Clio Renaultsport 197 and 200
models share the same steel monocoque shell and tip the scales at 1,240kg in standard form, or 36kg less at 1,204kg for the Cup models. MacPherson strut and anti-roll bars serve the front suspension with power assisted steering. At the back, a torsion beam takes care of suspension.
Wider track, PerfoHub struts, Brembos - top kit
At this stage most manufacturers would sling a set of stiffer springs and dampers on and be done with it but Renault extended the wheelbase by 10mm over the regular Clio III and increased track by 48mm front and 50mm rear. There's more to it than that too, the 197 using a neat double axis MacPherson strut that reduces the stub axle offset - described by Renault as "the distance between the centre of the wheel and the intersection between its rotational and steering axes" - from 48mm on the standard strut of regular Clios to 34mm. In simple terms it moves the steering knuckle closer to the centre of the wheel, reducing the influence of drive torque on steering angle - the 'torque steer' that often plagues powerful front-driven cars. A significant engineering investment by Renaultsport and one of the reasons the car is held in such high esteem by purist drivers.
Neat 'PerfoHub' strut reduces torque steer
limited edition F1 Team R27
that preceded them run 7mm lower than regular 197s, Cup suspension stiffer by 27 per cent front and 30 per cent rear. Unique Speedline 17-inch alloy wheels were offered for the Cup finished in satin black, while the standard Clio also rode on 17-inch wheels.
Tyres for the Clio when new were bespoke Continental SportContact 3 215/45R17s front and rear. Many owners have since moved on to other brands of tyre and Toyo R888s are popular for those using their cars predominantly for track days. These RS Clios get through tyres, especially fronts, quite quickly, but there's plenty of choice of tyres.
Stopping the Clio Renaultsport 197 are 312mm front discs clamped by impressive looking four-pot Brembo calipers with 300mm discs at the back. Make sure the brake calipers are in good condition as they are prone to seizing. It's best to strip and clean the calipers once a year, but expect to find seized caliper pins. Replacement pins are cheap to buy and easy to fit.
Grippy, composed and playful on the limit
Some owners fit lowered suspension to their cars, but this will have little effect on the RS Clio unless it is very carefully set up and the geometry checked. This is because the standard set-up was very good straight from the factory, but it also means kerbing or accident damage can have a very noticeable effect on the Clio's handling. Look for uneven tyre wear as a tell-tale.
Steering racks are known to fail on the RS Clio, so listen out for any whining or clunking noises. Turn the steering from lock to lock when parked or at walking pace to hear this. It's not a disaster as a replacement rack is around £450 from Renault and offers the chance for non-Cup cars to be uprated to this version's quicker steering rack as a bolt-in job.
Another cause of a front end knocking can be a worn bottom ball joint. Renault recommends replacing the entire hub carrier unit to cure this, but specialists can replace just the ball joint for around £175 per side.
PHer's view:
"To be honest I didn't really get on with 200. In isolation it's probably a brilliant car but I had owned a 182 Trophy for the five years beforehand which took the shine off it."
David Gracie
Buying guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling Chassis
Body
Interior