197 / 197 Cup / 197 F1

[Ecurie Ecosse]

Hi Guys

I'm quite interested in getting a 197 as they are very reasonable on my work car scheme.

I have not had the chance to test drive one yet, but from the road tests they do seem to be very good.

I do like my comforts so, from the chat here, it looks like the one to go for is the full fat 197 with the Cup suspension option.

Are there any other essential options (I.e sports seats), and what do they cost? I don't want to spend too much on options as that makes the car a lot more expensive on the scheme.

Many thanks!

[Catherine197]

I wouldn't recommend the recaro's as they are too much of a risk in terms of their wear. We have them in our car and after 10,000 miles they are ok, but an awful lot of people have had big issues, with them wearing out in some cases within a month.

[TGJR]

Ecurie Ecosse said:

Hi Guys

I'm quite interested in getting a 197 as they are very reasonable on my work car scheme.

I have not had the chance to test drive one yet, but from the road tests they do seem to be very good.

I do like my comforts so, from the chat here, it looks like the one to go for is the full fat 197 with the Cup suspension option.

Are there any other essential options (I.e sports seats), and what do they cost? I don't want to spend too much on options as that makes the car a lot more expensive on the scheme.

Many thanks!

If comfort is your primary concern then the cup suspension will not be for you as it is a hard ride (which for me is great ) and the recaros will not be as soft and comfy as the standard seats. They offer great support but are not the easiest to get in and out of. The wear issue mentioned could be a factor after 20k miles or so.

[TGJR]

Catherine197 said:

I wouldn't recommend the recaro's as they are too much of a risk in terms of their wear. We have them in our car and after 10,000 miles they are ok, but an awful lot of people have had big issues, with them wearing out in some cases within a month.

Are you sure you don't mean "an awful lot of big people have had issues with them wearing out....."

[Catherine197]

TGJR said:

Ecurie Ecosse said:

Hi Guys

I'm quite interested in getting a 197 as they are very reasonable on my work car scheme.

I have not had the chance to test drive one yet, but from the road tests they do seem to be very good.

I do like my comforts so, from the chat here, it looks like the one to go for is the full fat 197 with the Cup suspension option.

Are there any other essential options (I.e sports seats), and what do they cost? I don't want to spend too much on options as that makes the car a lot more expensive on the scheme.

Many thanks!

If comfort is your primary concern then the cup suspension will not be for you as it is a hard ride (which for me is great ) and the recaros will not be as soft and comfy as the standard seats. They offer great support but are not the easiest to get in and out of. The wear issue mentioned could be a factor after 20k miles or so.

I have to correct you on one point. The wear issue is a problem in some instances after 4 weeks and the majority of the cars that have failed have been between 4k and 10k. Actually I know of someone who is on the 2nd replacement and I believe the car at the time hadn't even done 15k.

[Catherine197]

TGJR said:

Catherine197 said:

I wouldn't recommend the recaro's as they are too much of a risk in terms of their wear. We have them in our car and after 10,000 miles they are ok, but an awful lot of people have had big issues, with them wearing out in some cases within a month.

Are you sure you don't mean "an awful lot of big people have had issues with them wearing out....."

Sadly not big people.

[Ecurie Ecosse]

Thanks guys. I will try and test drive Cup and non-Cup equipped models.

Pity about the seats - they look awesome in the brochire.

[Catherine197]

Ecurie Ecosse said:

Thanks guys. I will try and test drive Cup and non-Cup equipped models.

Pity about the seats - they look awesome in the brochire.

Well there might be some developments on that front I have found out this pm. There is an unconfirmed rumour that the seat design may be changed.

[Mutt]

Mutt said:

sgathore said:

TGJR said:

I had my 197 on track yesterday in pretty wet conditions and it handled superbly.

What sort of MPG was the car returning?

If it helps I got around 18 mpg around Snetterton in the dry.

Just to make this accurate I reset the trip computer for my second day around Snetterton. 13 mpg in mixed conditions.

[GeorgeBloom]

Can anyone help?

I just bought a new Clio 182 last week...Test drove it and it was unbelievable. I had a mini cooper S before and the clio seemed a lot quicker and had more urge about it! I collect it on thursday this week and Im trying to find out a few things about it...am i able to have the cup suspension fitted to it if its only the standard 182? where can i do this? Can anyone help? Cheers

[Catherine197]

Gerorge, you can come over to www.renaultsport.co.uk.

Some of the guys on there should be able to help you out.

[mattbvw]

Ecurie Ecosse said:

Hi Guys

I'm quite interested in getting a 197 as they are very reasonable on my work car scheme.

I have not had the chance to test drive one yet, but from the road tests they do seem to be very good.

I do like my comforts so, from the chat here, it looks like the one to go for is the full fat 197 with the Cup suspension option.

Are there any other essential options (I.e sports seats), and what do they cost? I don't want to spend too much on options as that makes the car a lot more expensive on the scheme.

Many thanks!

Hello,

I've driven standard, Cup and standard with Cup pack. Personally, I couldn't do without the Cup pack - it isn't that much harder, but is WAY more impressive round a track and at high speed cornering, I find it to be a lot more adjustable and nimble than standard. The added bonus is the wheels are anthracite and the calipers painted red

Cup or Std with Cup - Std with Cup. Dash is nicer, you get one touch windows, Aircon, electric mirrors, hands free entry and most importantly reach adjustable steering (The Cup doesn't have it as it's linked to the hands free card which was removed on cost grounds, so I'm told - hence the Cup has a normal key). I love the ethos of the Cup, but if you can afford it, I'd go that route - the weight difference won't make much difference in the real world at all.

Seats - the Recaros are sublime, gave me great confidence on track. The standard seats are very, very good, nicely supportive and good quality. There are some known issues with Recaros wearing but a lot of people are having these covered under warranty - so, hassle aside, and assuming it does happen to you - they would get replaced.

Whatever you go for, the press reviews are correct - it is an absolute weapon on a B-road. Enjoy. Personally, Glacier White is the colour to have - really shows off the wider arches well.