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.

[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.

[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.

[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.