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I remember being astounded at the cornering performance of this thing from a video of Autocar in which they tested it on track against a focus rs of the day. The focus flew down the straights, but every time a corner came up the Clio ate back 20/30 meters, it was incredible
I'm abhorrent at the fact we will never get a chance driving these in the U.S..I'm already sold if only we had availability.Im sure it's so fun to drive for a very affordable price.
In 2013 I bought brand new Clio 3 RS Cup Akrapovic edition, No 8 out of 50 made. From then I have changed multiple cars but this little guy will saty with me forever. That 2.0 NA engine is pure joy to drive.
I had a 200 genuine cup for over a year. Motorways weren't much fun with the gearing but the ride was fine with the cup chassis. When you got it on the right road, twisty, up and down with cambered blind bends it just became awesome. It felt like an extension of your body and responded to every input almost before you asked it. There are also plenty of cars around nowhere near the prices mentioned here which makes it, for me, a very tempting choice again. It's different, great to drive, not that expensive to run and is very practical. I think it's a great, great car.
I literally just brought a 197 RS last week. The gearing ratio is super weird, you can do 50kph in 6th gear and 100kph you will be at neatly 4k rpm. But, once you take it out on a windy, twisty technical road you find out exactly why they did this. It turns into a completely different car. The turn in, feedback, sound and braking are absolutely phenomenal. I own several other cars 300-500hp and the little Clio could make a couple of them look a bit silly given those conditions.
Helps you keep it in the optimal revs band. Having said that for 200 they made the first 3 gears shorter and the last 2 longer(if i remember correctly. Not by much though, but it helps.
@@Ripst4rt wow!!! some amazing cars youve got 👍👍 i have to ask, is the cayman every bit as good as im led to believe? (possible future car hopefully!) i hope you are enjoying the 197 too! id be interested to hear your opinions on it based on your 'exotic' car garage 👍👍👍
@@ravenmaster6364 Yeah the Cayman S is a good car but definitely overrated. Everything is heavy; the clutch, shifter, steering, brake pressure required. But it does feel like a tight car and well made. Has good ride compliance and feels faster than the 300hp it claims. Due to the large thin steering wheel and seating position it feels a lot like driving a classic '60's racer. Its quite analogue and unique. It handles ok but the front does get wiggly near the limit. Anyone who says you cant reach the limits of the car on a public road is driving like a nana. The 197 is an awesome little car, it is essentially two cars in one. Its a docile economical suzuki swift for daily duties but turns into a loud, fizzy little rally car out on twisty roads due to its cammy engine with outrageously high redline. A very unique and special engine I would say, mated to stiff chassis with awesome brakes and steering feel. The turn-in is absolutely savage, I could see it understeering quite easily though. Overall they are a hell of a lot of car for the money.
I've got a Clio 197 (in LY) with a Megane 2.0 turbo in it (267bhp). As it should have been out of the factory. If you're intersted in driving, I'd be happy to loan it you.
After many hot hatches including various 205 and Golf, I bought a Megane RS265 and was the best car I ever had. Very very fast and so much fun, always put a smile on my face. I should have kept it
Drove all the hot clios and there's only one that made the hairs stand up and laugh like a child and that's the greatest hot hatch ever made - Clio Williams ❤
Funny, I went from a 172 to a 3.2 E36 M3 & missed the clio too. So much so that I sold the M3 and bought another 172. I now have a 182 cup and a Megane. Still love the m3s though (who wouldn't!)
@@Peginafication this is a great ownership story 👍 really does explain the giant killing ability of the little clio's. I do get quote frustrated by mine as a daily driver, even little diesel vans walk passed me, and it doesn't feel all that great at all in the commute. There are some really good ownership tales over on pistonheads 'readers rides' about the capabilities of the 197/200 which give me alot of faith in them 👍
@@ravenmaster6364 yeah these are not the fastest in a straight line and I can imagine things might be a bit different if you drive it daily on a work commute for example. Things like cornering ability/driver engagement would rarely come into play and stuff like comfort and interior build quality might. Still they're not terrible in those departments, just well below what's out there but I think they can be forgiven that on the basis that they're objectively one of the best driver's cars around. I haven't owned a 197 or 200 but been in a 200 and it's a much nicer place to be than a 1*2 so that's something! I'll have to check out the pistonheads stories you mention, they sound great!
@@Peginafication hi mate you are absolutely spot on about the commute and the clio 👍 and yes the build quality of the cabin isnt too bad at all. Ive had a niggle with mine since ive owned it and i finally fixed it today. The glovebox: i noticed one morning a few years back that the glovebox light was on when the car was unlocked first thing! the little arm that presses in to switch it off was misaligned to the glovebox lid! I tried yo disconnect the light unit but couldnt manage to do it. I ended up taping the lid shut and life took over and i just left it. I removed the glovebox today and was finally able to disconnect the bulb, it all went back together fine no real drama, i own a few old golfs (mk2 16v, mk3 vr6) and to be fair the clio isnt bad 👍. Yes i recommend a read on pistonheads, seems most people really rate them 👍. take it easy mate 👍👍
I took part in a shakedown run of a Clio 197, that me and another chap had built into a Clio cup spec race car. We were at Elvington airfield. The car was absolutely eating everything alive at the circuit apart from a brand new 458, and the only reason that stayed ahead was because of the long straight. I can say with certainty that without that striaght, the Clio would have decimated the Ferrari. The handling was so great in these cars.
The only must have if I was going to buy a Clio 200, is it must have the Recaro seats, they were an £850 option & are some of the best seats in any car of any price, just so comfortable yet very supportive
Owned a 200 (Cup) and afterwards a modified Megane 250. Both great handling cars in their own right. Agree with @JayEmmOnCars points on high driving position and cabin quality but of the two for British roads I just thought the 200 was way more fun. In the 200 its was all about staying high in the revs due to the limited BHP, it made you work, whereas the Megane had a very low redline. The Megane was also considerably wider on our b-roads and whilst the wider track gave more stability you'd really need to be on a track to push the Megane.
You need to try a cup packed 200 with faster rack and stiffer springs and dampers. The Renault seats are good but the Recaro cs seats are miles better also an exhaust and map really wakes these cars up a bit the standard cars a bit flat 19:47 before 5k rpm on the oem manifold. Your welcome to have a go in my lightly modified example next time your in scotland
I just love the reviews of old cars, not many cars excite these days. Own mine since 2011 and for the last 4 years alongside a v6 cup which is a thoroughbred. Got to say, on a twisty b-road where you can carry speed, the clio is more dun to drive. They are at home on a right road but far from ideal for a daily or motorway cruising.. Arguably they need a suspension, cup is bumpy and unsettling at times, non cup too soft. A 2 way AST, a plated diff and an Akrapovic transformed the car.
Well said re quick “soulless” cars, a la many EV’s. My restored E36 Beemer is not that fast but the handling, feedback and overall driving experience on twisty back roads…amazing! The current obsession with outright acceleration & HP is also completely unrealistic for legal, safe road driving where we all spend 95% of our time.
I remember seeing a Gordini Clio in one of your older video (XJ220 review, if my memory serves me well). Finally got to watch you review one. This is my favourite generation of Clio 200. I especially love the one Mr. May drove in series 17 episode 2 of TopGear, with that lurid green paint and Recaro Sportster semi-buckets.
