RE: Chris Harris video: Fiesta ST Mountune vs Clio 200
Wednesday 11th September 2013
Grudge match time. I'm not sure it's actually possible to write something complimentary about the new Clio 200 RS without being publicly castigated for siding with the devil.
The hot hatch new- and old-school - who wins?But the Fiesta ST was a cracker out of the box too. I think the ST is a classic case of Ford getting its placement absolutely spot-on, and when it does this the opposition needs to be very careful indeed.
Chris Harris video: Fiesta ST Mountune vs Clio 200
The two hot hatches of the moment head to head, plus a special guest...
But I liked the car on the launch in Spain - it was very good fun and even if people felt I was being disingenuous attempting to see the whole paddles thing from a yoof perspective, I stand by the notion that young people like that stuff.
The hot hatch new- and old-school - who wins?
The price-point is perfect, the performance is exceptional and now you can have Mountune upgrade that takes the motor to another level. If I was Renault I'd either be very worried by this development, or I'd have the engine calibration department working pretty damn fast on a 240hp map. Or perhaps both.
I love these hot hatch things. They may be getting a little too big, but more than any other car they still feel the right size on UK roads.
Enjoy the vid. Sorry it's not an F40 special, but we had to come back to earth with a bump at some point.
Discussion
Oh Renault.. How far you have fallen.
"It's quite a good car, the fiesta isnt that much better, it's not that much slower than the ford."
Back when the Clio 200 (na) was released no would have bothered drag racing it against a fiesta or anything else, because that was missing the point.. It delivered by far and away the best feel and involvement of any of it's contemporarys and some much more noble metal, it was simply a great drivers car. Now here we find ourselves with that reputation eroded away by Renault's desire to 'appeal to a wider audience' or from this point of view- turn something special into an also-ran with no particular usp other that the heritage of the cars gone before.
"It's quite a good car, the fiesta isnt that much better, it's not that much slower than the ford."
Back when the Clio 200 (na) was released no would have bothered drag racing it against a fiesta or anything else, because that was missing the point.. It delivered by far and away the best feel and involvement of any of it's contemporarys and some much more noble metal, it was simply a great drivers car. Now here we find ourselves with that reputation eroded away by Renault's desire to 'appeal to a wider audience' or from this point of view- turn something special into an also-ran with no particular usp other that the heritage of the cars gone before.
I see what you (Chris H.) did there..... 
Presumably, the Cup car isn't road legal and a bit noisy.
Edit: I don't mind the new Clio - a comparison between it and the new Golf GTI would be valid to see if it works as a cheaper alternative.
Presumably, the Cup car isn't road legal and a bit noisy.
Edit: I don't mind the new Clio - a comparison between it and the new Golf GTI would be valid to see if it works as a cheaper alternative.
Edited by Kronstein on Wednesday 11th September 20:40
Have to say that the Clio's look is growing on me. It's more distinctive and attractive than the big grilled, bottom-feeder looks of the Fiesta (and many others).
I'm as old-school as anybody, but can imagine that in say 5 year's time we might be looking back thinking that Renault played a masterstroke by fitting the paddle 'box.... Well as long as it proves reliable.
I'm as old-school as anybody, but can imagine that in say 5 year's time we might be looking back thinking that Renault played a masterstroke by fitting the paddle 'box.... Well as long as it proves reliable.
Not your best video Chris in my opinion. Came across to me as if you are either being paid by Renault to say the Clio is a good car, or you are you trying to judge the new Clio whilst still thinking about the previous cars which were crackers.
Agree Ford seemed to have nailed it with the Fiesta though!
Agree Ford seemed to have nailed it with the Fiesta though!
TheRoadWarrior said:
Oh Renault.. How far you have fallen.
"It's quite a good car, the fiesta isnt that much better, it's not that much slower than the ford."
