Which Renaultsport Clio?

[ImJimbo]

You can replace the individual synchro rings but refurbished boxes go for £400 delivered, which works out a little cheaper.

[Track_Cit]

Some of them have had the boxes done under warranty, as in a whole new gearbox (mine has) so try to find one that has. I drove about 5 before I bought mine and they all had a noticeable crunch between gears...if you feel that, stay clear! They are notchy when cold though which is normal. They can also feel lumpy as if they are missing at around 2.5k which is also normal. 'Quirks' of the car...!

I have to say if I had the choice again i'd get the Megan 250 for the extra speed. I think the Clio looks a nicer car but the Megane is supposed to be fantastic, and the design is growing on me now.

[james28]

You want a clio 200 cup
it's a firm ride but comfy they really are an epic b road car.Did you read the pistonheads review the 200 cup came out on top.

[Rs2oo]

Track_Cit said:

Yes, the ride is firm, but comments above saying it's horrendous at 80Mph on the motorway just isn't true.

Thanks... In my opinion it is. I have owned mine from new (2010) and unless you are in France with beautiful smooth motorways, in the UK, driving over 80mph it is not a great place to be. Try driving down the M2 ! If my 20+ year old daughter is ever in the back, I have to drive at no more than 70 mph otherwise she gets car sick. You may think its fine, I don't.

[nicknameless]

Track_Cit said:

I totally agree with you on that. I drove a 172 cup before I bought the CTR, I just couldn't find a good one to be honest they were all trashed! However the gearbox on the one I drove was stiff and sludgy and just didn't feel precise. Otherwise it was a great little car to drive. Free revving and well damped. The 200 box is notchy but it's much better. I have to say it's still not as sharp as the box on the EP3 though! But Japanese vs French so what do you expect?

On the coilovers - I wouldn't want the 200 any harder than it already is! I don't think they need modding really, Renaultsport spent a lot developing this suspension and it's spot on for me. If anything just swap the Conti's out from some Nankang NS2R's, Yokohama AD08R's (more expensive) or similar.

I should have been clearer. On track on semi slicks then the suspension could do with being stiffer. That's the primary reason for coilovers. Agree standard cup suspension is sublime out of the box, but can be improved on. For the road no point really.

[Patrick Bateman]

Feirny said:

I agree. No worse than an R53 JCW, maybe a little softer on standard springs.

Jesus Christ, how hard is the Mini?

Don't get me wrong, the Trophy is brilliant on a B road but a nice riding car it is not.