Absolutely love these cars, I've been waiting for you to review one for ages! A while back I was on the market for one and was going to offer it for a review but I found myself with a fiesta st-3 instead. Great content as always, thanks James! 😁👍
My criteria for a good driver's car is simple. If you don't need a destination when you take it out for a spin, it's a worthy driver's car. My 1995 900SS Ducati was like that. Just being on it was enough...you didn't need somewhere to go.
My first car was a 200, cup chassis. Like James I found the engine incredibly exciting and loves to rev. The ride was definitely stiff around town and going over speed bumps, but if you were willing to put up with that, you’d find it just breathes so well with the road at speed. I’ve now moved onto a 125i of which James’ review is mostly responsible for, and whilst it is a big improvement in most ways, I’ve found myself modifying it to recreate some of that magic I felt in the clio.
Distracted by the shirt James, you must try to blend in😂. I propose that you do a shirt vlog on the second channel. I had one of the first Clio 16v variants (pre-Williams editions - no fancy names back then) in the UK and it was an amazing little car! Cheers, Kevin
I appreciate learning about another car never sold in the US. Living in Texas I occasionally see a Renault registered in Mexico but have no idea what they’re like. Happy Fourth of July from your erstwhile colonial subjects, y’all.
Two of my friends have had a 197/200 cup's! Absolutely fantastic cars to drive, and when they have a Meg lump chucked in them, boy them move!! If I was to ever replace my Almera GTI track car it would be with a 197/200
James should drive a 200 version with the optional cup chassis and optional Recaro seats. It would feel like a totally different car. BTW I have a 200 cup. Love it. Not super quick in a straight line but the cornering is magic.
Another fair and balanced review. A few points though. I had a 197 F1 Team until last year (number 182 amusingly). And I loved it. Still miss it sometimes. It wasn't for me, however, a daily driven car. It was bought as a third car, just for a bit of fun, and the drive to the airport. Which, alas, I was finding I was doing pretty regularly. So I sold it when pricer were higher, and bought a 2010 D3 Audi A8 instead. A completely polar opposite car. But is comparable to what you mention as an alternative. A big, fast, equally economical, luxurious German saloon. I have had other German motors, although usually estates, from a B8.5 Black Edition A4 Quattro, A E91 LCI 335d, a B6 S4 and even an F11 530d LCI and a E46 330i Touring. So I can appreciate your comparison. I think your review was a touch harsh here though. Not a single German barge I've had was even remotley close to as fun in the twisty stuff. Some may well have been faster, and all probably a bit nicer inside, but none as fun. My 197 was just ridiculously fun here. Granted, being the F1 it did have the cup suspension, which I didn't find too harsh either. But then my expectations were suitably reigned in in advance. Mine also had a Miltek, which you are also correct on, made it just sound sweet as. But then it also had the Recaro buckets, which were fantastic too. The leather option looked nice there. But I think the Recaros make every drive more of an event, and so might just have been closer to what you were expecting here. As a daily driver, yes, there are other options. Options that will give you more luxury at the expense of fun. Not to say they wont still be fun to some degree. But as you said at the top of the piece, fast without the soul. But as a second car, or weekend toy. Well, there is little out there as fun as these. Certainly at semi-legal speeds on twistier roads. Overall though, fairly balanced review. Correct, the fuel economy isn't great. I didn't ever crack 30 mpg in my 197, but then, what it was bought for was terrorising B-roads. And so that was it's job. If I was popping to the shop, I had other cars for this. But it wasn't especially terrible on the motorway to the airport either. No A8 mind, but fine enough. If you can, I would recommend getting a shot of the car you'd have though. If you can. A 197 F1 Team. It'll feel like more of an event when you drive it IMO. And you can assess the differences with the cup suspension. Which I found to be great.
Surely if you have what I assume is plenty of budget for cars, you'd not buy an actual B road monster like an Elise/VX220/Exige and stop fannying about with what could be a 2nd car for a 19 year old, and as much as they're 'fun' in the twisties, all the modern reqs (weight) removes any sense of real event like you would get even in something less powerful like an MR2. I'm going from a Z4 Coupe to an Elise shortly, and having driven a 172/182/197, even with a cup chassis, BMW M's and what was a mental highly modded Fiat Coupe 20vt, nothing comes close to a super lightweight, old school coupe. With your money I also assume a Caterham would be on the cards
@@urdaeatmoths Sure. The budget is there or there abouts. But I also have a family, and so while a third car wouldn’t necessarily require rear seats, I do prefer to have them. Also, whatever fun car I get for this spot on the driveway, I need room for my luggage for when I travel for work, which is frequently enough. My other 2 cars are a 2020 VW Caravelle and a 2015 Ford Focus, so I realistically have the “seats” covered. But still, I do prefer something with at least a hint of practicality.
@@stewartmacdonald601 Unless you're a drummer, the luggage space if you drive to work is absolutely sufficient considering you have an entire passenger seat, footwell and the boot space.
@@urdaeatmoths Drummer, no. But often travel with 2 large checked bags plus my large carry on laptop bag. Filled the boot of the Clio. Don’t fancy being crammed around my bags 3 or 4 times a month if I’m honest.
I’ve got a modest three car collection - one if which is the exact model mentioned at the start of this video - the liquid yellow 197 F1. I’ve had it 9 years. I 100% agree with your comment. If you were looking for a car which gives the highest fun factor per pound spent without sacrificing practicality, then honestly, I think it’s really hard to beat! This is a car that I honestly state when asked about it’s fuel economy “that it’s not great, but I achieve pretty good figures because I basically don’t slow down for corners!” I did some very light mods on mine. Nice light race wheels, great set of performance tyres, polyurethane bushes all round, performance break pads and fluids, and chip remap. Took it on the track with no race track experience but a lot of confidence in the little beast. My first time on the track I was literally laughing out loud while driving around at high speed it was so much fun! Forget it on a long straight - if you give away 100bhp to an up -market turbo charged car it’s going to show. But on the tighter sections, it’s laughable the level of car this little hot hatch, with minimal mods, can put to shame! It’s also in its element there on the track. It’s built for that level of punishment. Other sports cars are masquerading as track cars. When you come in after 16 screaming hot laps - you see the concerned owners of the upmarket sports cars who pulled in after 6 hot laps and have the bonnets popped open - waiting for the temperature of Everything to drop! And then in the 197 F1 you can drive home from the track via the supermarket and do the weekly shop, call in at the local DIY shop to get the materials for your latest project, fold the seats down and chuck it in the back, then wake up the next morning and take the kids to school on the way to work!
I test drove a 200 Gordini here in Australia. It drove well. I love the paint and stripes. I could have got it for a decent price. But I really wanted one with OEM Recaros + Akrapovic Exhaust. And the price differential between the models often isn't that large. I think if you were going to run it daily. The standard spec would be a great buy if you get it for a good price.
I owned RS200 cup with recaros and akrapovič my god that car was fun ! But such shame that it was so unreliable nothing serious but just annoying things :(
I also have a rs200 cup and its brilliant. Its my 2nd one... Recaro pole position seats, Ktec suspension and a scorpion exhaust with PBS pro race brake pads and some other not to mention the cage and i love it. My daily is a Alpine a110S with some mods and sometimes my Megane rs Trophy r. you can see from this that I dont rate German tanks and all that fat.
