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Renault Clio 2.0 Renaultsport 197
What's new?
Car designers instinctively understand the principle of balance. When they have to replace a package as finely balanced as the Clio 182, it must give them sleepless nights. How do you move things along without fracturing the magic? Here’s Renault’s 29 million Euro solution and, thankfully, it consists of rather more than the standard Clio hatch with a beefy engine, a few spoilers and suspension tweaks.
A development of the previous-generation Clio 182’s unit, the new 2.0-litre motor has been treated to a redesigned variable valve timing system, aimed at improving driveability at all speeds. It develops 194bhp (close to 100bhp per litre) and 159lb ft of torque, and is mated to a close-ratio six-speed gearbox.
Renaultsport has shown admirable restraint with the testosterone spray but there’s little of the Clio III that hasn’t been changed. Even the space for the spare wheel has been filled with the twin tailpipes and their silencers. Those pipes are designed to work the F1-inspired rear diffuser (the first to appear on a hot hatch), which works against lift at the rear.
Renault claims 40kg of downforce at ‘very high speed’ – by which it presumably means 134mph – and says it produces enough to do without a rear spoiler. The overall effect is extremely classy with bags of rear-view mirror presence and a beautifully understated muscularity.
Despite the surprisingly high kerbweight of 1240kg, Renault claims a useful 6.9sec to 62mph and a top speed of 134mph. And that’s simply too good for rivals such as the Ford Fiesta ST and Mini Cooper S.
The performance is delivered with vast enthusiasm but poses a nagging thought: has this thing really got nearly 200bhp? The modest torque and deluxe weight figure provide the clues. Perhaps the tubbiness is down to the standard air-con, electric windows, cruise control, CD player and key card entry. Nevertheless, the 197 is quicker than the 182, taking 6.9sec to 62mph.
Once the 2.0-litre Renaultsport motor gets the bit between its teeth – from 5000rpm to 7250rpm, more or less where the torque and power curves peak – it pulls strongly and with great freedom. The engine never feels particularly brawny, but has real part-throttle zest and a huge appetite for being revved mercilessly.
Mechanically, it stays smooth and sweet all the way to the rather abrupt limiter and, even if the short gearlever doesn’t always snap between slots with consistent accuracy, the six ratios are as closely spaced as a speedwalker’s stride.
Although the basic suspension is carried over from the 182, it’s substantially modified. With a lengthened wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks, the 197’s rear suspension has been stiffened by 25 per cent and fitted with a 30mm anti-roll bar. The sub frame is from the Mégane Renaultsport 225 and includes transverse strengthening for a stiffer front end. Subframe bushes, rear suspension mountings and front shock absorber mountings have also been stiffened.
Moreover, Renaultsport has used a double-axis strut system which it claims makes for a big reduction in the effects of torque-induced forces acting on the car as it accelerates through a corner. The steering axis is independent of the damping system.
Braking hardware is based on the Mégane 225’s: Brembo four-pots acting on 312mm discs at the front and 300mm discs at the rear. The ESP, which comes with traction control, can be fully disconnected.
What's it like?
The result is intriguing. Objectively, the 197’s dynamic reach completely out-classes the 182’s, most vividly through the astonishingly successful elimination of torque steer, the tenacity of its grip and its general economy of motion. The 197 rolls less than its fabulous forbear yet the ride is more supple still. The stiffness of the bodyshell, teamed with what appears to be nigh-on damping perfection and polyurethane bump stops, make a big difference on a bumpy road which the 197 treats with pliant indifference. Similarly impressive is the suppression of suspension bump-thump, tyre roar and, wind noise. And the brakes – powerful, firm-pedalled and fade-free – seem more than up to the job.
Should I buy one?
It’s a minor triumph for Renault and Renaultsport. The Clio 197 is, in nearly every respect, an exquisitely judged hot hatch – tasteful, quick, agile and grippy – and, at £15,995, undoubtedly fine value. But something has gone missing. At the end of a hard drive, you step out feeling full of admiration but curiously untouched by adrenalin. In the 182, you wouldn’t get out until the tank ran dry.
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