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!
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?
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 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.
@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?
How compromised is the handling of the clio without the cup chassis ? is it a big difference, and on british roads would the softer non cup car be better anyway..anyone test driven both ?
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!!!
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.
@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.
@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.
i have a 1.3 escort with white stripes over the roof, i painted the front disc calipers red and the rear drums red i dont think it stops any faster but shes looking the biz, im going to put some rs badges on next
@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
@santclause1 i think you will find that RS models decrease in value then go back up as they become rare, how much can u get a clio 182 for now?? u can pick up a decent one for 5k
@droptheleash0. yeah i,ve driven both. both awsome. just that CUP was alittle more rewarding, and gave better feedback. acceleration was abit more snappier aswell. due to less weight. got more mpg in the cup too. but i prefer my hothatches as bare as possible. but after owning ST, Type R gt. i wanted to get back to basics as i thought sat nav, nice quality stereos, big soft touch dashes, too much sound proofing spoiled everything a hothatch should be.
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!
@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
@buttnut1080 The clio lifts its inside rear under hard cornering too. Most front drive hatches do as there is minimal weight at the back. Looks dangerous but isn't really.
"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!!!
@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.
@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!
@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!
you are rite it has alot to do with the weight! but i dont think ford could do much else to lose the cars weight as the weight on it is from necessary items such as the revo knuclke diff, 2.5 volvo engine and gearbox.. the big diff being one of the main culprits but its needed, the seats are really thin! the alloys are light weight etc so i dont know how much more weight they could drop with out ruining the car or going carbon fibre/alluminium for the panels which wouldnt work price budget wise
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.
Can anyone owning a clio rs tell me weather it is reliable or not? we have a clio at home and so far no problems but it is 6 yers old and are there any problems with the electronics with the new ones? and if you know the costs of the service please send me a pm. thank you so much!
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.
@Englandforever91 To Englandforevr91. FYI, take a look at the prices for the second hand RS'. 30K new, you can pick them up for 22k now 6 months later. Yes. Holds its value very well eh?
@santclause1 um yes i have. And sure a turbo helps performance but that performance is what makes it more difficult to drive. a normally aspirated car is not hard to drive, turbo or not you will always have to watch the RPMs. To further prove my point look and see why more and more Japanese car manufactures are trying to make more normally aspirated cars then turbos, so inexperienced drivers can perform better on the track.
@santclause1 There is a major difference in the driving style of a turbo and NA engine. I have the 207 RC, the Clio II 1,4 98HP and the RX8 Cosmo. The one I get more fun around bends is the Clio and the Mazda. The Clio is so adjustable with great feedback that unfortunately you don't get in the Pug. In the Pug you have to be careful with the gas while turning because of 1) turbo lag = you need to step on it before than the Clio 2) too much torque = understeer. And yes, torque does make you lazy!
This car looks a darker, more green shade of green in the magazine than in this video. What's the correct shade? That in the video or that printed in the magazine. I prefer the green green in the magazine. It's all about torque isn't it! The Focus has more cubes, 5 cylinders and a turbo hence much more torque. It's a bit like a turbo diesel versus a Type-R VTEC?
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.
Авто/Мото
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! ;)
Lol @ 1:25
"Of course, you'd never drive like this on the road"
I bloody would!!!
2:11 jump was EPIC
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 !
Epic Video!! Great to see a real world style test! Both great cars! Great video Autocar more like this please!
Clio for me! much more understated and engaging as a drivers' car
that road course looks like so much fun !
that's why i love the Clio ;)
Totally agree, more proper racing video's like this please :D
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.
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!
All car comparison reviews should be done like this!!!
great video. This is the way cars should be tested. (2:14min) Great jump smooth landings.
THxs
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!
nice one, i'm getting used to that clios front end now, it looks great!
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?
Just purchased one and i bloody love it
i want a focus! when are they gonna be released? cuz i havent seen any! are they even released yet?
that was some amazing driving by the Guy, brilliant.
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.
That looked like a lot of fun :)
What's better about "catastrophic understeer"?
Thanks
Nick
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.
Why prior not doing this
@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?
@schyzoy what about de TypeR Ep3?
it's Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedford
Where is this?
Is there any way to disable the Renault's beeping noise? I have ears, I know when to change gear.
Good question. Do you enjoy Esther Rantzen?
How compromised is the handling of the clio without the cup chassis ? is it a big difference, and on british roads would the softer non cup car be better anyway..anyone test driven both ?
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!!!
ojala llegara el clio a mexico esta muy bonito
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.
@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.
@Theape30 great point,both are amazin cars but just in different ways
is there clio rs with automatique boite??(dsg) or (bva)
Pdpeppe they are on a private test rack I forget the name but they filmed part of the James bond film casino royal there too
@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.
@fakiu yep. Read the July 2010 edition of top gear mag.
Do you even limiterbash?
Was that road closed to public ? very nice race.
