Exactly why I’ve just bought an i20N……..200bhp used to be crazy power but now people laugh at it, but for b roads it’s all you need if you are a driver
there's no escaping the fact that the rs couldn't shake the much cheaper, simpler clio. I was really surprised that it did so well. if I had to choose I'd go for the renault.
Been watching a few reviews of the RS and the Cup, and one thing is apparent: No matter who 'wins' or whatever, the reviewers all have huge grins on their faces. Minor details of straight line vs cornering speed is down to personal preference. They both look fun!
I most likely watched this around the time it came out 15 years ago, but as of today in late 2024 - this is the best car video I've seen for aaaages. There's not many motoring journos who can drive like Steve Sutcliffe. Absolutely on it in that Clio 👏
The fact that the clio was all over the RS into, and through the corners, and was able to make up its 100bhp power deficit by slowing quicker, just goes to show that you can make a car "fast" without having to give it silly BHP outputs. Someone should try and make that point to german car manufacturers. More power does not equal a better car.
"Clios arent reknown for good handling"? You missed the Clio Trophy, the 182 Cup, and what has been written about this latest 200 Cup then? They are some of the finest handling, agile adjustable hatchbacks in existence!!!
I have a 2005 Renault Clio 182 Cup and it just passed it's MOT with flying colours. Not even an advisory. It's showing no signs of corrosion and was rolling roaded today at 179.1bhp at the flywheel, bang on the money. Currently the only work the car has needed is a set of new front break pads and disks at 25k miles along with a 2 regular services and a fresh set of the bespoke Michelin tyres...it's be utterly reliable. As was my 2005 Focus 1.6 Sport I had before.
You got that right...The French know what they're doing and they're doing it quite right if you ask me...That's why I've got a humble a Clio 1,4 16v for every day and a Pug 207 RC for more special occasions...That Clio is 6 years old know and it still keeps on putting a smile on my face...The RC is seriously fast, not up to the Clio RS standards, but might fast at country roads, if you know what you're doing of course...
@lupo0144 thankyou, i actually owned a fiesta st before my 200 until my girlfriend went into the back of someone and wrote it off. the clio 200 is similar to the st in terms of go-cart feel and enjoyablility - but the 200 is better in every way. more power, better cornering and more fun. totally recommend
Maybe but why? it is a serious motorsport magazine... And especially as I said this comparison is just for fun because the Clio 3 RS is not in the same category of the Focus RS 305 or 350hp but from the smaller of the "City sport cars" and for Ford of the Fiesta ST for exemple... If we want a real logical comparison of chronos and times (and I speak as this on real roads of course with corners and corners or better on tracks and not easy drag races made for US guys...) we must take in Renault Sport the Megane 3RS and there your Ford Focus RS is vs the fastest commercial stock world's FWD, so... ^^
Some of you need to chill! SS is a respected test driver for Autocar and previously with other UK publications, he can driver faster than most of you. This is not on the road, its at Millbrook's hill private test circuit, but is far far slower than the N'ring. The video proves that if you know a route, your fully committed (and reckless) and you can drive well, then a less powerful car can keep up, figures arn't so important. The N'ring is the same, thats all. AC should disable comments.
I wish they did! I'd love to see those things on our roads. Maybe its one of the Euro Fords coming to America along with the Fiesta. Wich is also awesome.
I'm not exactly sure what your saying but totally agree that driver skill/guts has a big effect on the outcome. Its also true to say the same driver in two cars gives a pretty clear indication of the overall speed of a car, such as the R26R beating the RS. It was cheating as oppose to homework as I've a good friend who was running a DS at 280bhp in his ST (now sold) and we took it on track several times.
@trueancient I agree.After about half an hour the Clio driver would be spent.That's what people don't understand.The "punch" from a turbo just makes it easier to live with on a day -to-day basis.
Anyway two GREAT sport cars, I have a Swift Sport and I appreciate both, my next car could be one of them, the Clio or the FRS..well the first version of the FRS with 215hp I love that car since it came out ^^ We need more vids like this one!!!
@soundseeker63 Well said, glad someone else is thinking with a broader field of view! Seems to be most comments are either about aesthetics of the car than the way it actually drives and the power in a straight line. what would you rather be seen in? Honestly if it was a fashion statement I was after I would buy neither of these cars. Clio has a fantastic chassis!