I agree with this. It is a middle ground from the 182 (exciting) and 200 EDC (sensible). For me that falls into a a great category. Unfortunately not a huge fan of the Gordini’s looks. And a set of spacers and lowering springs transforms the stance but also keeps the great steering feel: handling. I got mine as I had ~£7.5k budget and wanted something either quick or interesting. The 200 fit the bill and with growing up and reading all about them in EVO it had to be the car I got. I have fallen in love with it as this driving tool that’s just a hoot but that’s probably because it’s my first proper car, even with it’s Frenchisms
They are definately great but they aren't the greatest hot hatch that France had to offer... in my opinion that was the Peugeot 306GTi6. Literally everything you need in a car. Practical and exciting to drive and it does both of those things really well. I'd have another in a heartbeat if I could find a good one.
You really should try to get hold of a 197 R27 F1 team to try out. I think it might tick most of the boxes you didn't like on the Gordini. I've had my one for 14 years and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Its an awesome car.
Great video, on the 197 the cruise and speed limiter switch is next to the tc button where the blanking plate is, also the 197 does not have the bleep. Hope you enjoyed them. Love my Clio 197 :))
Awesome car, Awesome video! Please try a Clio 3 RS ph.2 sport with CUP pack (full fat), Recaro's and the factory Akrapovic exhaust soon! That would be awesome! And a very good comparison to this.
The CUP pack really adds a lot of excitement to the car making it very engaging and fun. The CUP pack also has a lot quicker steeringrack, this quicker steering rack is what makes the car so awesome to drive, you just point and it dives in with the quicker steering rack. So please get a really good Clio 3 RS ph.2 sport with CUP pack (full fat) Recaro's (Fossard lowered) and factory Akrapovic on the show.
2:15 before the super 5 gt turbo, it was the renault 5 Alpine turbo, and before it was te Renault 5 Alpine (maybe where the story began for Renault's hot hatches)
This is as much a review of Jay’s driver profile as the car itself. Personally I’ve owned all sorts of exotic and fast stuff, I enjoy occasional track days and don’t care too much about everything being covered in leather. My daily driver and currently only car, an RB7 Clio 200. It’s almost perfect for me and my driver profile. Reviews aren’t absolute, they’re an opinion.
Hello fello RB7 owner... You're right about driver profiles. I didn't for 1 day in all those years felt the car was too hard to be driven around daily. It does take a certain amount of commitment though as there are much more softer riding options around.. I dailied mine for 9.5 years and 178,000 kms in Sydney traffic. The cup chassis and suspension didn't bother me, although i learned to read the road and watch for potholes in our notoriously shitty roads; a skill that came in handy when i started riding motorcycles. It's not a car for cossetting but i wouldn't call it uncomfortable. The seats, after all are probably one of the best in any car ever. I've demoted mine to a 1/week car and opted for a great big red wagon. The Clio can be driven to / from work everyday, has a/c, p/s, stereo, bluetooth AND still be fun on the twisties or a nice corner or two. What more does someone want from a hot hatch?
I do rather love this channel and i have been wanting and waiting for a 197 review, i do feel perhaps the wrong model version was possibly chosen though here. These are a brilliant car, very capable and fun, we wont see the likes of the 172, and the 182 again sadly and although not too many years apart from these 197/200's comparing them takes away the fact that the 197/200 are extremely good cars in their own right. Ridiculously good turn in and they ride really well, i enjoy how my cup "flows" yet feels hardcore at the same time (for a mass produced road car). Stone automotive on here have a series of very good videos about how to wake these cars up, im contemplating spending some time on doing just that to mine after owning it in srandard form for 4 years now as a daily driver.Its embarrassingly slow until you allow it to warm up, even then its not great really (is this just mine?) but i love how it drives and its really good fun at 20_25mph, i love the bespoke cast aluminium suspension bits, the diffuser and those wings!😂😂
Still miss my RS 200. The brakes I thought were the best part, along with the handling, nicely adjustable on trailing throttle like the best hot hatches. Hoping that my incomimg GR86 can combine the best parts of this & my current M235i
Got a Gordini myself. Would be interested to know when this was filmed, as the prices quoted seemed very high. Bought mine 2 months ago for £7,500 from a dealer with comprehensive history (81k miles)
Agreed on the prices. 3.5 years ago I bought my 200 for £5k (Gordinis were similar price at the time). 2 years ago traded it in for £4k. 197 prices are in the £3.5k region.
Yeah I was thinking the same, unless it's got decently low miles because that seems to have a massive effect on price I don't really see the gordini going for any more than a normal 200. I bought my sub 50k miles 1 owner Albi blue 200 cup with recaros for just over £10k I think.
Hey Jay, I'm somewhat disappointed that you aren't in love with this as I truly revere your reviews and I have an RS Clio 200 Cup and adore it. Maybe I need to drive a 182 and compare.............😢
Wouldn't listen to him, I've had 172 cups, 182's, Fiesta ST mk7 & Mk8's and various other fun cars, all brilliant cars but none of them felt as good too drive as the Clio 200 Silverstone edition I had for about 6 months around 10 years ago, especially with the Recaros, damm tempted to get another despite the poor fuel economy.
I sold my Evora S last year and replaced it with an RS200 FF for a fraction of the price (after a brief month in a mk7 Golf GTi, which was very, very boring). I haven't driven anything else that gives me the same thrill within the speed limit, whilst ticking the practicality boxes etc, I just find it so reactive and engaging, I'm surprised you're not a fan. Yeah, it's not as comfy or refined as most cars out there, but I find that part of it's charm, it feels a bit oldschool. Also... where did the comparison to a 3l German saloon come from- that doesn't make much sense?
I think that comparison came to mind because of the price-tag vs daily drivability. It's the exact same dilemma I have. Yes, it's great to have a fun car that can do it all. But if I'm planning on using it as a medium/long distance commuter as well (especially on highways), I can't disregard a German straight six with all of its bells and whistles. For a price of a 172, I'm willing to sacrifice comfort for occasional playtime on the backroads. When it's going around 10k though, and it's the only car I can have, it's becoming a considerable investment for an old Clio with cheap plastic interior and uncomfortable seating for longer periods. Maybe that's how he views it too?
Yes it is! But you need the optional Akrapovic exhaust for the sweet tunes. I have KW V3 coilovers and a Quaife LSD on mine and it just makes the car even better.
Almost bought a 200 Cup in 2010 but got an Abarth 500 Esseesse instead as it was much cheaper to run. Never drove the Clio. The Abarth got replaced by my Megane 275 Trophy, woefully unreliable but awesome to drive
Thanks that's a fair assessment and I can say that as I own one (a Gordini too). I have the optional Recaro seats and it's been very mildly breathed upon with come fast road suspesion mods and a sports exhaust. Let's be frank they're not a daily a driver - it's my weekend toy where I search out a good B road or a twisty track. In fact when people ask me should they buy one and state it needs to be daily driver I point them in the direction of Fiesta ST Mk7 which is much more drivable machine with lots of low down torque. But if you want to have a bit of fun then it's screamer of an engine (coupled with a sports exhaust) and will always put a smile on your face. To get the best out of it you are usually operating within 3500 and 7800 rev range where the engine is on full song. Suspension is amazing it has never given me any undue surprises - yes you can provoke it into lift-off oversteer but you've really got to try and when it goes its very controllable. Generally it makes me feel a better driver than I have any right to think I am. I've had it for 5 years and no regrets that I bought it but it was always destined to be my second car.
