Driving Impression: Renault Clio RenaultSport 197

BMW_Dude · 06-06-2006, 03:22 PM

Supermini hot-hatches tend to pack about 150bhp and cost in the region of £15,000. Renault, however, has decided to punch above its weight with the latest offering from its RenaultSport division.

The Clio RenaultSport 197 follows in a long history of fast Renaults which started 40 years ago with the Renault 8 Gordini and, more recently, with the Clio Williams, 172, 172 Cup, 182 and the super-special Clio Trophy. Powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 16-valve engine, the latest hot Clio packs a 197bhp punch, making it the most powerful front-wheel drive Clio ever.

All that power is channelled through the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and although there is a stability and traction control programme, it can be switched off. That leaves you at the mercy of nature's own traction control system - your right foot. Manage the power just right and time your gearchanges to perfection and the Clio 197 will manage a 6.9sec 0-62mph sprint. It'll also reach 134mph.

Most manufacturers limit the differences between their hot hatches and regular cooking models to some suspension tweaks, big alloys and deeper bumpers, but Renault has gone one step further and employed some F1 technology for the 197.

- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Source = 4Car

Giannis · 06-06-2006, 03:35 PM

Actually it's a very cute car. I like it! And it's fast too!

BMW_Dude · 06-07-2006, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giannis

Actually it's a very cute car. I like it! And it's fast too!

I don't know about the new one, but the old 182 version was considered to be the best hot hatch by some, especially in trophy form!

Giannis · 06-07-2006, 12:08 PM

the previous clio is -for me- the best looking renault the last years...

martinbo · 06-09-2006, 04:31 AM

I absolutely adored the Clio 182. If I didn't have to cart my 2 year old daughter around, I'd have one for certain. So, tell me, do you think this bigger, heavier Clio3 version will be as special as the old 182 and Trophy editions? Somehow, I doubt it...

What's the reliability like?

Giannis · 06-10-2006, 12:04 PM

i don't know about the reliability, but i doubt too that the new clio 3 sport will be as successfull as the older one...

06-06-2006, 03:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
BMW_Dude Aficionado Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 4,224 My Mood: Thanks: 265 Thanked 390 Times in 233 Posts	Driving Impression: Renault Clio RenaultSport 197 Supermini hot-hatches tend to pack about 150bhp and cost in the region of £15,000. Renault, however, has decided to punch above its weight with the latest offering from its RenaultSport division. The Clio RenaultSport 197 follows in a long history of fast Renaults which started 40 years ago with the Renault 8 Gordini and, more recently, with the Clio Williams, 172, 172 Cup, 182 and the super-special Clio Trophy. Powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 16-valve engine, the latest hot Clio packs a 197bhp punch, making it the most powerful front-wheel drive Clio ever. All that power is channelled through the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and although there is a stability and traction control programme, it can be switched off. That leaves you at the mercy of nature's own traction control system - your right foot. Manage the power just right and time your gearchanges to perfection and the Clio 197 will manage a 6.9sec 0-62mph sprint. It'll also reach 134mph. Most manufacturers limit the differences between their hot hatches and regular cooking models to some suspension tweaks, big alloys and deeper bumpers, but Renault has gone one step further and employed some F1 technology for the 197. - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Source = 4Car

06-06-2006, 03:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
Giannis Devotee Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Patra, Greece Posts: 3,487 Thanks: 139 Thanked 212 Times in 163 Posts	Re: Driving Impression: Renault Clio RenaultSport 197 Actually it's a very cute car. I like it! And it's fast too!

06-07-2006, 12:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
Giannis Devotee Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Patra, Greece Posts: 3,487 Thanks: 139 Thanked 212 Times in 163 Posts	Re: Driving Impression: Renault Clio RenaultSport 197 the previous clio is -for me- the best looking renault the last years...

06-09-2006, 04:31 AM	#5 (permalink)
martinbo Fanatic Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Johannesburg Posts: 1,250 Thanks: 136 Thanked 202 Times in 114 Posts	Re: Driving Impression: Renault Clio RenaultSport 197 I absolutely adored the Clio 182. If I didn't have to cart my 2 year old daughter around, I'd have one for certain. So, tell me, do you think this bigger, heavier Clio3 version will be as special as the old 182 and Trophy editions? Somehow, I doubt it... What's the reliability like?

06-10-2006, 12:04 PM	#6 (permalink)
Giannis Devotee Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Patra, Greece Posts: 3,487 Thanks: 139 Thanked 212 Times in 163 Posts	Re: Driving Impression: Renault Clio RenaultSport 197 i don't know about the reliability, but i doubt too that the new clio 3 sport will be as successfull as the older one...

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