@dstubbso ...Spot on! I've been looking 2 change my car (ST Fiesta) and i do like the Clio 200! Belive me people i have a lot of mates with E46 M3's and EVO's and they realy find it hard 2 live with the cost of running them! You just cant beat a quick little hatchback...... Dont cost the eath 2 run and much more fun on the B roads around S Wales!
Ah, muscle versus agility. Always an interesting battle. And while the Ford is a great all-rounder, the Clio is the one winning all the big group tests. Tough choice...
They explained that the Clio is the lighter car by a fair margin and it also has more sophisticated brakes, so it's entirely possible the Focus was braking late and the Clio could simply brake later.
I wouldn't be so sure. I've read about the new GTI mk6 and it was about 2 - 3 seconds faster around track than its competitors - Focus ST, Civic type R, Opel Astra OPC. Plus it was also the most fuel efficient one.
I love both these cars for different reasons. For Ford to get 300bhp through them front wheels is amazing. I can remember watching top gear years ago saying 220bhp is the max for FWD so hats off to Ford. I also love the clio. It looks like so much fun to drive. The guy in the video had a monster grin on his face!! To the person who said that both cars where put in shot on purpose, I somehow don't think the Focus was taking it easy going off the fact he had the back left tyre off the floor!!
I'm LOL at this. Comments on the previous video was it had to be a Skyline or a 911 as the chase car, nothing else could keep up to the monster that is the Focus RS. Now it's been revealed it's a Clio all the Focus RS fanboys can say is "yeah but it's French and s***"." They're not all s*** (mine's lasted 110,000 miles of continual abuse), but if you're in a Focus the Clio will always be in your rear view mirror unless the road you're on is flat, straight, and smooth.
the thing about the clio they want to proove is that...1- to be a 200 bhp car that weights about 2500 pounds and is from another whole different class can keep up from time to time with a car that has a 301 turbocharged bhp engine...thats a bigger engine and a sportier car....obviously in straight line the clio gets pawned...2-the clio is the best car on its type (ibiza cupra,asta turbo,etc)3-it has very good handling.....
Regrettably, the European division of Ford has a history of designing really cool cars that never come to North America. The Escort RS Cosworth and Fiesta ST are two examples that come to mind.
@santclause1 Actually a turbo car is much harder to drive simply because it forces the driver to time the boost perfectly. Turbos have a lag to them and this lag is very problematic because of the delayed power, and when the power comes its instant and strong. So imagine coming into a corner and hitting boost to late or to soon, you could mess it all up. When driving a normally aspirated car your working with the engines steady power that is much easier to predict, that's why it does so well.
Considering the weight it's carrying it does extremely well especially as i can't believe that having a 2.5 up front helps with understeer over a lighter 2.0 lump that most are using. Like i said i would like to see a stripped out version of the RS to see what it can really do and then there's the 370bhp upgrade as well. I'm sure i'll see what at sprints soon and we'll see how it fares against the other cars in the real world with average drivers.
great little renault! On the other hand on those roads (short straights and multiple corners) not even a Porsche 911 would pull significantly away from the Renault. Just no space to utilize all that extra power while managing any extra weight.
I think most comments appear to be missing the point. Sure the RS is quicker and nicer to drive BUT it's £10,000 more than the clio. The question is, is it worth another £10,000 of YOUR money?
@buttnut1080 All fast Fords have done it in the past, Focus ST, FIesta ST, Focus RS, RS Turbo - I see it as a benefit as if you are a competent driver you can use it to tuck in the front end when cornering hard. It has no negative impact on the handling. The reason it does it is due to the rear anti roll bar being so stiff.
@santclause1 yeah, I guess then that's what the clio's really all about, back to basics hot hatch, and it should be enjoyed in its most purest form...cheers for that
The Focus probably does have very sophisticated brakes but even so, you can't cheat physics. They're both very impressive cars but their strengths lie in different areas. And I agree with you, I'm more of a fan of lightweight cars too. Ford will have to do something pretty special with the Fiesta if they're to get anywhere near the package of the Clio.
