went to look and have a go in a Clio 197 today , seemed ok , but i'm comparing it to my Fabia VRS , so it was difficult to really get a feel for it after over 2 years of diesel power/low down torque , has anybody got one or tested one , so can give me more info as to whether its worth buying

I've tested one, interior and quality is a big step up from the 182, but the 197 lacks a lot of the kit that was standard on the 182, yet costs more. Plus, while the screaming engine is exciting it's hard work to keep on the boil. Evo magazine did a test recently against the new Mini Cooper S (172bhp 1.6 turbo petrol) - the Mini ate the 197 on the uphill twisties, not so much through handling but simply on grunt pulling away on the straights, despite the 25bhp defecit.

after over 2 years of diesel power/low down torque ,

Think they should fit the engine from the Megan 225 into the Clio :eek:

it would be some machine then, and would have quite enough torque to keep even a diesel driver happy.

Yes ..........but with all the trim falling off, it could be dangerous!!

One drove past me the other week on its way back to the dealer. Sounded lovley.

I agree the interior is loads better than the old model.

As for it falling to bits. Well my fabia rattle more and been back to the dealer more than swmbo clio.

Think they should fit the engine from the Megan 225 into the Clio :eek:

it would be some machine then, and would have quite enough torque to keep even a diesel driver happy.

i've just read the latest EVO car of the year test and thats exactly what they say

Unfortunately you're well used to having all that torque, using the same gear for everything and generally having to put no effort in whatsoever.

An n\a petrol engine will always feel like a let down (unless it's massive) regardless of how much power is actually being produced because you have to work harder and you don't get that shove in the back.

I'd struggle to live with one these days I think.

Anyone changed that way - what's the consensus?

i'm thinking of getting a Clio Trophy instead now , seem to be more in my price range , i remember that WrightyRS has just got one , and he said it was excellent , which is what the mags say

the mini may have a 25bhp deficit but it has 25lbft more that is available from something silly like 1600rpm where as the 197 doesn't make peak torque untill about 5500rpm so thats why it was better out of bends and up hills. according to evo though don't really bother with the clio and get a cooperS. the clio is capable of cornering better than a the mini but has to be driven like an absolute madman to do it where as the mini is easy to drive. apparently.

i'm thinking of getting a Clio Trophy instead now , seem to be more in my price range , i remember that WrightyRS has just got one , and he said it was excellent , which is what the mags say

Theirs a blue 182 with white strips in arnold clarke in St Helens. I know its not a trophy but I once heard the shocks can be a pain to get hold of if you need to replace them.

So you getting rid of the furby?

Theirs a blue 182 with white strips in arnold clarke in St Helens. I know its not a trophy but I once heard the shocks can be a pain to get hold of if you need to replace them.

So you getting rid of the furby?

just toying with it a the mo ,i would find it hard to give up the diesel torque and good fuel consumption

you're probably right about the shocks , very specialist , so very expensive to replace or get overhauled

I just don't know what i want and i don't like just showing up at dealers and asking for a joyride in their demo either:O

I just don't know what i want and i don't like just showing up at dealers and asking for a joyride in their demo either:O

I feel the same. Plus dont like some dealers idea of a test drive.

How about a new Suzuki Swift GTI thingy? Dont like the idea of a brand new one as I think they will drop in value quickly.

I feel the same. Plus dont like some dealers idea of a test drive.

How about a new Suzuki Swift GTI thingy? Dont like the idea of a brand new one as I think they will drop in value quickly.

yeah , i had thought about a Suzuki GTI , but at

Blagged a test drive in the Suzuki Swift GTI a couple of weeks ago and have to say they have a really nice styling both inside and out. Sadly though it is not a very quick car. I would even say it was slower than the Fabia VRS , and the engine noise in the cabin at 75mph was just horrific. Really needs a sixthgear and this was coming from the sales guy.

I am not sure I could go back to an NA petrol now after having a few turbodiesels

The Fabia was great, and a lot of cars I tested when I was deciding upon a change just didnt feel as quick, yet they are much faster. The one that sticks in my mind most was the Audi TT225. It really didnt feel that special although it has 100 hp more than the Fabia. Ok it was a bit quicker, but not in my mind worth the £ difference.

Then I drove the 330d...

All that I can say is I am now waiting for the 130d as I miss having a hatchback. There should be more big diesels IMHO! At present the choice is limited to the Vectra (horrible to drive) the BMWs and the Mercs which at the end of the day are very expensive compared to the Fabia and such.

Edit:

The 330d is much heavier than the Fabia and does feel really nose heavy but once you get used to it you can chuck it about quite confidently. I have the SE model and I am sure the Sport handles better still with the M suspension and larger wheels. I've just reached the 'turning TCS off and getting the back end out' stgae

I've just reached the 'turning TCS off and getting the back end out' stage

just be careful John , we've had enough minor prangs on Briskoda recently

Will do