Back when the Clio 200 (na) was released no would have bothered drag racing it against a fiesta or anything else, because that was missing the point.. It delivered by far and away the best feel and involvement of any of it's contemporarys and some much more noble metal, it was simply a great drivers car. Now here we find ourselves with that reputation eroded away by Renault's desire to 'appeal to a wider audience' or from this point of view- turn something special into an also-ran with no particular usp other that the heritage of the cars gone before.
Sad times, and indeed a drag race, dont think anyone bought a renaultsport of old for a drag race!"It's quite a good car, the fiesta isnt that much better, it's not that much slower than the ford."
Back when the Clio 200 (na) was released no would have bothered drag racing it against a fiesta or anything else, because that was missing the point.. It delivered by far and away the best feel and involvement of any of it's contemporarys and some much more noble metal, it was simply a great drivers car. Now here we find ourselves with that reputation eroded away by Renault's desire to 'appeal to a wider audience' or from this point of view- turn something special into an also-ran with no particular usp other that the heritage of the cars gone before.
Kronstein said:
Be great if Renault produced a road legal, slightly "cup-lite" spec with the diff. - Looks like future versions could be interesting.
This would be a great shout. This clio is at the start of its life, let's not forget, lot's of improvements to be made over its cycle. I am really curious to know why people haven't taken to the new Clio.
On an admittedly short test drive I liked it enough to put down a deposit. Having had a great sports car (elise) that wasn't fun to use daily but was great on the right road when the weather was with good I am looking forward to a car that I think will be much more fun most of the time.
For me the paddles add rather than take away from the car as a whole.
On an admittedly short test drive I liked it enough to put down a deposit. Having had a great sports car (elise) that wasn't fun to use daily but was great on the right road when the weather was with good I am looking forward to a car that I think will be much more fun most of the time.
For me the paddles add rather than take away from the car as a whole.
Hmmm, would be a difficult decision if I were in the market for thie type of car. Both look like a lot of fun and great value.
Like the looks of the Clio (esp from the rear) and I can predict the paddle shift will grow on people. Although perhaps it could get a bit annoying for day to day use.
In contrast, the Fiesta (esp in that red) looks a bit old hat and cheap, but it has Cosworth performance and simple honest set up, errr yes please.
I am sure I would thoroughly enjoy either, for a test drive or for a bit of track hooning. Wouldnt want either as my main car though.
Like the looks of the Clio (esp from the rear) and I can predict the paddle shift will grow on people. Although perhaps it could get a bit annoying for day to day use.
In contrast, the Fiesta (esp in that red) looks a bit old hat and cheap, but it has Cosworth performance and simple honest set up, errr yes please.
I am sure I would thoroughly enjoy either, for a test drive or for a bit of track hooning. Wouldnt want either as my main car though.
MovingShadow said:
Remap the Clio and you get 230 bhp, do the dragrace again against the same ST and you'll got a whole different result.
And change the turbo on the fiesta to one off a focus st, then try drag race the fiesta!!The arguements for and against these cars, will drag on and on.
The deal is Ford has made a 180ps fiesta appeal to clients (which they probably lost in the early 1990s), as it offers power upgrades (covered with warranty) and a great package, for alot less than the Clio!!
Seeing both cars in the flesh, and being a Ford man....i would class the Clio as the prettier and more striking car. The fiesta looks a bit dated. Though still nice.
Remember this, Ford was selling the 214bhp mk1 focus rs 10yrs ago for £20,500 (losing some money as they cost £25k to build). Yet right now, they have pulled out a fiesta st-2 with the mountune mp215 for less than £18500. Thats an absolute bargain.
Its lighter, cheaper and similar power to a mk1 frs. So if you got one (specced the same as the fez in the vid)...spend a few quid on a quaife lsd, proper good road tyres and and lower the ride height a little - and the fiesta st-2 mp215 will be and absolute riot.
I personally cant wait to see some sorted Fiesta ST's in 2-3 years time, when jamsport, msd, pumaspeed, devil developments and collins performance etc - develop and mess around with them. Will definately see 400bhp ones kicking around regularly!!
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