I try this cars and I prefer the clio but is cheeper, lighter, and more easy to drive faster than the focus. And finaly the clio it's faster than the focus but the focus it's so nice, soo good to show's it.
i own a clio 200 just like the one in the video but red, i have driven a focus RS. the focus RS is no doubt more powerful and you can feel it pull more when driving it - especially mid rev range. But unquestionably my clio is more fun, it has that go-cart feel which makes every journey enjoyable. i wouldn't give up my 200 for any other hot-hatch. Not even the new megane 250 - yes its faster round the track than clio 200 and focus RS, but again, it doesn't beat the clio for fun.
The cup version is for the track yes but the simple one does the job extremely good and funny and its suspension is unexpectedly comfortable. Don;t forget that IRL you won't have the extreme quality tarmac of a track and the crazy torque of the RS will be there to burn your rubber everytime. Yes it has torsen it has revoknuckle and a great front suspension geometry but sick torque can get past these things not only in average quality tarmac but in track quality too
id take the clio anyday..much lighter, great seats which i have sat in, naturally aspirated so better response, fuel economy, better handling as you can brake later and accelerate earlier, sure the ford is awesome too but lacking in many places and id never buy a front drive car with more than 250hp just asking too much from steering and power through front wheels and finally it will depreciate like all fords faster than the renault
Well i own a renault clio now so i agree about the bang for buck of the clios in general. But i still agree with my previous comment. If you observe the race lines you will see the renault driver is much more efficient in his driving, race lines ETC. So the renault is keeping up. You can argue that the cars is quicker in tighter nibbler corners but, if you put the cars on race tracks such as the nurburgring then the renault will be destroyed. I like clios though for the bang for buck.
Also I'm LOL at chassis flex - my 172 Cup has had 111k miles of road/track abuse so far, embarrassed countless exotica on track...and I've never felt any chassis-flex. They're so stiff they pick the inside rear wheel up round most turns...so what's this chassis-flex you're talking about?
Wrong, wrong. Hot Clios have been here for some time so the history is there, as is the excitment, it goes to tripod mod in every corner and can go sideways under throttle. Plus small French hatches are super cool so stop bashing. Q:But if you we're to own one, would you really get the Clio? A: Depends on funds. I think Clio competes with smaller hatches tho.
Surely they should swap round and try the clio in front and the Focus chasing, then you see if the handling of the Clio makes up for the Focus's power advantage.
Good video but i really wish people would stop comparing a full fat hatchback with all the trimmings to stripped down versions. It shows just how good it is to require a clio to go beserk to even worry it. If Ford did a Cup version of the RS then compare them. Top gear were just as bad comparing the RS to the latest R26 which had track day tyres on!! Someone strip out an RS for god sake so we can do a fair comparison. I'll be more interested to see how the new megane 250 and the RS campare.
its wrong to say because a cars from a certain country it has a certain trait,ive had the opposite of your experience.i used to have a focus st170 and was constantly going wrong,the worst thing was it used to cut out on the motorway at any speed,v.dangerous.nobody could fix and i sold car at massive loss.i had bmw 325 which kept going wrong and a low millage cileca gt4 which blew engine at 45k.I now have clio 182 for 4 years,done 55k in it and hasnt missed a beat.most reliable car i ever had
I have an Abarth 500, tuned to 170 HP and a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds, it too is a fun little car, especialy in the corners. Obviously no match for the 2 cars here, but fun none the less, and it cost half as much as the Focus :)
@buttnut1080 Maybe not as badly, but they do. The previous shape Clio 182 did (I have multiple photographs that show it happening), the original Clio 16v and Williams definitely did, as did the 306 and 106 GTi. Every version of Golf GTI including the current shape lifts its inside rear, and the previous Focus RS did too, as did the old Civic Type R, again I have pictures of it happening. There is no footage of the behind of the Clio in this test so how can you tell this one doesn't? Guess work?
All true, I agree. I'm not throwing any cards though, I'm just making sense of what the test is showing. As I said I think it's easier for the Clio to follow behind but then that's why they've done it that way. I would be interested to know how your Focus fairs against the 1.2? I've driven a 1.6 '09 Focus and (I think) an '02 Clio 1.2 16v and I recon the clio unladen would beat it to 60.
