Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup
Discussion
I've been a member on PH for a while so I thought I would put something up about my current car, a Clio 200 Cup.
Back in 2012 I gave the keys back to my company focus TD, a car I had for 4 years while I got on the property ladded. Thankfully after that long 4 years I was back in the position to get a car I wanted. Some man maths later I decided on another Renaultsport.
Previous to the focus and without the joys of owning my own home I had in order from 1996:
1989 Metro GTA, white
1991 Suzuki Swift GTI, white
1999 Integra DC2 (UK), championship white
2001 Lotus Elise S2 (K-Series), storm grey
2004 Integra DC5, championship white
2005 Clio Trophy, capsicum red
I am not a big fan of electronic gadgets and creature comforts in my cars at all, my car at the moment only has to see me through a small commute so I wouldn't even benefit from a barge anyway. I had a look a few different cars before picking the Clio. I looked at DC2's, EK9's and Trophy's. I ruled the DC2 and Trophy out plainly because I had owned them before and EK9's IMO are dating a bit now. I would of loved another Lotus but seeing as this is my only car the Elise is just a bit too impractical plus I occasionally need more than two seats. So I decided on a Clio 200.
The spec I wanted for the Clio was Cup, Racing Blue and Recaros. At the time I was looking at buying it was quite hard to find this spec so the missus and I had two day 650 mile round trip to pick it up a low mileage 2011 car.
I have owned the Clio now for 18 months and not regretted buying it one bit. So far I have been on a few road trips to North Wales and the roads around the EVO Triangle. Hopefully a trip to Scotland this year and no doubt more weekends away in North Wales.
Not one for big modifications on cars but have done a few suitable things including changing the Engine and Gearbox Oils to fully synthetic Fuchs Titan. I also swapped the Anthracite Cup alloys for some Speedlines which I have had refurbished in gloss black with a set of 4 new Goodyear Eagle F1's to replace the Contisports.
Most recently I had plates made with the Renaultsport factory address underneath, thought it would make a change to a Renault dealership or Arnold Shark one.
So that's my current car. Hopefully in the not so near future I may have the opportunity to run two cars so it will be another Elise, preferably an S160.
Cheers for looking,
Tickle
Back in 2012 I gave the keys back to my company focus TD, a car I had for 4 years while I got on the property ladded. Thankfully after that long 4 years I was back in the position to get a car I wanted. Some man maths later I decided on another Renaultsport.
Previous to the focus and without the joys of owning my own home I had in order from 1996:
1989 Metro GTA, white
1991 Suzuki Swift GTI, white
1999 Integra DC2 (UK), championship white
2001 Lotus Elise S2 (K-Series), storm grey
2004 Integra DC5, championship white
2005 Clio Trophy, capsicum red
I am not a big fan of electronic gadgets and creature comforts in my cars at all, my car at the moment only has to see me through a small commute so I wouldn't even benefit from a barge anyway. I had a look a few different cars before picking the Clio. I looked at DC2's, EK9's and Trophy's. I ruled the DC2 and Trophy out plainly because I had owned them before and EK9's IMO are dating a bit now. I would of loved another Lotus but seeing as this is my only car the Elise is just a bit too impractical plus I occasionally need more than two seats. So I decided on a Clio 200.
The spec I wanted for the Clio was Cup, Racing Blue and Recaros. At the time I was looking at buying it was quite hard to find this spec so the missus and I had two day 650 mile round trip to pick it up a low mileage 2011 car.
I have owned the Clio now for 18 months and not regretted buying it one bit. So far I have been on a few road trips to North Wales and the roads around the EVO Triangle. Hopefully a trip to Scotland this year and no doubt more weekends away in North Wales.
Not one for big modifications on cars but have done a few suitable things including changing the Engine and Gearbox Oils to fully synthetic Fuchs Titan. I also swapped the Anthracite Cup alloys for some Speedlines which I have had refurbished in gloss black with a set of 4 new Goodyear Eagle F1's to replace the Contisports.
Most recently I had plates made with the Renaultsport factory address underneath, thought it would make a change to a Renault dealership or Arnold Shark one.
