Anyone got a Clio 197 yet?

[jamiebae]

I'm seriously considering getting one but looking at the specs even though it has a 6 speed box it seems like it's going to be a bit buzzy on the motorway (4,200 RPM @ 80 MPH). Is that right? Ideally I'd like something that's a little less loud on the motorway than my Mini and the Clio ticks all the other boxes for a good bit less cash than a Focus ST.

[pbirkett]

I dont think the 197 will be for you then, apparently its quite loud at motorway speeds.

Its also a poor relation to the old one, in as much as its overpriced, heavy and slow.

[jamiebae]

I've heard that (the heavy bit) but as I don't fit in your version comfortably I can't really compare it!

I can get one new for £14,200 which is pretty cheap for the performance/equipment you get. The best price I can get on a Leon FR TFSI is £15,500 and I've ruled out the Focus ST and Astra VXR because of security concerns.

The gearing on the 197 seems very short for something with a 6 speed box so I was wondering if there was an error in the spec sheet, but the theoretical Vmax in 6th is 142mph at the redline so I guess it's right.

[artdealer]

I'm not yet sold on the 197 despite my Renault background. Maybe you should run a 182 Trophy before you take the plunge and wait for the inevitable 197 Cup (style) model that is sure to arrive eventually.

[jamiebae]

I'm 6 foot 1 so I can't fit in the old version comfortably for any length of time. The main appeal of the 197 for me is that it has enough space for my needs, all the equipment I want (a/c, cruise etc) and similar performance to the Focus ST, Leon FR, Octavia vRS etc but costs a good bit less to buy and is a bit cheaper to insure too.

[warren182]

Had a good go in a 197, got a 182 at the moment. 197 feels a lot slower. Megane 225's are available new for less than 197's with more equipment.

[jamiebae]

I've just read the 197 vs MCS article in Evo, they mention the Clio is buzzy on the motorway and doing 4.5k rpm at 85, I think that rules it out really

I have noticed the Megane is very cheap, the dealer I went to had an F1 edition at £14.5k ex demo on an 06 plate with 7k miles which is kind of tempting too.

[warren182]

Drove the meg straight after the 197, felt leagues apart in pace. Similar refinement, but the Megane felt more alive. Didn't feel laggy, was pleasently surprised.

[dcw@pr]

jamiebae said:

I'm 6 foot 1 so I can't fit in the old version comfortably for any length of time. The main appeal of the 197 for me is that it has enough space for my needs, all the equipment I want (a/c, cruise etc) and similar performance to the Focus ST, Leon FR, Octavia vRS etc but costs a good bit less to buy and is a bit cheaper to insure too.

i'm 6'4" and drive a trophy. I managed a 6 hour non stop drive down to France a short while ago without too much trouble, and ive done plenty of other long (3hr+) drives. Granted the ergonomics are definately flawed (in factt its the worst thing about the car by some distance) but it's easily livable with.

[busta]

IMO the megane is a far better looking beast too. And going by the stats in evo its 1/2 second faster to 60, 13mph faster flat out (so presumably higher geared too), only weights 100kg more and is slightly more economical. Its 2 groups higher insurance but I can't imagine quotes would be far off those for the Clio. So if you cab get it cheaper than the clio i'd definitely go for it.

[mattbvw]

dcw@pr said:

jamiebae said:

I'm 6 foot 1 so I can't fit in the old version comfortably for any length of time. The main appeal of the 197 for me is that it has enough space for my needs, all the equipment I want (a/c, cruise etc) and similar performance to the Focus ST, Leon FR, Octavia vRS etc but costs a good bit less to buy and is a bit cheaper to insure too.

i'm 6'4" and drive a trophy. I managed a 6 hour non stop drive down to France a short while ago without too much trouble, and ive done plenty of other long (3hr+) drives. Granted the ergonomics are definately flawed (in factt its the worst thing about the car by some distance) but it's easily livable with.

I'm 6'2" and have been in all three (182, Trophy, 197). The seats in the 182 are uncomfortable for my height - I got lower back pains and discomfort in my shoulders (from the awkward steering position) after an hour or so's driving. The Recaros in the Trophy help a lot (much better back support). The 197 (with standard seats) has by far the best driving position of the three. I found it very comfortable - supportive seats (back and lateral) and good wheel and gear lever positions.

In my opinion, the 197 does rev high on the motorway and doesn't have the same lower down grunt as the 182 but is a peach at higher revs and has superb cornering ability. It takes a little getting used to after a 182, it does feel more remote to begin with, but give it a chance and get used to it and it is an incredibly accurate device. There are lots of, mostly very positive, reviews around on the 197 (Autocar, EVO et al) that are worth a look.