I had a 200 with the Cup chassis and the Recaro seats. Even on Austria's pristine roads I quickly regretted optioning the Cup chassis lol. BOY was it stiff lol. Most fun car I ever owned tho
Was looking forward to watching this, even though I'd offered James my own 200 Cup to try out last year and never heard back. I've run a '61 plate Cup for 18months roughly, and if you're in the mood it's a hoot. If I could go back I'd probably get a standard 200 instead, I can live with the stiffer chassis, hard plastic dash, lack of front fogs, manual mirrors, no rear headrests, crappy horn ... but I do miss the reach adjustment on steering. Mine's run as my daily, and I average around 34mpg using 97/98 fuel, wo probably not trying hard enough. The JCW Clubbie in my pic got 40mpg all day long.
Prak spec seems to be a standard 200 with the cup pack but eibach springs instead of the cup ones. Imo the quicker rack is a must. (But so is the air-con for me ;) )
I have a Citroen C4 by Loeb for a few months now, the 150 hp 1.6 THP Engine in it as well. I was considering a Megane before, similar year to this Clio but the interior quality in Renaults from this era really turned me away. My mom has a Twingo and I can see the interior bits being shared all the way up, and quite a bit of it too. Shame, they look quite nice from the outside. Glad I went with the C4 though, I love it to bits.
I’ve driven that one (pre face lift) once and it’s not a group B but defo has a rally feel to it and it was scary even behind the wheel (even on tarmac ffs) !!!!
I recently sold my Twin Turbo Subaru Legacy as the rust repairs were getting out of hand. Replaced it with a RenaultSport Clio 197 and i havent had this much fun in ages, and thats coming from a variety of 300+bhp japanese imports and multiple genertions of TYPE Rs over the years! Just wish it was a tad better on fuel 😬
I was never a fan of the Gordini or the Raider, for that matter. The Raider probably looks better than the Gordini, though. My personal favourite is the Alien Green 200 Cup. Really wanted one years ago and couldn't find one for sale. Also, the silverstone editions are particularly nice, too.
Not long sold my latest daily driver Twingo RS Gordini for an Abarth 595 due to the tuning capabilities. I must say the Twingo was the most fun car I’ve ever owned or driven. The yearly gearbox builds put me off a Clio 200 but it was a great drive, just not as fun or raw as the Twingo
Hey James, nice review, always had a soft spot for the Gordini (owned a Clio 200 Raider myself). On an unrelated note, any plans to test the Alpine A110S?
Thanks for the review. Always fancied a clio 200 but was concerned it might be a bit Meh on a day-to-day basis. Sounds like that’s pretty much your conclusion too. I ended up buying an R53 Mini and still think it was the right choice..
Clio 197 is an amazing car and best Clio choice of all time. recaros look good but sit way too high. Lower on H&R springs for perfect stance. Terrible on fuel and way too revvy to use every day. I sold my low mileage 197 last year and still regret it - a really special little car and underrated modern classic !
Tried one but the seats were a little too high and the steering wheel needed to be 15cm closer to me. I drove a mini R53 (the supercharged one) and had a much better experience.
To be fair in my 197 that blank button next to the traction control is for the cruise control I don’t know why Renault moved it to by the handbrake for the 200 seems weird
Yet when you look at small cars in parking lots or intersections they need the space of a lorry to move. Now I’m not saying who the drivers might be or if there is a smell of clutch burning in the air.
@richardharrold9736 Except they are. My father overreloance on these dumb systems almost cost him his life. It made him very lazy and those systems are not reliable nor should be relied on, but it inherently makes people lazier and less focused.
@@PJD4875 this is true. But there will always be terrible drivers on the road, they're not going to stop driving. My mum is the worst I've ever seen. So for them it's useful such systems exist.
A really good hot hatch is one without compromise. One that can be used as a daily and do all the boring stuff and feel like any other mass produced fwd car, so much so that you forget what you actually have. But on the flipside, one that rewards spirited driving and is fun and quick. The interiors in all the Clio's are a big let down imo, for six to ten grand I'd expect a better quality more premium interior. So for all of the above reasons, its the Civic Type R's and the Fiesta ST's (and Focus RS models) that I hold in the highest regards when it comes to hot hatches. They have the drama and character, are practical, but don't feel as cheap or tacky as the French stuff.
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ive got a car i think youll love to review.. all the Renault sport goodness.. plenty of power and plenty of room.. a fast estate!
I remember being astounded at the cornering performance of this thing from a video of Autocar in which they tested it on track against a focus rs of the day.
The focus flew down the straights, but every time a corner came up the Clio ate back 20/30 meters, it was incredible
As an owner, I can assure you, the Clio can effortlessly stick with cars with 2 or 3 times the power in the twisties.
I'm abhorrent at the fact we will never get a chance driving these in the U.S..I'm already sold if only we had availability.Im sure it's so fun to drive for a very affordable price.
I owned one these for 6 years. Those were the best times of my life
In 2013 I bought brand new Clio 3 RS Cup Akrapovic edition, No 8 out of 50 made. From then I have changed multiple cars but this little guy will saty with me forever. That 2.0 NA engine is pure joy to drive.
I had a 200 genuine cup for over a year. Motorways weren't much fun with the gearing but the ride was fine with the cup chassis. When you got it on the right road, twisty, up and down with cambered blind bends it just became awesome. It felt like an extension of your body and responded to every input almost before you asked it. There are also plenty of cars around nowhere near the prices mentioned here which makes it, for me, a very tempting choice again. It's different, great to drive, not that expensive to run and is very practical. I think it's a great, great car.
I literally just brought a 197 RS last week. The gearing ratio is super weird, you can do 50kph in 6th gear and 100kph you will be at neatly 4k rpm. But, once you take it out on a windy, twisty technical road you find out exactly why they did this. It turns into a completely different car. The turn in, feedback, sound and braking are absolutely phenomenal. I own several other cars 300-500hp and the little Clio could make a couple of them look a bit silly given those conditions.
brilliantly put mate 👍👍 what other cars do you have out of interest please? (if you dont mind me asking) 👍
Helps you keep it in the optimal revs band. Having said that for 200 they made the first 3 gears shorter and the last 2 longer(if i remember correctly. Not by much though, but it helps.
@@ravenmaster6364 got a few; an Alfa 147 GTA, Porsche Cayman S and Audi R8 V10. All manual
@@Ripst4rt wow!!! some amazing cars youve got 👍👍 i have to ask, is the cayman every bit as good as im led to believe? (possible future car hopefully!)
i hope you are enjoying the 197 too! id be interested to hear your opinions on it based on your 'exotic' car garage 👍👍👍
@@ravenmaster6364 Yeah the Cayman S is a good car but definitely overrated. Everything is heavy; the clutch, shifter, steering, brake pressure required. But it does feel like a tight car and well made. Has good ride compliance and feels faster than the 300hp it claims. Due to the large thin steering wheel and seating position it feels a lot like driving a classic '60's racer. Its quite analogue and unique. It handles ok but the front does get wiggly near the limit. Anyone who says you cant reach the limits of the car on a public road is driving like a nana.
