197- impressions from owners needed
Discussion
I've had my 197 since September and also bought mine from Motorpoint. My thoughts are thus:
I remember seeing the Mk3 Clio for the first time and thinking it looked much more mature and like an evolution of the Mk1 than the Mk2. I had a good look around the basic car when it arrived early in 2006: it's a bigger, noticeably higher quality car than its immediate predecessor.
The 197 was unveiled sometime after and something immediately clicked with me. I was a big fan of the Mk1 16V / Williams of old - and I never quite enjoyed the Mk2 172 / 182 as much as a visual package, despite owning two of them (as well as a 16V and Williams). But with the 197 the best bits were back: proper fat arches for the front and rear, plus a subtle rear diffuser and arch vents in place of the Mk1's trademark bonnet bulge.
That these visual touches are for a purpose adds to the attraction: wider tracks and front end cooling, with no rear spoiler! It's safe to say that the 197 is a looker then, but very much with a focus on the task in hand - it's a subtle nod to those in the know.
Many of the reviews I read before deciding on a 197 were very enthusiastic, but a few comparisons with turbocharged rivals (e.g. Cooper S Mk2) highlighted a "lack" of torque. What you read is factually accurate; I could almost describe my 197 as an S2000 engine in a Clio. But even after owning a fairly muscular turbo diesel before the 197, the 197 feels torquey - even at low revs. Don't be misled about this: it won't slay all comers at 2,000rpm, but it's potent for an NA engine of its size in average driving due to the constant VVT (not just over certain revs). Quite noticeably more torquey than the 172 / 182 incarnations of this engine in my view.
Clearly, the real excitement begins at 5,000rpm though. It's true that the 6 gear ratios are short - once you're up into the rev range, a change up will always have you in the power zone again. My 197 has the shorter 5th / 6th gear ratios that have been lengthened on very recent 197s, but then 3,600rpm at 70mph is about the same as you get in a Mk1 Civic Type-R. In truth, it's quite hard to cruise at legal leptons: the race-car-like buzz and noise urge you on. It's also quite fun to drive around primed for action at high revs, which is surely the only way to deal with these modern turdo-diesel upstarts!
Straight-line speed feels good... broadly the same as any of the Clios from 16V through to 182. I think people often overestimate the difference a second here or there makes - and underestimate the variability in power output from these RenaultSport engines. If you need to know: I think a 197 is as quick off the mark as any and is easier to keep on the boil - it's catergorically not slow, nor underpowered. Braking is outstanding, courtesy of some tasty Brembos up front; this is a good characteristic carried over from previous models.
The handling is also excellent - really capturing some of the spirit of the Williams in its ability to soak up bumps, but grip with the best of them. I don't think I've ever been in a better handling road car than a 197. From a practicality point of view, the long travel pays off as you cruise over speed bumps that many hot hatches weep at. Fuel economy of 33mpg is roughly as quoted, unlike many cars in recent memory that need very gentle coaxing to get anywhere near the manufacturer's figures.
I'm a little more interested in practical items these days. Parking is excellent (although you need to watch the width of the car) and the interior is significantly better built and insulated than before. For most people, this will do as an only car. I'm a little disappointed at the basic spec though: an average stereo, no xenons and other goodies that will no doubt become standard over time. Still, this is a car for driving is it not?
I don't drive very often and we only need one car nowadays. It's happy to be an easy and comfortable drive around town and on longer journeys, but it's also delighted to be totally thrashed.
Therein lies the appeal of a 197: a good balance of most things, but pretty extreme when you want it to be.
I remember seeing the Mk3 Clio for the first time and thinking it looked much more mature and like an evolution of the Mk1 than the Mk2. I had a good look around the basic car when it arrived early in 2006: it's a bigger, noticeably higher quality car than its immediate predecessor.
