Clio Renaultsport 197/200: PH Buying Guide
Not taken with the new-school Clio Renaultsport? Here's how to buy the best of the previous version
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Following the format set by the previous Clio RS 172 and 182 models, the 197 used a normally aspirated 2.0-litre engine. It developed its peak power at a giddy 7,250rpm and maximum torque of 158lb ft came in at 5,550rpm. A top speed of 134mph meant the Clio was not the quickest hot hatch, but this car was more about handling than outright straight line speed.
To help the handling and high-speed stability, Renault fitted the car with a rear diffuser under the bumper that could generate up to 40kg of downforce. This also meant a clean rear end style as there was no need for a roof-mounted spoiler.
Following on from the standard 197, Renault added the Cup model in September 2007. This was a pared down version of the 197, moving air conditioning to the options list to save weight and offering lightweight Recaro seats at an addition cost.
The Cup also featured revised gearing in the six-speed manual 'box, which was made standard on the plain 197 shortly afterwards. As for suspension, the Cup borrowed the settings from the 197 F1 R27 limited edition, so there was a 7mm lower ride height and firmer springs and dampers front and rear. Lastly, the Cup sat on anthracite-finished Renaultsport wheels as standard or optional satin black Speedline alloys.
In April 2009, Renault announced the 200 as a replacement for the 197. A Cup model was offered from the start of 200 production, while this slightly more powerful update came with the restyled front end that all Clios were given.
Crucially, Renault gave the 200 a little more low-down torque to answer criticisms of the 197 being too dependent on revs. Even so, the 200's motor still needed to be worked to get the best from it and 0-62mph remained unchanged at 6.9 seconds. Top speed crept up to 141mph and softer suspension on the standard 200 made it a fractionally easier car to live with day to day.
Production came to a close for the Clio Renaultsport 200 in 2012, but it is still widely regarded as a better car than the 1.6-litre turbo RS that replaced it. This has helped used prices stay strong and a late Clio 200 will set you back as much as £13,500 for a late Raider special edition with low miles. At the other end of the market, an early 197 can be had for £4,000 with around 85,000 miles. There were several special edition Clios, covered by the F1 Team R27, Gordini 200, Silverstone GP and Raider.
PHer's view:
"The 197 was overall a great car, with the only real ongoing expense the appetite for front tyres. This was largely a by-product of the way the car invites you treat each drive like a special stage rather than an A-B trudge. Would recommend finding a specialist to service and maintain as main Renault dealers are a treat you can certainly do without."
Jon Tait
Buying guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling Chassis
Body
Interior
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Photos: Chris Teagles
I don`t know much about buying them though - mine was a private purchase from a relative of a work mate, it was the only one I looked at!! Cracking condition and it had been well cared for.
If your in the market, I 100% recommend one, they are great fun, the running costs aren`t bad either, but it does surprise me as to how "only" a 2.0 engine can drink so much!!
Don`t get a Gordini, they should never had been made!! :P
As a commuter car it wasn't great, but that is not what it was designed for. For me it was perfect for a daily and weekend fun car. It is only being replaced by a dedicated weekend car, Elise S1 and a daily of an Aygo.
Miss it a lot, great car. If a one car garage is your option, but that car still needs to do the shopping run and you put driving above a bit of creature comfort they are brilliant.
It can do family stuff, commuting stuff and be really naughty when asked. I do around 25k miles a year in mine and can't think of anything else as much fun to drive? (It's up there with my old 106 Rallye) I regularly get 40mpg on a motorway run at 65mph too.
Buy one , remove the center silencer and get a remap, they are deceptively quick too, more than 6.9 0-60 would have you believe
Oh and mine pops and bangs.
Apart from the air con needing a regas and a bulb going in the dash. Was totally reliable.
Replaced it with a 200 with cup , which I still have.
I get between 32/35mpg from both. 200 has more mid range.
200 has been totally reliable.
Good fun cars , on the rare occasions you can have a play on the commute.
I got the 200 on a hunch the new one would be a munter!
However , I kick myself everyday - I should have held the 197 and bought a boxster spyder .... Hindsight.
Maybe I can put that plan into action if Porsche make another...
Both my gearboxes are fine. The later box from late 07 is the one , so would not touch an early car.
The 200 with cup is a v hard riding car , harder that 197 cup set up
And the quicker steering rack on 200 cup gives an ocean liner turning circle..
They look the t*ts too , a rare sight on the road.
David
Matt
Matt
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