The 197 is an awesome little car, it is essentially two cars in one. Its a docile economical suzuki swift for daily duties but turns into a loud, fizzy little rally car out on twisty roads due to its cammy engine with outrageously high redline. A very unique and special engine I would say, mated to stiff chassis with awesome brakes and steering feel. The turn-in is absolutely savage, I could see it understeering quite easily though. Overall they are a hell of a lot of car for the money.
I've got a Clio 197 (in LY) with a Megane 2.0 turbo in it (267bhp). As it should have been out of the factory. If you're intersted in driving, I'd be happy to loan it you.
Classic hot hatch with sound included. Good engine note. This looks like quite a lot of fun to throw around!
Some people might swear with a german car but the French will forever have my love when it comes to hot hatches and sports cars like the Alpine
After many hot hatches including various 205 and Golf, I bought a Megane RS265 and was the best car I ever had. Very very fast and so much fun, always put a smile on my face. I should have kept it
Drove all the hot clios and there's only one that made the hairs stand up and laugh like a child and that's the greatest hot hatch ever made - Clio Williams ❤
I loved my 197, absolutely awesome cars. I drive an E92 M3 now, but I still miss my Clio regularly.
Funny, I went from a 172 to a 3.2 E36 M3 & missed the clio too. So much so that I sold the M3 and bought another 172. I now have a 182 cup and a Megane. Still love the m3s though (who wouldn't!)
I had a 197 went to fiesta st and in a Leon cupra 300 now .... Still think it was a cracking car and always loved revving it out
@@Peginafication this is a great ownership story 👍 really does explain the giant killing ability of the little clio's. I do get quote frustrated by mine as a daily driver, even little diesel vans walk passed me, and it doesn't feel all that great at all in the commute.
There are some really good ownership tales over on pistonheads 'readers rides' about the capabilities of the 197/200 which give me alot of faith in them 👍
@@ravenmaster6364 yeah these are not the fastest in a straight line and I can imagine things might be a bit different if you drive it daily on a work commute for example. Things like cornering ability/driver engagement would rarely come into play and stuff like comfort and interior build quality might. Still they're not terrible in those departments, just well below what's out there but I think they can be forgiven that on the basis that they're objectively one of the best driver's cars around. I haven't owned a 197 or 200 but been in a 200 and it's a much nicer place to be than a 1*2 so that's something! I'll have to check out the pistonheads stories you mention, they sound great!
@@Peginafication hi mate you are absolutely spot on about the commute and the clio 👍 and yes the build quality of the cabin isnt too bad at all.
Ive had a niggle with mine since ive owned it and i finally fixed it today. The glovebox: i noticed one morning a few years back that the glovebox light was on when the car was unlocked first thing! the little arm that presses in to switch it off was misaligned to the glovebox lid! I tried yo disconnect the light unit but couldnt manage to do it. I ended up taping the lid shut and life took over and i just left it. I removed the glovebox today and was finally able to disconnect the bulb, it all went back together fine no real drama, i own a few old golfs (mk2 16v, mk3 vr6) and to be fair the clio isnt bad 👍.
Yes i recommend a read on pistonheads, seems most people really rate them 👍. take it easy mate 👍👍
I took part in a shakedown run of a Clio 197, that me and another chap had built into a Clio cup spec race car. We were at Elvington airfield. The car was absolutely eating everything alive at the circuit apart from a brand new 458, and the only reason that stayed ahead was because of the long straight. I can say with certainty that without that striaght, the Clio would have decimated the Ferrari. The handling was so great in these cars.
Cool Story.
I was driving the clio.
The only must have if I was going to buy a Clio 200, is it must have the Recaro seats, they were an £850 option & are some of the best seats in any car of any price, just so comfortable yet very supportive
And beautiful!
They are well worth it, had Clios without the recaros and now I've got a 200 with recaros and they live up to expectations they're wicked.
Owned a 200 (Cup) and afterwards a modified Megane 250. Both great handling cars in their own right. Agree with @JayEmmOnCars points on high driving position and cabin quality but of the two for British roads I just thought the 200 was way more fun. In the 200 its was all about staying high in the revs due to the limited BHP, it made you work, whereas the Megane had a very low redline. The Megane was also considerably wider on our b-roads and whilst the wider track gave more stability you'd really need to be on a track to push the Megane.
You need to try a cup packed 200 with faster rack and stiffer springs and dampers. The Renault seats are good but the Recaro cs seats are miles better also an exhaust and map really wakes these cars up a bit the standard cars a bit flat 19:47 before 5k rpm on the oem manifold. Your welcome to have a go in my lightly modified example next time your in scotland
I just love the reviews of old cars, not many cars excite these days.
Own mine since 2011 and for the last 4 years alongside a v6 cup which is a thoroughbred. Got to say, on a twisty b-road where you can carry speed, the clio is more dun to drive. They are at home on a right road but far from ideal for a daily or motorway cruising..
Arguably they need a suspension, cup is bumpy and unsettling at times, non cup too soft.
A 2 way AST, a plated diff and an Akrapovic transformed the car.
Well said re quick “soulless” cars, a la many EV’s. My restored E36 Beemer is not that fast but the handling, feedback and overall driving experience on twisty back roads…amazing! The current obsession with outright acceleration & HP is also completely unrealistic for legal, safe road driving where we all spend 95% of our time.
I miss my E36. It was such a brilliant car, so much fun and just satisfying to own.
That blue is beautiful. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
I remember seeing a Gordini Clio in one of your older video (XJ220 review, if my memory serves me well). Finally got to watch you review one. This is my favourite generation of Clio 200. I especially love the one Mr. May drove in series 17 episode 2 of TopGear, with that lurid green paint and Recaro Sportster semi-buckets.
I had a 200 cup which is sold to buy my e46 m3. Don’t get me wrong I love the e46 but the clio really is the only car I ever regret selling
Absolutely love these cars, I've been waiting for you to review one for ages! A while back I was on the market for one and was going to offer it for a review but I found myself with a fiesta st-3 instead. Great content as always, thanks James! 😁👍
My criteria for a good driver's car is simple. If you don't need a destination when you take it out for a spin, it's a worthy driver's car.
My 1995 900SS Ducati was like that. Just being on it was enough...you didn't need somewhere to go.
Same reason I ride my 1970s Suzuki triples. Because it gives me pleasure to just ride around on them.
@@GT380man Suzukis are great bikes.
I've owned a 1982 Katana 750 and a 1986 GSX-400R. Both awesome bikes that never broke.
Love it james always finding the niche one we don’t already know about! 😅
I had a Twingo RS Gordini with the cup chassis, it was excellent & I loved it
My first car was a 200, cup chassis. Like James I found the engine incredibly exciting and loves to rev. The ride was definitely stiff around town and going over speed bumps, but if you were willing to put up with that, you’d find it just breathes so well with the road at speed. I’ve now moved onto a 125i of which James’ review is mostly responsible for, and whilst it is a big improvement in most ways, I’ve found myself modifying it to recreate some of that magic I felt in the clio.
Your first car was a cup??