So that's my current car. Hopefully in the not so near future I may have the opportunity to run two cars so it will be another Elise, preferably an S160.
Cheers for looking,
Tickle
Edited by Tickle on Sunday 19th January 16:42
Edited by Tickle on Sunday 19th January 19:51
melvster said:
Very smart; great choice of colour too 
how do you find the electric steering in the 200 as apposed to the 182 Trophy ? My current car (albeit only a 1.4 Punto) has electronic steering and I absolutely hate it; far too light and only has the slightest amount of feel if you decide to push the car into the corner. Sorry for the dull question but I am potentially considering a mint 182 Trophy or 197 R27 this year.
Cheers, how do you find the electric steering in the 200 as apposed to the 182 Trophy ? My current car (albeit only a 1.4 Punto) has electronic steering and I absolutely hate it; far too light and only has the slightest amount of feel if you decide to push the car into the corner. Sorry for the dull question but I am potentially considering a mint 182 Trophy or 197 R27 this year. Its not over light, the missus has a Fiat 500 and it is unbelievably light! I test drove another Trophy before the 200 and they are different cars. You can feel the extra weight in the 200 and there is defiantly not the same feedback. But IMO the Trophy didn't have the greatest steering feedback and feel anyway. I did run my Elise as a daily though so that set the benchmark for steering feel pretty high for me!
The quicker rack on the 200 is good especially when you get going some, very direct. The 200 feels more planted and more grip than the Trophy. The quick rack in turn does trade off though with a naff turning circle!
Try both cars, preferably with a small time gap between then the feeling is fresh in your head. Sure you wont be disappointed in an R27 or Trophy.
My old one, back in the day
Nikko 40691 said:
I looked at buying one of these brand new but I just wasn't man enough to commit to the monthly payments, it is truly lovely OP.
What was the better car then between the Trophy and DC2 as they're so similar in their core values?
DC2 or Trophy? What a question!What was the better car then between the Trophy and DC2 as they're so similar in their core values?
To own probably the Trophy:
My DC2 started to get a few spots of rust on the rear arches and was getting to that stage in it life that it needed a bits tidying up. As it was my only car I didn't fancy having to take it off the road for paint and sprucing up. I know that would open the flood gates for me to get it immaculate then id be scared to drive it.... if that makes sense.
The Trophy's compactness and ride was very very good points for me over the DC2. It was newer too so was less of a scare when washing it to see another spot of rust or the seats becoming more shot. The Trophy was the most trouble free car ive owned too needing only consumable parts (tyres, pads etc). I sold it before the Sachs needed a refurb though.
To drive DC2:
That engine, less weight, LSD and no sound proofing!
This is all in my opinion of course.
Evil.soup said:
My brother bought one of these in cup spec with the recaros just a couple of months ago and i have to say it really is a wicked bit of kit! It corners flat and fast with little effort and stops on the spot. Its a bit of a tough ride but thats the price you pay for such a good drivers car.
Easily as quick and planted as my impreza through the corners, i was very impressed after driving it.
Like what you have done with the wheel swap, much prefer them to the cup alloys;)
I think the brakes are one of the best bits, they give you a lot of confidence!Easily as quick and planted as my impreza through the corners, i was very impressed after driving it.
Like what you have done with the wheel swap, much prefer them to the cup alloys;)
roystinho said:
Fantastic cars. I had a pearl white one for a couple of years. Brilliant fun for just going for a drive out, but could also carry the kids if needs be. RB looks the nuts too
How did the Clio 200 Cup compare with Mini GP?I test drove a JCW but it didnt feel anywhere near as focused as the Clio. I do like the look of the Series 1 GP's though.
roystinho said:
Tickle said:
roystinho said:
Fantastic cars. I had a pearl white one for a couple of years. Brilliant fun for just going for a drive out, but could also carry the kids if needs be. RB looks the nuts too
How did the Clio 200 Cup compare with Mini GP?I test drove a JCW but it didnt feel anywhere near as focused as the Clio. I do like the look of the Series 1 GP's though.
