Clio 200 EDC Experience

[madmatteo]

I'm now 3,500 miles into running a Clio 200 Turbo/EDC and I thought I would share my experiences as there seems to be a distinct lack of information on these cars not to mention owner's views/reports.

Firstly, it is no where near as bad as the reviews would have you believe but, by the same measure, it is also not perfect.

The good bits are the handling which is fantastic, power which is better than the 197/200 previously and the economy which also betters its predecessors (currently averaging 32mpg). The bad bits are the looks which are (imo) not as good as the previous versions, the gearbox which can be frustrating and the price which is not really comparable to its competitors (i.e Fiesta, 208 or the forthcoming Polo Gti).

As an ownership prospect I am finding it significantly easier to live with than my previous 200 and far closer to my Megane R26 or 182. The gearbox is an occasional source of frustration but the reality is that it is also a positive as well allowing for easy commuting, rapid gear changes and good fuel economy. The downsides to the gearbox for me are the poor change from 1st to 2nd gear at slow speeds and its reluctance to get the car moving at junctions and roundabouts. Neither issue is enough to ruin the car for me but they are a little bugbear all the same.

My advice for anyone who drives this car is to put it in manual race mode as this transforms the car and allows the driver complete control over the gearbox as well access to the faster gear changes. The sound of the car when in race mode is also completely different with a fantastic induction sound inside the car and subtle pops on the up-changes. The gearbox also blips the throttle when changing down the gears which sounds particularly good at slower speeds.

As a used buy, these clios are starting to look like quite good value compared to their new prices and I would urge people to give one a go if they are even slightly interested. I, personally, have not tried the 208 or Fiesta but would certainly do so if I decide to purchase one of the latest batch of hot hatches in the future (the Clio is currently on a short term lease).

It is likely that the clio will go back soon but I will certainly be sad to see it go which I wasn't sure would be the case originally.

[madmatteo]

It's interesting to hear from someone else who has had the benefit of running one for a while.

I have to say I am very tempted to go and try the 208 GTi and Fiesta ST as it is likely that I will be making a purchase of one of these cars in the very near future. The Clio has been offered to me for a reasonable price but it still outstrips what you have to pay for a 208 GTi but is roughly on par with what I would have to pay for an ST. Not entirely sure which way I may go but no doubt a drive of each will help with any decision.