Distracted by the shirt James, you must try to blend in😂. I propose that you do a shirt vlog on the second channel. I had one of the first Clio 16v variants (pre-Williams editions - no fancy names back then) in the UK and it was an amazing little car! Cheers, Kevin
Came quite close to buying a gordini a few years back
I appreciate learning about another car never sold in the US. Living in Texas I occasionally see a Renault registered in Mexico but have no idea what they’re like. Happy Fourth of July from your erstwhile colonial subjects, y’all.
Two of my friends have had a 197/200 cup's! Absolutely fantastic cars to drive, and when they have a Meg lump chucked in them, boy them move!!
If I was to ever replace my Almera GTI track car it would be with a 197/200
They definitely need a few basic mods to bring them to life and give you that old school hot hatch experience
You should try a Daihatsu Copen
10 grand! That's what I paid for my 2017 308 GTi 270 late last year.
James should drive a 200 version with the optional cup chassis and optional Recaro seats. It would feel like a totally different car. BTW I have a 200 cup. Love it. Not super quick in a straight line but the cornering is magic.
Another fair and balanced review. A few points though.
I had a 197 F1 Team until last year (number 182 amusingly). And I loved it. Still miss it sometimes. It wasn't for me, however, a daily driven car. It was bought as a third car, just for a bit of fun, and the drive to the airport. Which, alas, I was finding I was doing pretty regularly. So I sold it when pricer were higher, and bought a 2010 D3 Audi A8 instead. A completely polar opposite car. But is comparable to what you mention as an alternative. A big, fast, equally economical, luxurious German saloon. I have had other German motors, although usually estates, from a B8.5 Black Edition A4 Quattro, A E91 LCI 335d, a B6 S4 and even an F11 530d LCI and a E46 330i Touring. So I can appreciate your comparison.
I think your review was a touch harsh here though. Not a single German barge I've had was even remotley close to as fun in the twisty stuff. Some may well have been faster, and all probably a bit nicer inside, but none as fun. My 197 was just ridiculously fun here. Granted, being the F1 it did have the cup suspension, which I didn't find too harsh either. But then my expectations were suitably reigned in in advance. Mine also had a Miltek, which you are also correct on, made it just sound sweet as. But then it also had the Recaro buckets, which were fantastic too. The leather option looked nice there. But I think the Recaros make every drive more of an event, and so might just have been closer to what you were expecting here.
As a daily driver, yes, there are other options. Options that will give you more luxury at the expense of fun. Not to say they wont still be fun to some degree. But as you said at the top of the piece, fast without the soul. But as a second car, or weekend toy. Well, there is little out there as fun as these. Certainly at semi-legal speeds on twistier roads.
Overall though, fairly balanced review. Correct, the fuel economy isn't great. I didn't ever crack 30 mpg in my 197, but then, what it was bought for was terrorising B-roads. And so that was it's job. If I was popping to the shop, I had other cars for this. But it wasn't especially terrible on the motorway to the airport either. No A8 mind, but fine enough.
If you can, I would recommend getting a shot of the car you'd have though. If you can. A 197 F1 Team. It'll feel like more of an event when you drive it IMO. And you can assess the differences with the cup suspension. Which I found to be great.
Surely if you have what I assume is plenty of budget for cars, you'd not buy an actual B road monster like an Elise/VX220/Exige and stop fannying about with what could be a 2nd car for a 19 year old, and as much as they're 'fun' in the twisties, all the modern reqs (weight) removes any sense of real event like you would get even in something less powerful like an MR2.
I'm going from a Z4 Coupe to an Elise shortly, and having driven a 172/182/197, even with a cup chassis, BMW M's and what was a mental highly modded Fiat Coupe 20vt, nothing comes close to a super lightweight, old school coupe.
With your money I also assume a Caterham would be on the cards
@@urdaeatmoths Sure. The budget is there or there abouts. But I also have a family, and so while a third car wouldn’t necessarily require rear seats, I do prefer to have them.
Also, whatever fun car I get for this spot on the driveway, I need room for my luggage for when I travel for work, which is frequently enough.
My other 2 cars are a 2020 VW Caravelle and a 2015 Ford Focus, so I realistically have the “seats” covered. But still, I do prefer something with at least a hint of practicality.
@@stewartmacdonald601 Unless you're a drummer, the luggage space if you drive to work is absolutely sufficient considering you have an entire passenger seat, footwell and the boot space.
@@urdaeatmoths Drummer, no. But often travel with 2 large checked bags plus my large carry on laptop bag. Filled the boot of the Clio. Don’t fancy being crammed around my bags 3 or 4 times a month if I’m honest.
I’ve got a modest three car collection - one if which is the exact model mentioned at the start of this video - the liquid yellow 197 F1. I’ve had it 9 years. I 100% agree with your comment. If you were looking for a car which gives the highest fun factor per pound spent without sacrificing practicality, then honestly, I think it’s really hard to beat! This is a car that I honestly state when asked about it’s fuel economy “that it’s not great, but I achieve pretty good figures because I basically don’t slow down for corners!” I did some very light mods on mine. Nice light race wheels, great set of performance tyres, polyurethane bushes all round, performance break pads and fluids, and chip remap. Took it on the track with no race track experience but a lot of confidence in the little beast. My first time on the track I was literally laughing out loud while driving around at high speed it was so much fun! Forget it on a long straight - if you give away 100bhp to an up -market turbo charged car it’s going to show. But on the tighter sections, it’s laughable the level of car this little hot hatch, with minimal mods, can put to shame! It’s also in its element there on the track. It’s built for that level of punishment. Other sports cars are masquerading as track cars. When you come in after 16 screaming hot laps - you see the concerned owners of the upmarket sports cars who pulled in after 6 hot laps and have the bonnets popped open - waiting for
the temperature of Everything to drop! And then in the 197 F1 you can drive home from the track via the supermarket and do the weekly shop, call in at the local DIY shop to get the materials for your latest project, fold the seats down and chuck it in the back, then wake up the next morning and take the kids to school on the way to work!
The 200 EDC was fun. Even the GT 120 was fun. Moved up to mk4 Mégane trophy 300 and that was a different beast 😂
I used to have a 200, my first 'fast' car. Really didn't appreciate it enough at the time, think I'd have one again - just not as a daily!
Clio Williams had an F7R, Clio 172 onwards used the F4R and were quite different to the 7R
For sure, I did say it could trace its roots to, not that it was the same as
I test drove a 200 Gordini here in Australia. It drove well. I love the paint and stripes. I could have got it for a decent price. But I really wanted one with OEM Recaros + Akrapovic Exhaust. And the price differential between the models often isn't that large. I think if you were going to run it daily. The standard spec would be a great buy if you get it for a good price.
I owned RS200 cup with recaros and akrapovič my god that car was fun ! But such shame that it was so unreliable nothing serious but just annoying things :(
@@andrazstrmcnik2331 Returning to this comment. I now have an Alien Green Cup 200 with Recaros. Excellent car.
I also have a rs200 cup and its brilliant. Its my 2nd one...
Recaro pole position seats, Ktec suspension and a scorpion exhaust with PBS pro race brake pads and some other not to mention the cage and i love it.
My daily is a Alpine a110S with some mods and sometimes my Megane rs Trophy r.
you can see from this that I dont rate German tanks and all that fat.
I agree with this. It is a middle ground from the 182 (exciting) and 200 EDC (sensible). For me that falls into a a great category.
Unfortunately not a huge fan of the Gordini’s looks. And a set of spacers and lowering springs transforms the stance but also keeps the great steering feel: handling.