But they do feel different, probably through a combination of things. Power delivery for one, the supercharger seems to give the mini much more grunt, I've actually winced a little at how fast I'm going when I look at the speedo going down country lanes. The GP has a proper LSD, which again you can feel when you put the power down mid corner, but like I say my memory says the 200 was very similar in that respect with the suspension and perfohub set up. They both corner pretty flat on the roads (haven't been on track in either), the brakes are maybe a bit better in the clio being brembo 4 pots, but not found the GP's lacking yet.
The other thing the mini has is the supercharger noise, pops and bangs on over-run, and the fact it's stripped out enhances this further. It also feels a little bit more special (dare I say it), a bit like a mini R26.R - literally
Would love to have done a back to back with them. I'm probably doing the 200 a bit of a disservice in that little comparison. I loved the couple of years I had with it, and went on some epic journeys including Scotland and Wales as well as some drives round the dales with some other Renaultsport guys. Almost got another before deciding to get the mini, but have a little vow with myself never to own the same car twice, well, unless I win the lottery then I'll have an example of each I've owned.
A few pics of my old one
I'm completely with you on the don't own the same car twice thing, if you have owned something good though its kind of cutting you nose to spite your face though. I will own another Elise though but I will be an S1 next.
Good comparison.
I was really tempted with a GP. A few little things put me off the mini to be honest. There are only a few modern'ish hot hatches that I would own and the R56 GP is one. Im sure it will keep its value too.
None of the new era of hatches are tempting me at the moment so this could be my last one.
roystinho said:
There's nothing new that tempts me either. Current crop do little for me.
Mine is a R53 GP btw, or are you saying you quite fancy the new one?
What was it about the mini that put you off may I ask?
I get the element of cutting your nose off... I may be tempted by another Clio V6 in the future, and might do the clios again in a few more years to relive this time. I fancy a S1 elise at some point or a S2 exige too, also a Z3MC, Noble, Cayman, 1M, so many cars...
If I had enough cash I'd probably have a 200 and one of the above tbh, be a nice little stable
Sorry I meant the R53.Mine is a R53 GP btw, or are you saying you quite fancy the new one?
What was it about the mini that put you off may I ask?
I get the element of cutting your nose off... I may be tempted by another Clio V6 in the future, and might do the clios again in a few more years to relive this time. I fancy a S1 elise at some point or a S2 exige too, also a Z3MC, Noble, Cayman, 1M, so many cars...
If I had enough cash I'd probably have a 200 and one of the above tbh, be a nice little stable
These are nit picky things about the mini, so dont be offended.
I preferred the Clio Cup interior the mini seemed too fussy. That probably sounds mad to most who have sat in both I know! I wasn't keen on the seats, I don't really like leather and a few I checked out had heated seats again I just didn't see the point in a stripped back car. The other things was when I had the test drive in the JCW I didn't like the pedal set up, although I have been assured that they are great for heel and toeing. I should't of been quick to judge on the pedals. Very nit picky things I know.
I do also prefer N/A engines, the over-run pops and bangs you mention could be addictive though!
I have a similar list of future cars. Funnily enough I found myself looking at an Imola Red Z3MC out of curiosity in the classifieds the other day. Some really good cars from the early to mid 00's, good era of drivers cars without too much tech........ just not enough money to own them all.
Edited by Tickle on Wednesday 22 January 06:43
crosseyedlion said:
Picked up my R.S. 200 on Monday!
Bought on a whim, its a 60-plate Full Fat with the cup chassis, spoiler, in grey.
Have to say I love it! Bloody noisy though, need to work out whether its had a decat or not (I suspect it might have)
Also need to try out the recaros, not getting on too well with the standard seats, need something with more upper body support. If they offer better comfort for long journeys ill pick up some on ebay (I dont really care about the cost)
And finally, it has 4x landsail tyres on it, so planning on changing to premium ones asap - how are you finding the goodyears? Have you gone for 215 width or 225?
Great fun car though, such a hoot
Yes, I’d would recommend a tyre swap before the seat swap!!!!Bought on a whim, its a 60-plate Full Fat with the cup chassis, spoiler, in grey.