How do you know who's better?
i couldnt help but notice the clio was on the limiter for most of that video, surly not the fastes to way to drive it?
Wicked video, now how about a timed comparison between the Clio, the Focus RS and a GTR over the same course guys? ;)
@poyotubeee i think it's milbrook, i cant remember but it's a closed test facility anyway
great vid... but a swap of drives would have been interesting. The Focus looked very calm.
Awesome race :)
i have a 1.3 escort with white stripes over the roof, i painted the front disc calipers red and the rear drums red i dont think it stops any faster but shes looking the biz, im going to put some rs badges on next
@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
Where's the other seat in the Renault?
@santclause1 i think you will find that RS models decrease in value then go back up as they become rare, how much can u get a clio 182 for now?? u can pick up a decent one for 5k
@droptheleash0. yeah i,ve driven both. both awsome. just that CUP was alittle more rewarding, and gave better feedback. acceleration was abit more snappier aswell. due to less weight. got more mpg in the cup too. but i prefer my hothatches as bare as possible. but after owning ST, Type R gt. i wanted to get back to basics as i thought sat nav, nice quality stereos, big soft touch dashes, too much sound proofing spoiled everything a hothatch should be.
Where is this track?
id love to do this, take my grande punto t-jet turbo around that track would be awesome!!!
They were advertised for 12k brand new in Cup spec in 2009/2010 by Lookers.....Current Fiesta ST is what 23k or somet?
There were no speed limits on this video, it was on a private track.
Ant the outcome was...?
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!
@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
@buttnut1080 The clio lifts its inside rear under hard cornering too. Most front drive hatches do as there is minimal weight at the back. Looks dangerous but isn't really.
Mate has the same Renault but in gray, it's an amazing machine.
@santclause1 Theres a focus RS mk1 with 16,000 miles on the clock and its a 53 plate for £14,000 on the auto trader right now.
i love both of these cars
"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!!!
@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.
@schyzoy dude,this is autocar...the say zr1 is fast as lp670...what did you expected?
They have some decent ones in the new fiesta st.
wow that looked fun
@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!
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!
that's Clio 200 Cup come to Brazil?
I envy them it looks like so much fun!
@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.
@bfcricky - nor in F1. 3-litre V10s until a few years ago, 2.4 litre V8s for the last few years.
@marleyman101 Nope! I mean FD2 the 4 door type r civic
i've got one and i'm able to turn corners in it, is this unsual
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
bought a type r because i there were no renault dealerships near my area at the time. i love clio
@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!
what a splendid job!!
I have to say, that result surprised me alright!
you are rite it has alot to do with the weight! but i dont think ford could do much else to lose the cars weight as the weight on it is from necessary items such as the revo knuclke diff, 2.5 volvo engine and gearbox.. the big diff being one of the main culprits but its needed, the seats are really thin! the alloys are light weight etc so i dont know how much more weight they could drop with out ruining the car or going carbon fibre/alluminium for the panels which wouldnt work price budget wise
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.
Can anyone owning a clio rs tell me weather it is reliable or not? we have a clio at home and so far no problems but it is 6 yers old and are there any problems with the electronics with the new ones? and if you know the costs of the service please send me a pm. thank you so much!
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.
that sucks!! the focus rs is on sale here in mexico
@StigRossi The Camaro is developed by Holden Australia.
Australians had to engineer the Camaro to get it right!
@S2KMDRD who the ford or the clio?
@Englandforever91
To Englandforevr91. FYI, take a look at the prices for the second hand RS'. 30K new, you can pick them up for 22k now 6 months later.
Yes. Holds its value very well eh?
@santclause1 um yes i have. And sure a turbo helps performance but that performance is what makes it more difficult to drive. a normally aspirated car is not hard to drive, turbo or not you will always have to watch the RPMs. To further prove my point look and see why more and more Japanese car manufactures are trying to make more normally aspirated cars then turbos, so inexperienced drivers can perform better on the track.
Is the Focus RS faster than the Focus ST ?????
@santclause1 There is a major difference in the driving style of a turbo and NA engine. I have the 207 RC, the Clio II 1,4 98HP and the RX8 Cosmo. The one I get more fun around bends is the Clio and the Mazda. The Clio is so adjustable with great feedback that unfortunately you don't get in the Pug. In the Pug you have to be careful with the gas while turning because of 1) turbo lag = you need to step on it before than the Clio 2) too much torque = understeer. And yes, torque does make you lazy!
Amazing
@santclause1 cant you type '?
@santclause1 Yep, ive got a 10 plate blue Focus RS which ive had since March.
This car looks a darker, more green shade of green in the magazine than in this video.
What's the correct shade? That in the video or that printed in the magazine. I prefer the green green in the magazine.
It's all about torque isn't it! The Focus has more cubes, 5 cylinders and a turbo hence much more torque.
It's a bit like a turbo diesel versus a Type-R VTEC?
you mean get left behind by it or crashing on every bend?
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.