I got mine as I had ~£7.5k budget and wanted something either quick or interesting. The 200 fit the bill and with growing up and reading all about them in EVO it had to be the car I got.
I have fallen in love with it as this driving tool that’s just a hoot but that’s probably because it’s my first proper car, even with it’s Frenchisms
JAY any chance of a 308 gti review ?
They are definately great but they aren't the greatest hot hatch that France had to offer... in my opinion that was the Peugeot 306GTi6.
Literally everything you need in a car. Practical and exciting to drive and it does both of those things really well.
I'd have another in a heartbeat if I could find a good one.
Megane 3 275 Trophy R torque steered! That thing was a riot!
You really should try to get hold of a 197 R27 F1 team to try out. I think it might tick most of the boxes you didn't like on the Gordini. I've had my one for 14 years and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Its an awesome car.
The ones to go for are the r27 and cup. This one as all the weighty options and no cup châssis
Great video, on the 197 the cruise and speed limiter switch is next to the tc button where the blanking plate is, also the 197 does not have the bleep. Hope you enjoyed them. Love my Clio 197 :))
Awesome car, Awesome video!
Please try a Clio 3 RS ph.2 sport with CUP pack (full fat), Recaro's and the factory Akrapovic exhaust soon!
That would be awesome! And a very good comparison to this.
The CUP pack really adds a lot of excitement to the car making it very engaging and fun.
The CUP pack also has a lot quicker steeringrack, this quicker steering rack is what makes the car so awesome to drive, you just point and it dives in with the quicker steering rack.
So please get a really good Clio 3 RS ph.2 sport with CUP pack (full fat) Recaro's (Fossard lowered) and factory Akrapovic on the show.
This is a tune n half. Love it man
Particularly enjoyed the Scatman John Audi R8 impression 😂😂 great review as always !!
I own a Clio 197 for 3 years now, its my first car and its great! Only had some electrical problems :)
Renault Espace F1...that is a Monster 😎
2:15 before the super 5 gt turbo, it was the renault 5 Alpine turbo, and before it was te Renault 5 Alpine (maybe where the story began for Renault's hot hatches)
To be fair, the Clio III, back in its time, was the most luxurious interior materials wise in the B segment
I was in the fortunate position of choosing one of these in 2008, i picked a corsa vxr instead complete with a chocolate engine😅
Thanks J, does seem to be swings & roundabouts for if the particular Clio version is good or not! 🙏🙏
I've got a Renault clio mk3 dynamique s 2 litre only 120 left in the uk
i need to buy a cheap ulez complaint pocket rocket .. what is the one to get ?
This is as much a review of Jay’s driver profile as the car itself. Personally I’ve owned all sorts of exotic and fast stuff, I enjoy occasional track days and don’t care too much about everything being covered in leather. My daily driver and currently only car, an RB7 Clio 200. It’s almost perfect for me and my driver profile. Reviews aren’t absolute, they’re an opinion.
Hello fello RB7 owner... You're right about driver profiles. I didn't for 1 day in all those years felt the car was too hard to be driven around daily. It does take a certain amount of commitment though as there are much more softer riding options around.. I dailied mine for 9.5 years and 178,000 kms in Sydney traffic.
The cup chassis and suspension didn't bother me, although i learned to read the road and watch for potholes in our notoriously shitty roads; a skill that came in handy when i started riding motorcycles.
It's not a car for cossetting but i wouldn't call it uncomfortable. The seats, after all are probably one of the best in any car ever. I've demoted mine to a 1/week car and opted for a great big red wagon.
The Clio can be driven to / from work everyday, has a/c, p/s, stereo, bluetooth AND still be fun on the twisties or a nice corner or two. What more does someone want from a hot hatch?
I do rather love this channel and i have been wanting and waiting for a 197 review, i do feel perhaps the wrong model version was possibly chosen though here.
These are a brilliant car, very capable and fun, we wont see the likes of the 172, and the 182 again sadly and although not too many years apart from these 197/200's comparing them takes away the fact that the 197/200 are extremely good cars in their own right.
Ridiculously good turn in and they ride really well, i enjoy how my cup "flows" yet feels hardcore at the same time (for a mass produced road car).
Stone automotive on here have a series of very good videos about how to wake these cars up, im contemplating spending some time on doing just that to mine after owning it in srandard form for 4 years now as a daily driver.Its embarrassingly slow until you allow it to warm up, even then its not great really (is this just mine?) but i love how it drives and its really good fun at 20_25mph, i love the bespoke cast aluminium suspension bits, the diffuser and those wings!😂😂
I had a 197 Cup , such a fantastic little car
Never liked the looks of the Gordini but these cars are so underrated!
Still miss my RS 200. The brakes I thought were the best part, along with the handling, nicely adjustable on trailing throttle like the best hot hatches. Hoping that my incomimg GR86 can combine the best parts of this & my current M235i
Yeah they probably felt ever bit as strong as the ones in the M235i right?
Got a Gordini myself. Would be interested to know when this was filmed, as the prices quoted seemed very high. Bought mine 2 months ago for £7,500 from a dealer with comprehensive history (81k miles)
Agreed on the prices. 3.5 years ago I bought my 200 for £5k (Gordinis were similar price at the time). 2 years ago traded it in for £4k. 197 prices are in the £3.5k region.
Yeah I was thinking the same, unless it's got decently low miles because that seems to have a massive effect on price I don't really see the gordini going for any more than a normal 200. I bought my sub 50k miles 1 owner Albi blue 200 cup with recaros for just over £10k I think.
Hey Jay, I'm somewhat disappointed that you aren't in love with this as I truly revere your reviews and I have an RS Clio 200 Cup and adore it. Maybe I need to drive a 182 and compare.............😢
Wouldn't listen to him, I've had 172 cups, 182's, Fiesta ST mk7 & Mk8's and various other fun cars, all brilliant cars but none of them felt as good too drive as the Clio 200 Silverstone edition I had for about 6 months around 10 years ago, especially with the Recaros, damm tempted to get another despite the poor fuel economy.
I sold my Evora S last year and replaced it with an RS200 FF for a fraction of the price (after a brief month in a mk7 Golf GTi, which was very, very boring). I haven't driven anything else that gives me the same thrill within the speed limit, whilst ticking the practicality boxes etc, I just find it so reactive and engaging, I'm surprised you're not a fan. Yeah, it's not as comfy or refined as most cars out there, but I find that part of it's charm, it feels a bit oldschool. Also... where did the comparison to a 3l German saloon come from- that doesn't make much sense?
I think that comparison came to mind because of the price-tag vs daily drivability. It's the exact same dilemma I have. Yes, it's great to have a fun car that can do it all. But if I'm planning on using it as a medium/long distance commuter as well (especially on highways), I can't disregard a German straight six with all of its bells and whistles. For a price of a 172, I'm willing to sacrifice comfort for occasional playtime on the backroads. When it's going around 10k though, and it's the only car I can have, it's becoming a considerable investment for an old Clio with cheap plastic interior and uncomfortable seating for longer periods. Maybe that's how he views it too?
Easter egg at 17:42 when James switches camera to let us see a van drive past with a backdoor open
Van is parked and the guy is unloading it. It doesn't drive past with a backdoor open.
A agree that the 182cup is the pinnacle of the Clio sport range
Got a chance to daily drive a Williams Clio during my time in France. Absolutely one of the best old school hatches I’ve ever driven 😊
It's the greatest hot hatch ever made imo 👍
Yes it is! But you need the optional Akrapovic exhaust for the sweet tunes. I have KW V3 coilovers and a Quaife LSD on mine and it just makes the car even better.
Almost bought a 200 Cup in 2010 but got an Abarth 500 Esseesse instead as it was much cheaper to run. Never drove the Clio. The Abarth got replaced by my Megane 275 Trophy, woefully unreliable but awesome to drive
Thanks that's a fair assessment and I can say that as I own one (a Gordini too). I have the optional Recaro seats and it's been very mildly breathed upon with come fast road suspesion mods and a sports exhaust. Let's be frank they're not a daily a driver - it's my weekend toy where I search out a good B road or a twisty track. In fact when people ask me should they buy one and state it needs to be daily driver I point them in the direction of Fiesta ST Mk7 which is much more drivable machine with lots of low down torque. But if you want to have a bit of fun then it's screamer of an engine (coupled with a sports exhaust) and will always put a smile on your face. To get the best out of it you are usually operating within 3500 and 7800 rev range where the engine is on full song. Suspension is amazing it has never given me any undue surprises - yes you can provoke it into lift-off oversteer but you've really got to try and when it goes its very controllable. Generally it makes me feel a better driver than I have any right to think I am. I've had it for 5 years and no regrets that I bought it but it was always destined to be my second car.
I had a 200 with the Cup chassis and the Recaro seats. Even on Austria's pristine roads I quickly regretted optioning the Cup chassis lol. BOY was it stiff lol. Most fun car I ever owned tho
Was looking forward to watching this, even though I'd offered James my own 200 Cup to try out last year and never heard back.
I've run a '61 plate Cup for 18months roughly, and if you're in the mood it's a hoot. If I could go back I'd probably get a standard 200 instead, I can live with the stiffer chassis, hard plastic dash, lack of front fogs, manual mirrors, no rear headrests, crappy horn ... but I do miss the reach adjustment on steering. Mine's run as my daily, and I average around 34mpg using 97/98 fuel, wo probably not trying hard enough. The JCW Clubbie in my pic got 40mpg all day long.
Prak spec seems to be a standard 200 with the cup pack but eibach springs instead of the cup ones. Imo the quicker rack is a must. (But so is the air-con for me ;) )
I have a Citroen C4 by Loeb for a few months now, the 150 hp 1.6 THP Engine in it as well. I was considering a Megane before, similar year to this Clio but the interior quality in Renaults from this era really turned me away. My mom has a Twingo and I can see the interior bits being shared all the way up, and quite a bit of it too. Shame, they look quite nice from the outside.
Glad I went with the C4 though, I love it to bits.
Fun fact the 197 had the cruisecontrol button next to the ESP
I think I'll get one next time I have a midlife crisis 👌
I’ve driven that one (pre face lift) once and it’s not a group B but defo has a rally feel to it and it was scary even behind the wheel (even on tarmac ffs) !!!!
I recently sold my Twin Turbo Subaru Legacy as the rust repairs were getting out of hand.
Replaced it with a RenaultSport Clio 197 and i havent had this much fun in ages,
and thats coming from a variety of 300+bhp japanese imports and multiple genertions of TYPE Rs over the years!
Just wish it was a tad better on fuel 😬
i just bought a clio 200 and now this comes up on my suggested, wow
I was never a fan of the Gordini or the Raider, for that matter. The Raider probably looks better than the Gordini, though. My personal favourite is the Alien Green 200 Cup. Really wanted one years ago and couldn't find one for sale. Also, the silverstone editions are particularly nice, too.
The silverstone editions i'm pretty sure we just fitted a plaque and put on a new scorpion rear silencer. Can't remember them being much different?
The MPG on these mk3 RS's is the main reason i'd opt for a mk2 RS.
Not long sold my latest daily driver Twingo RS Gordini for an Abarth 595 due to the tuning capabilities. I must say the Twingo was the most fun car I’ve ever owned or driven. The yearly gearbox builds put me off a Clio 200 but it was a great drive, just not as fun or raw as the Twingo
Hey James, nice review, always had a soft spot for the Gordini (owned a Clio 200 Raider myself). On an unrelated note, any plans to test the Alpine A110S?
Thanks for the review. Always fancied a clio 200 but was concerned it might be a bit Meh on a day-to-day basis. Sounds like that’s pretty much your conclusion too. I ended up buying an R53 Mini and still think it was the right choice..
Clio 197 is an amazing car and best Clio choice of all time. recaros look good but sit way too high. Lower on H&R springs for perfect stance. Terrible on fuel and way too revvy to use every day. I sold my low mileage 197 last year and still regret it - a really special little car and underrated modern classic !
Tried one but the seats were a little too high and the steering wheel needed to be 15cm closer to me. I drove a mini R53 (the supercharged one) and had a much better experience.
Hey Jay, Im thinking between this Clio and Civic typeR fn2. Which one would you prefer?
If I remember correctly, on my RS182 I could deactivate cruise control with gas pedal full depressed and you could feel a click under your foot.
Drive a cup, you must drive a cup
Can't help but think you should have driven a 'Cup packed" 200 with Reacro's.......
Thought the same while driving in my liquid yellow cup packed with Recaro's and spoiler haha
0:18 an Aussie Ford Falcon hey James?
I have a Formula Renault with the same engine, its an exciting powertrain
One decent mod would be to install a subframe that does not rust VERY prematurely,
Loved my RS200 cup. Unfortunately alot of things went wrong with it, gearbox, engine mounts, climatecontrol, exhaust manifold...
I had a 172 cup
To be fair in my 197 that blank button next to the traction control is for the cruise control I don’t know why Renault moved it to by the handbrake for the 200 seems weird
I disagree with what a lot you said. This car is one of the most exciting I have ever driven! It is a dying breed of a proper ‘drivers car’
For me, the RS2 182 HP thanks...
People who need parking sensors in something small like this Clio should stop driving and give up their license...
I can imagine they need parking sensors on a moped too
Yet when you look at small cars in parking lots or intersections they need the space of a lorry to move. Now I’m not saying who the drivers might be or if there is a smell of clutch burning in the air.
Its the same with lane assist, if you need help staying between lanes then you shouldn't be driving in the first place
@richardharrold9736 Except they are. My father overreloance on these dumb systems almost cost him his life. It made him very lazy and those systems are not reliable nor should be relied on, but it inherently makes people lazier and less focused.
@@PJD4875 this is true. But there will always be terrible drivers on the road, they're not going to stop driving. My mum is the worst I've ever seen. So for them it's useful such systems exist.
A really good hot hatch is one without compromise. One that can be used as a daily and do all the boring stuff and feel like any other mass produced fwd car, so much so that you forget what you actually have. But on the flipside, one that rewards spirited driving and is fun and quick. The interiors in all the Clio's are a big let down imo, for six to ten grand I'd expect a better quality more premium interior. So for all of the above reasons, its the Civic Type R's and the Fiesta ST's (and Focus RS models) that I hold in the highest regards when it comes to hot hatches. They have the drama and character, are practical, but don't feel as cheap or tacky as the French stuff.