So true. the little clio is proof you dont need to have a huge amount of power to have a lot of fun. And theres the fact that its some 10 GRAND cheaper than the focus...
literally i was up for getting a corsa VXR next year but the issues people have and the Boy racer look i dunno if could live with for 5 years. Is this more fun than a turbo?
@GlobalGLader Nice 'real world' comment. I had a look at a lot of cars when I was choosing my new motor. In the end I went with the S3. Focus RS Might well be my next motor though.
The Focus is faster then the clio.Of course, it has a full 100 hp extra, and is a turbocharged car. The clio Rs NA with 200 hp is a lot more agile in the corners but has lack of torque in the straights. i drive a clio 197 and i can say one thing,it is a great car, handles superb, very fast in the corner, but a total lack of torque in the lower rev range. The point is to keep it above 5000 rpm.
It's just the most uncomfortable of them all and possibly the one with the worst visibility but it's far from being bad... I appreciated the driving position and the steering feel as well as the Vtec engine Too expensive and to uncomfortable though...
My turbocharged cobalt ss is 16 psi's at 241hp at the wheels bone stock on a 2.0 motor, not trying tp brag but are these cars actually better performing for that cost. My SS also has launch control,brembo brakes and much more,im just curious which is more bang for the buck!
Amazing considering the Clio is £12,000+ cheaper than the Ford. The RS isn't that much faster Focus fans (0.7 sec to 60mph). Although it is much easier to follow someone in that situation, you just brake a bit later etc.
Good vid this. I am looking at gettinga 200 cup at the moment. Do I believe thats its as quick as an RS, no, not for most of the time. Do i believe this vid, yes. Clio has advantage here 200kg lighter, twisty technical surface with nowhere for the focus to use all of its power advantage. I am a big hot hatch fan and agree that on more open straighter roads the FRS would kill the clio, but for me, the clio is the bargin, the FRS is better, but not 10k better
I know this is an old video but in most road going situation circa 200hp is literally all you need.
Just bought another clio, its just mega still 12 years on ...
Exactly why I’ve just bought an i20N……..200bhp used to be crazy power but now people laugh at it, but for b roads it’s all you need if you are a driver
💯
That jump! Great battle, I'd take the Clio.
2:12 that was badass!
Renault gunna get ya! ;)
Last 2 days waiting my "new" baby Clio RS 3 2007 ... just for fun ... very good price, and amazing condition! :D 10 years car :D still rock !
Clio for me! much more understated and engaging as a drivers' car
Lol @ 1:25
"Of course, you'd never drive like this on the road"
I bloody would!!!
there's no escaping the fact that the rs couldn't shake the much cheaper, simpler clio. I was really surprised that it did so well. if I had to choose I'd go for the renault.
2:11 jump was EPIC
that's why i love the Clio ;)
Been watching a few reviews of the RS and the Cup, and one thing is apparent: No matter who 'wins' or whatever, the reviewers all have huge grins on their faces. Minor details of straight line vs cornering speed is down to personal preference. They both look fun!
Look at the way he pulls away on the straights, the clio is good on the corners which almost all sporty clios are!
RS Badge is a legend!
I most likely watched this around the time it came out 15 years ago, but as of today in late 2024 - this is the best car video I've seen for aaaages.
There's not many motoring journos who can drive like Steve Sutcliffe. Absolutely on it in that Clio 👏
Totally agree, more proper racing video's like this please :D
All car comparison reviews should be done like this!!!
Epic Video!! Great to see a real world style test! Both great cars! Great video Autocar more like this please!
The fact that the clio was all over the RS into, and through the corners, and was able to make up its 100bhp power deficit by slowing quicker, just goes to show that you can make a car "fast" without having to give it silly BHP outputs. Someone should try and make that point to german car manufacturers. More power does not equal a better car.
great video. This is the way cars should be tested. (2:14min) Great jump smooth landings.
THxs
"Clios arent reknown for good handling"?
You missed the Clio Trophy, the 182 Cup, and what has been written about this latest 200 Cup then?
They are some of the finest handling, agile adjustable hatchbacks in existence!!!
I have a 2005 Renault Clio 182 Cup and it just passed it's MOT with flying colours. Not even an advisory. It's showing no signs of corrosion and was rolling roaded today at 179.1bhp at the flywheel, bang on the money. Currently the only work the car has needed is a set of new front break pads and disks at 25k miles along with a 2 regular services and a fresh set of the bespoke Michelin tyres...it's be utterly reliable. As was my 2005 Focus 1.6 Sport I had before.
You got that right...The French know what they're doing and they're doing it quite right if you ask me...That's why I've got a humble a Clio 1,4 16v for every day and a Pug 207 RC for more special occasions...That Clio is 6 years old know and it still keeps on putting a smile on my face...The RC is seriously fast, not up to the Clio RS standards, but might fast at country roads, if you know what you're doing of course...
@lupo0144 thankyou, i actually owned a fiesta st before my 200 until my girlfriend went into the back of someone and wrote it off. the clio 200 is similar to the st in terms of go-cart feel and enjoyablility - but the 200 is better in every way. more power, better cornering and more fun. totally recommend
Just purchased one and i bloody love it
that focus was shit that clio would only need 30 or 40 bhp more it would be bye bye focus thats a fact
That's definitely not true. A remapped focus RS is dangerous, plus these guys aren't really driving them properly
Lewis Jordan
?? LOL
Pandemonium Lig The focus RS driver definetely isnt as i have the ST, not sure about the Clio though
Maybe but why? it is a serious motorsport magazine... And especially as I said this comparison is just for fun because the Clio 3 RS is not in the same category of the Focus RS 305 or 350hp but from the smaller of the "City sport cars" and for Ford of the Fiesta ST for exemple... If we want a real logical comparison of chronos and times (and I speak as this on real roads of course with corners and corners or better on tracks and not easy drag races made for US guys...) we must take in Renault Sport the Megane 3RS and there your Ford Focus RS is vs the fastest commercial stock world's FWD, so... ^^
Pandemonium Lig I think you mean Focus RS and Focus RS500, not Focus RS305 and RS350 lol
Some of you need to chill! SS is a respected test driver for Autocar and previously with other UK publications, he can driver faster than most of you. This is not on the road, its at Millbrook's hill private test circuit, but is far far slower than the N'ring.
The video proves that if you know a route, your fully committed (and reckless) and you can drive well, then a less powerful car can keep up, figures arn't so important. The N'ring is the same, thats all.
AC should disable comments.
I also love that car, I put the pre-facelift clio cup in my 10 car dream garage. I might just have to put the new one in my top 5!
I wish they did! I'd love to see those things on our roads. Maybe its one of the Euro Fords coming to America along with the Fiesta. Wich is also awesome.
I'm not exactly sure what your saying but totally agree that driver skill/guts has a big effect on the outcome. Its also true to say the same driver in two cars gives a pretty clear indication of the overall speed of a car, such as the R26R beating the RS.
It was cheating as oppose to homework as I've a good friend who was running a DS at 280bhp in his ST (now sold) and we took it on track several times.
@trueancient
I agree.After about half an hour the Clio driver would be spent.That's what people don't understand.The "punch" from a turbo just makes it easier to live with on a day -to-day basis.
Anyway two GREAT sport cars, I have a Swift Sport and I appreciate both, my next car could be one of them, the Clio or the FRS..well the first version of the FRS with 215hp I love that car since it came out ^^
We need more vids like this one!!!
@soundseeker63 Well said, glad someone else is thinking with a broader field of view! Seems to be most comments are either about aesthetics of the car than the way it actually drives and the power in a straight line. what would you rather be seen in? Honestly if it was a fashion statement I was after I would buy neither of these cars. Clio has a fantastic chassis!
Absolutly mind blowing...Viva Renault!!!
This must be a huge slap in the face of the Forvo engineers that slapped together the RS from Volvo parts.
There were no speed limits on this video, it was on a private track.
Ant the outcome was...?
that road course looks like so much fun !
both are amazing cars but i think i would take the ford rs just based on the amazing looks and the monster under the bonnet
IF you watch any AUTOCAR videos before, or know something about them, you'll know the driver in the Clio is a much better driver
@dstubbso ...Spot on! I've been looking 2 change my car (ST Fiesta) and i do like the Clio 200! Belive me people i have a lot of mates with E46 M3's and EVO's and they realy find it hard 2 live with the cost of running them! You just cant beat a quick little hatchback...... Dont cost the eath 2 run and much more fun on the B roads around S Wales!
great vid... but a swap of drives would have been interesting. The Focus looked very calm.
Ah, muscle versus agility. Always an interesting battle. And while the Ford is a great all-rounder, the Clio is the one winning all the big group tests. Tough choice...
They explained that the Clio is the lighter car by a fair margin and it also has more sophisticated brakes, so it's entirely possible the Focus was braking late and the Clio could simply brake later.
I wouldn't be so sure. I've read about the new GTI mk6 and it was about 2 - 3 seconds faster around track than its competitors - Focus ST, Civic type R, Opel Astra OPC. Plus it was also the most fuel efficient one.
Funny that my comment was rated up..
I guess the internet agrees that the Clio is a nice looking car.
I love both these cars for different reasons. For Ford to get 300bhp through them front wheels is amazing. I can remember watching top gear years ago saying 220bhp is the max for FWD so hats off to Ford. I also love the clio. It looks like so much fun to drive. The guy in the video had a monster grin on his face!! To the person who said that both cars where put in shot on purpose, I somehow don't think the Focus was taking it easy going off the fact he had the back left tyre off the floor!!
I'm LOL at this.
Comments on the previous video was it had to be a Skyline or a 911 as the chase car, nothing else could keep up to the monster that is the Focus RS.
Now it's been revealed it's a Clio all the Focus RS fanboys can say is "yeah but it's French and s***"."
They're not all s*** (mine's lasted 110,000 miles of continual abuse), but if you're in a Focus the Clio will always be in your rear view mirror unless the road you're on is flat, straight, and smooth.
the thing about the clio they want to proove is that...1- to be a 200 bhp car that weights about 2500 pounds and is from another whole different class can keep up from time to time with a car that has a 301 turbocharged bhp engine...thats a bigger engine and a sportier car....obviously in straight line the clio gets pawned...2-the clio is the best car on its type (ibiza cupra,asta turbo,etc)3-it has very good handling.....
that was some amazing driving by the Guy, brilliant.
"that the focus is built better"
-> No.
If you've got 2 secs, just check the last German ADAC 2008 report.
For the sound, you're right.
bought a type r because i there were no renault dealerships near my area at the time. i love clio
Not just an extra cylinder. The Clio is Naturally aspirated, Focus is turbocharged
Regrettably, the European division of Ford has a history of designing really cool cars that never come to North America. The Escort RS Cosworth and Fiesta ST are two examples that come to mind.
Good question. Do you enjoy Esther Rantzen?
@santclause1 Actually a turbo car is much harder to drive simply because it forces the driver to time the boost perfectly. Turbos have a lag to them and this lag is very problematic because of the delayed power, and when the power comes its instant and strong. So imagine coming into a corner and hitting boost to late or to soon, you could mess it all up. When driving a normally aspirated car your working with the engines steady power that is much easier to predict, that's why it does so well.
Considering the weight it's carrying it does extremely well especially as i can't believe that having a 2.5 up front helps with understeer over a lighter 2.0 lump that most are using.
Like i said i would like to see a stripped out version of the RS to see what it can really do and then there's the 370bhp upgrade as well.
I'm sure i'll see what at sprints soon and we'll see how it fares against the other cars in the real world with average drivers.
They were advertised for 12k brand new in Cup spec in 2009/2010 by Lookers.....Current Fiesta ST is what 23k or somet?
great little renault! On the other hand on those roads (short straights and multiple corners) not even a Porsche 911 would pull significantly away from the Renault. Just no space to utilize all that extra power while managing any extra weight.
I think most comments appear to be missing the point. Sure the RS is quicker and nicer to drive BUT it's £10,000 more than the clio.
The question is, is it worth another £10,000 of YOUR money?
Mate has the same Renault but in gray, it's an amazing machine.
@buttnut1080 All fast Fords have done it in the past, Focus ST, FIesta ST, Focus RS, RS Turbo - I see it as a benefit as if you are a competent driver you can use it to tuck in the front end when cornering hard. It has no negative impact on the handling. The reason it does it is due to the rear anti roll bar being so stiff.
@santclause1 yeah, I guess then that's what the clio's really all about, back to basics hot hatch, and it should be enjoyed in its most purest form...cheers for that
i want a focus! when are they gonna be released? cuz i havent seen any! are they even released yet?
Was that road closed to public ? very nice race.
The Focus probably does have very sophisticated brakes but even so, you can't cheat physics. They're both very impressive cars but their strengths lie in different areas. And I agree with you, I'm more of a fan of lightweight cars too.
Ford will have to do something pretty special with the Fiesta if they're to get anywhere near the package of the Clio.
And they did, step in the fiesta st
I try this cars and I prefer the clio but is cheeper, lighter, and more easy to drive faster than the focus. And finaly the clio it's faster than the focus but the focus it's so nice, soo good to show's it.
Renault really are the masters at making a hot hatch that handles unfortunately they don’t make em powerful enough anymore.
i own a clio 200 just like the one in the video but red, i have driven a focus RS. the focus RS is no doubt more powerful and you can feel it pull more when driving it - especially mid rev range. But unquestionably my clio is more fun, it has that go-cart feel which makes every journey enjoyable. i wouldn't give up my 200 for any other hot-hatch. Not even the new megane 250 - yes its faster round the track than clio 200 and focus RS, but again, it doesn't beat the clio for fun.
The cup version is for the track yes but the simple one does the job extremely good and funny and its suspension is unexpectedly comfortable. Don;t forget that IRL you won't have the extreme quality tarmac of a track and the crazy torque of the RS will be there to burn your rubber everytime. Yes it has torsen it has revoknuckle and a great front suspension geometry but sick torque can get past these things not only in average quality tarmac but in track quality too
id take the clio anyday..much lighter, great seats which i have sat in, naturally aspirated so better response, fuel economy, better handling as you can brake later and accelerate earlier, sure the ford is awesome too but lacking in many places and id never buy a front drive car with more than 250hp just asking too much from steering and power through front wheels and finally it will depreciate like all fords faster than the renault
Well i own a renault clio now so i agree about the bang for buck of the clios in general. But i still agree with my previous comment. If you observe the race lines you will see the renault driver is much more efficient in his driving, race lines ETC. So the renault is keeping up. You can argue that the cars is quicker in tighter nibbler corners but, if you put the cars on race tracks such as the nurburgring then the renault will be destroyed. I like clios though for the bang for buck.
Have to give it to the Clio for keeping up with 100hp less.
I have to say, that result surprised me alright!
Also I'm LOL at chassis flex - my 172 Cup has had 111k miles of road/track abuse so far, embarrassed countless exotica on track...and I've never felt any chassis-flex.
They're so stiff they pick the inside rear wheel up round most turns...so what's this chassis-flex you're talking about?
Wrong, wrong. Hot Clios have been here for some time so the history is there, as is the excitment, it goes to tripod mod in every corner and can go sideways under throttle. Plus small French hatches are super cool so stop bashing.
Q:But if you we're to own one, would you really get the Clio?
A: Depends on funds. I think Clio competes with smaller hatches tho.
@santclause1 every RS model holds it value mate, no matter what comes before or after. The next RS is the RS500 with 350bhp and its FWD.
Surely they should swap round and try the clio in front and the Focus chasing, then you see if the handling of the Clio makes up for the Focus's power advantage.
@StigRossi The Camaro is developed by Holden Australia.
Australians had to engineer the Camaro to get it right!
Good video but i really wish people would stop comparing a full fat hatchback with all the trimmings to stripped down versions. It shows just how good it is to require a clio to go beserk to even worry it. If Ford did a Cup version of the RS then compare them. Top gear were just as bad comparing the RS to the latest R26 which had track day tyres on!! Someone strip out an RS for god sake so we can do a fair comparison. I'll be more interested to see how the new megane 250 and the RS campare.
the focus is the better package but the clio is more fun.renaultsport are chassis gods
nice one, i'm getting used to that clios front end now, it looks great!
its wrong to say because a cars from a certain country it has a certain trait,ive had the opposite of your experience.i used to have a focus st170 and was constantly going wrong,the worst thing was it used to cut out on the motorway at any speed,v.dangerous.nobody could fix and i sold car at massive loss.i had bmw 325 which kept going wrong and a low millage cileca gt4 which blew engine at 45k.I now have clio 182 for 4 years,done 55k in it and hasnt missed a beat.most reliable car i ever had
I have an Abarth 500, tuned to 170 HP and a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds, it too is a fun little car, especialy in the corners. Obviously no match for the 2 cars here, but fun none the less, and it cost half as much as the Focus :)
@buttnut1080 Maybe not as badly, but they do. The previous shape Clio 182 did (I have multiple photographs that show it happening), the original Clio 16v and Williams definitely did, as did the 306 and 106 GTi. Every version of Golf GTI including the current shape lifts its inside rear, and the previous Focus RS did too, as did the old Civic Type R, again I have pictures of it happening. There is no footage of the behind of the Clio in this test so how can you tell this one doesn't? Guess work?
All true, I agree. I'm not throwing any cards though, I'm just making sense of what the test is showing. As I said I think it's easier for the Clio to follow behind but then that's why they've done it that way.
I would be interested to know how your Focus fairs against the 1.2? I've driven a 1.6 '09 Focus and (I think) an '02 Clio 1.2 16v and I recon the clio unladen would beat it to 60.
ojala llegara el clio a mexico esta muy bonito
THIS IS THE WAY YOU TEST A CAR,.....Against another great car , On the track/road , Brilliant
Is there any way to disable the Renault's beeping noise? I have ears, I know when to change gear.
So true. the little clio is proof you dont need to have a huge amount of power to have a lot of fun. And theres the fact that its some 10 GRAND cheaper than the focus...
What's better about "catastrophic understeer"?
Thanks
Nick
literally i was up for getting a corsa VXR next year but the issues people have and the Boy racer look i dunno if could live with for 5 years. Is this more fun than a turbo?
@GlobalGLader Nice 'real world' comment. I had a look at a lot of cars when I was choosing my new motor. In the end I went with the S3. Focus RS Might well be my next motor though.
The Focus is faster then the clio.Of course, it has a full 100 hp extra, and is a turbocharged car. The clio Rs NA with 200 hp is a lot more agile in the corners but has lack of torque in the straights.
i drive a clio 197 and i can say one thing,it is a great car, handles superb, very fast in the corner, but a total lack of torque in the lower rev range. The point is to keep it above 5000 rpm.
It's just the most uncomfortable of them all and possibly the one with the worst visibility but it's far from being bad...
I appreciated the driving position and the steering feel as well as the Vtec engine
Too expensive and to uncomfortable though...
@Theape30 great point,both are amazin cars but just in different ways
both great cars, Ford better build quality but you gotta love the Clio for its character.
My turbocharged cobalt ss is 16 psi's at 241hp at the wheels bone stock on a 2.0 motor, not trying tp brag but are these cars actually better performing for that cost. My SS also has launch control,brembo brakes and much more,im just curious which is more bang for the buck!
Amazing considering the Clio is £12,000+ cheaper than the Ford. The RS isn't that much faster Focus fans (0.7 sec to 60mph).
Although it is much easier to follow someone in that situation, you just brake a bit later etc.
they should have also done the test with the focus behind the clio, its easier always easier to chase than be chased.
+1 kyopsis this is not a significant test.
But both cars are cool on their own battlefield.
I'm french but i just love this RS !
Is the Focus RS faster than the Focus ST ?????
This chasing scene is a million miles better than anything coming from TopGear and their bland flat track.
That's un unfair challenge. The "opponent" to Focus should be the megane rs. The Clio is in the level of Fiesta!! By the way, i love Renault!
Good vid this.
I am looking at gettinga 200 cup at the moment. Do I believe thats its as quick as an RS, no, not for most of the time. Do i believe this vid, yes. Clio has advantage here 200kg lighter, twisty technical surface with nowhere for the focus to use all of its power advantage.
I am a big hot hatch fan and agree that on more open straighter roads the FRS would kill the clio, but for me, the clio is the bargin, the FRS is better, but not 10k better