One thing they did was improve the steering lock - the biggest complaint on the MkI was that if you did go sideways, there wasn't enough lock to correct it, so it was increased slightly on the MkII (though it was still appalling by all accounts, only ever drove a MkI).

I know they tweaked the rear subframe and I think the mountings on the MkII, if so then modifying a MkI is probably not a goer. As I say, I'm not sure though.

Either way, I don't think the MkII was that different, just a little less prone to oversteer, which may well mean more understeer (as in the Elise S2) so it might not be a good thing anyway. One of these days I'll do a bit of serious research and end up buying one.

 

For

 

Be interested in your thoughts, Mark.

While the Evo excites me, there's something a bit more special about stuff like the V6 and the S2000 etc... and that sort of thing is what makes you smile everytime you think about it, or open the garage door

MB

 

Must stop looking at those pics - I really want one

If only the japs had built the guts of it...

MB

 

Right, when you have a broken leg and not a lot to do all day, plus a substantial amount in the bank waiting to be spent on cars (mostly on the Fury, but I keep being drawn to the car ads.....) you start to daydream.....

Differences I've found;

Wheelbase 23mm longer and track 33mm wider on the MkII
Rear subframe is more rigid and the rear trailing arms are 10mm longer
Front castor angle increased to six degrees (allegedly to give a greater increase in steering weight with rising cornering forces, and improve on-centre feel - that's a lot though).
Front anti-roll bar and front springs both stiffer.
Overall front roll stiffness is more than doubled.
Bump stops are longer, softer and so more progressive in their action: the sudden contacting of the old ones was one stated reason for the old car's abrupt on-limit behaviour (I can testify to this).

In all, MkI to MkII doesn't look like a DIY job.

Seat position is still supposed to be 'perched' though, which to be honest was my biggest criticism, you could probably sort that with some aftermarket seats though.

 

Always loved the look of these cars, they are a lot more striking in the flesh than on paper, real big head turners, and very very rare - hardly seen any down here in Sussex.

Not sure I would buy one though - to get something that is a hatchback, the point of which is supposed to be practicality, and having to accept the sit up and beg seating, not that mega performance, and without the usual practicality benefits a hatch brings you, would I think be a bit disappointing.

 

They look purposeful and I love V6 engines. Alfas last V6 was one of the best engines ever made IMHO.

However, I saw this car on a best motoring vid against other factory modded cars including the Nissan 350Z, Elise 111R, Mazda RX8, M3, EVO VIII MR and an ITR.

Being the only front drive car the ITR suffered from the start and Gan San dissappeared in the M3 and the EVO overtook vars at leisure. But about half way through the Renault had falled to the back because the tyres and brakes and engine were all cooked and the handling was crap. The Nissan adn RX8 suffered in much the same way. The ITR had passed all three and was matching the Elise, which surprised me.

Good for posing, but not likely to ever make my shopping list as at that price there are so many other cars to be had.

SBC

 

I looked at one of these as an alternative when I left the S2k world.

Ended up with the bread van - way way way more enjoyable.

Getting a test drive of a dealer car will be a problem as most dealers don't have them, I emailed the Renault UK Marketing woman for the Clio in the end and she sorted it - otherwise the dealers were going to charge me the delivery fee.

Handling was pretty good - was damp and the dealer was sat next to me...
Sounded nice enough - lots of transmission noise like the 350z, but without the exhaust note
Performance was average I'd say. Certainly no quicker than the S2k - or at least it didn't feel it from the drivers seat.
Interior is cheap - some upgrades over the 172, but the same super high driving position, its crying out for some lower seats. Offset from the steering wheel is crap too.
Practicality - 1/10 (S2k would be 6/10 in comparison). Just enough room behind the seat and the engine to put a briefcase/small suitcase. If you've got a sports holdall, it won't fit anywhere.
Costs - check out how much the replacement brake discs are (front and back)

In summary, test drive one and then buy something else.

 

Correction:

I lied about the holdall, it would fit in the space under the bonnet - which isn't weather sealed.. So you'd have to put it in a bin bag first..

Practicality: 1.5/10 (if you don't have bin bags in the glovebox, 2/10 if you do).

 

Most reviews I've read/seen single this out as the car's biggest failing. It's luggage capacity is so limited, it pretty well rules out any kind of travelling or touring, let alone a trip to the supermarket ...