The 197 was unveiled sometime after and something immediately clicked with me. I was a big fan of the Mk1 16V / Williams of old - and I never quite enjoyed the Mk2 172 / 182 as much as a visual package, despite owning two of them (as well as a 16V and Williams). But with the 197 the best bits were back: proper fat arches for the front and rear, plus a subtle rear diffuser and arch vents in place of the Mk1's trademark bonnet bulge.
That these visual touches are for a purpose adds to the attraction: wider tracks and front end cooling, with no rear spoiler! It's safe to say that the 197 is a looker then, but very much with a focus on the task in hand - it's a subtle nod to those in the know.
Many of the reviews I read before deciding on a 197 were very enthusiastic, but a few comparisons with turbocharged rivals (e.g. Cooper S Mk2) highlighted a "lack" of torque. What you read is factually accurate; I could almost describe my 197 as an S2000 engine in a Clio. But even after owning a fairly muscular turbo diesel before the 197, the 197 feels torquey - even at low revs. Don't be misled about this: it won't slay all comers at 2,000rpm, but it's potent for an NA engine of its size in average driving due to the constant VVT (not just over certain revs). Quite noticeably more torquey than the 172 / 182 incarnations of this engine in my view.
Clearly, the real excitement begins at 5,000rpm though. It's true that the 6 gear ratios are short - once you're up into the rev range, a change up will always have you in the power zone again. My 197 has the shorter 5th / 6th gear ratios that have been lengthened on very recent 197s, but then 3,600rpm at 70mph is about the same as you get in a Mk1 Civic Type-R. In truth, it's quite hard to cruise at legal leptons: the race-car-like buzz and noise urge you on. It's also quite fun to drive around primed for action at high revs, which is surely the only way to deal with these modern turdo-diesel upstarts!
Straight-line speed feels good... broadly the same as any of the Clios from 16V through to 182. I think people often overestimate the difference a second here or there makes - and underestimate the variability in power output from these RenaultSport engines. If you need to know: I think a 197 is as quick off the mark as any and is easier to keep on the boil - it's catergorically not slow, nor underpowered. Braking is outstanding, courtesy of some tasty Brembos up front; this is a good characteristic carried over from previous models.
The handling is also excellent - really capturing some of the spirit of the Williams in its ability to soak up bumps, but grip with the best of them. I don't think I've ever been in a better handling road car than a 197. From a practicality point of view, the long travel pays off as you cruise over speed bumps that many hot hatches weep at. Fuel economy of 33mpg is roughly as quoted, unlike many cars in recent memory that need very gentle coaxing to get anywhere near the manufacturer's figures.
I'm a little more interested in practical items these days. Parking is excellent (although you need to watch the width of the car) and the interior is significantly better built and insulated than before. For most people, this will do as an only car. I'm a little disappointed at the basic spec though: an average stereo, no xenons and other goodies that will no doubt become standard over time. Still, this is a car for driving is it not?
I don't drive very often and we only need one car nowadays. It's happy to be an easy and comfortable drive around town and on longer journeys, but it's also delighted to be totally thrashed.
Therein lies the appeal of a 197: a good balance of most things, but pretty extreme when you want it to be.
Our 2007 197 is to be replaced on Saturday.
it's replacement is:
2008 197 with revised gearbox
Glacier White
Raider Alloys
Cup Chassis
Darkened Glass
Satin Pack
Folding Electric Mirrors
Auto Wipers/Lights
Recaro Seats
Cornering Headlamps
Will post up piccies as soon as it arrives
it's replacement is:
2008 197 with revised gearbox
Glacier White
Raider Alloys
Cup Chassis
Darkened Glass
Satin Pack
Folding Electric Mirrors
Auto Wipers/Lights
Recaro Seats
Cornering Headlamps
Will post up piccies as soon as it arrives
Edited by Catherine197 on Thursday 7th February 15:46
). These 197s seem like great value right now. I must hide my wallet to save it further pain...Gassing Station | French Bred | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff