Clio Renaultsport 200

[Red 4]

Hello all

I seek the wisdom/ knowledge/ experience of PH'ers on the subject of the Clio RS 200 because I know naff all about them and I usually don't go near French cars.

However, I like the look of them and they seem reasonable value. I'd be looking at a 10 plate onwards with low miles.

Any info would be appreciated, specifically concerning;

1) Performance/ handling/ MPG
2) Build quality/ reliability
3) Must have options (I know about the Cup chassis and most seem to have this)
4) Depreciation
5) Tax banding

Anything else you think I need to know about these cars, please feel free to tell me

Cheers.

Edited by Red 4 on Friday 23 March 18:49

[Red 4]

matty_doh said:

I own one so can answer most of your questions albeit from a biased perspective.

1) Performance is adequate, 200 has more low down torque than 197 so is easier to drive at lower speeds. Above 5000rpm is where it gets interesting. Handling is second to none in it's sector (I tried most after owning a Twingo and kept coming back to the Clio). I average around 28mpg in mine on a mostly B-road commute. Motorway use will see low 30's. They are not particularly economical though you can add a few to the trip computer readout.

2) Build Quality & Reliability so far have been excellent. Don't go for the Renaultsport Cup, go for the 'full fat' and you get a much much better quality dash and more toys (Cruise & Climate as standard).

3) Mine is a special ed. (Which they do quite often and normally means better value for 'options') so has most things ticked. Renaultsport monitor (Lap times, g-readings, 0-62 etc. etc.) is fun for a bit, if a bit gimicky. Recaro seats are super comfy and supportive but can wear badly if not looked after. Bluetooth is great unlesss you have an iPhone - with my Galaxy SII it will automatically connect and resume the song that was playing last.

4) Depreciation is quite fierce on brand new ones, eases off after a year it seems. Early 200's are going for around the £10k mark so lost ~£6k in 3 years from new. Not too bad.

5) Can't remember the tax band but it's currently £245 a year.

Thanks very much for that info, you've answered pretty much everything I asked

Revving the car won't be a problem I've owned a couple of Honda S2000's and Civic Type R's

Neither will MPG, my Focus ST was averaging 23 MPG

My main concern was build quality. I haven't owned anything French since 1997 when I had a Citroen Saxo VTS which self destructed within about a year. Since then it's been jap or German with a brief forray into Ford ownership.

Thanks again.

[Red 4]

Thanks to everyone for the replies.

I drove one yesterday. RS200 with Cup chassis, recaro's and some other bits.

First impressions were OK although I must say it didn't feel all that fast. And yes I did drive it properly and rev it. The "change up" bleep on nearing the redline was annoying.

Handling was good and it a felt like more of the old school hot hatch (ie it felt small and nimble). I've owned a Civic Type R (FN2) and Ford Focus ST and both felt big and lardy in comparison. On that count the Renault is a winner.

Build quality seemed good and certainly on a par with Ford although the car I drove had only covered 1500 miles.

The interior was a bit spartan but I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing on this type of car. There are still enough toys on board.

I liked the car I drove. Pearlescent white with black speedlines.

Sadly the dealer was a bit of a tit and wants more than the car is worth so the search continues.

Edited by Red 4 on Sunday 25th March 22:56