Have to say I love it! Bloody noisy though, need to work out whether its had a decat or not (I suspect it might have)
Also need to try out the recaros, not getting on too well with the standard seats, need something with more upper body support. If they offer better comfort for long journeys ill pick up some on ebay (I dont really care about the cost)
And finally, it has 4x landsail tyres on it, so planning on changing to premium ones asap - how are you finding the goodyears? Have you gone for 215 width or 225?
Great fun car though, such a hoot
The Goodyears are good, I had only heard good things about them. Impressed so far but looking forward to drier roads to have a play on. I was in the dilemma between the Goodyear and Yoko AD08-r’s. I chose the Goodyears as the limits of grip with the worn Contis was good enough for road use plus a bit of predictable traction loss is good. I think the AD08-r’s may of been a bit of overkill for me.
I went for 215's, not sure how the 225's would effect handling. I suspect Renaultsport picked 215's for reason though. The 225's are cheaper though from what I have seen.
They are loud as standard, people who have been in it always comment how loud it is. Not sure if a full fat car has more soundproofing than a Cup though. I know a centre silencer delete is popular so have a look underneath to see if there is a straight bit of pipe where the centre silencer once was or evidence of cutting and newer pipe.
The Recaros are good but prone to wear on the Bolsters, mine has always had a Recaro cover on the driver’s seat from Capital-seating so is wear free.
Enjoy it though they are brilliant cars. A nice dry Sunday morning on your favourite B-roads will have you smiling im sure!
Edited by Tickle on Thursday 23 January 15:48
kayzee said:
Lovely! Best colour... needs Cup spoiler though 
A bit marmite the CUP spoiler from what I've found, definitely not for me.I did however receive the CUP badges from Renault for my door pillars at the weekend, some CUP's seem to have them fitted when new, some don't.
I can report back that the badges have not improved BHP, braking or G's through bends
RacingBlue said:
As others have already mentioned, you've owned some of my favourite cars (in particular the Trophy and the DC2, both of which are on my radar at the moment).
The 200 looks great - I had a 182 FF in Racing Blue (hence the forum name), and it was fantastic. I'd love a 200 - just need to convince the OH first though...
Don't put the cup spoiler on by the way - it looks truly rubbish
Cheers RB,The 200 looks great - I had a 182 FF in Racing Blue (hence the forum name), and it was fantastic. I'd love a 200 - just need to convince the OH first though...
Don't put the cup spoiler on by the way - it looks truly rubbish
I didn't look at any cars with the spoiler, I was quite fussy with the spec (or lack of it) that I wanted. I know some like the look of them though.
You need to itch the DC2 itch, good ones seem to be getting quite rare, there is a lot of love for them on here at the moment.
Nice Sunday Italian M.O.T. this morning on some nice local B-roads. Probably the driest we have had recently. The car hasn't been driven as should really this year. Was good to stretch its little legs and brakes.
Then a quick wash and a top up of V-Power.
Oh and a pic of the CUP badges I put on last week.
Then a quick wash and a top up of V-Power.
Oh and a pic of the CUP badges I put on last week.
Gave the CUP its first proper clean for the year yesterday. Full wash, clay and wax. Getting good results with poorboys natty blue if anyone is into this type of thing.
The snow foam lance has been getting its fair bit of use too. Really handy for getting a lot of crap off before a quick wash.
Drier roads and lighter mornings means early Sunday morning drives are more frequent, means the car is getting used as intended more again.
Had a hour long or so blast this morning on some local roads. Seeing as it is one if the first nice weekends of the year the roads did fill up with cyclists and the 30mph on an NSL brigade quickly.
A trip to North Wales is on the cards too before Easter.
The snow foam lance has been getting its fair bit of use too. Really handy for getting a lot of crap off before a quick wash.
Drier roads and lighter mornings means early Sunday morning drives are more frequent, means the car is getting used as intended more again.
Had a hour long or so blast this morning on some local roads. Seeing as it is one if the first nice weekends of the year the roads did fill up with cyclists and the 30mph on an NSL brigade quickly.
A trip to North Wales is on the cards too before Easter.
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