tyres and a rock hard ride.
Is the Cup Chassis or R27 ride comfort an issue?
( http://www.flickr.com/photos/16388901@N02/sets/721... ) R27 has the shorter gearing and droning exhaust as std so I would (and did) go 08 onwards, used by mrs Pox daily and carts the 2 kids around no worries (certainly less crashy than M-Sport BM we had).Gassing Station | French Bred | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff