As I'm pretty much new to this site, I was wondering what other people think of them? I've had three of them over the last six years, a 182 Cup, 197 R27 and then finally a 200.


Great fun was had in the 182 and I really didn't want to sell back in 2007, but I got a fantastic deal on a new 197 R27 (£4k off the list price.)



This was the only car that I ever regret selling, it was faultless in the three years that I had it, which included a few trips around Bedford and Cadwell Park.
I traded her for a six month old Clio 200 and it was a mistake.


OK it offered slightly more low down torque than what the 197 had, but there was just not enough difference and it didn't look as good as my old 197 R27.
So I sold her after nine months and bought the S2000.


What can I say that you don't already know - They're superb cars. I wonder if it's a keeper?

 

You will work a lot harder on a circuit than in the R27.
Indeed a stonking little hatch.
Ragged around with a few in my R26 and there was little in it anywhere.

I quite fancy one now

 

I've got a 197f1 Team. Love it.

 

I loved mine. Why did I sell it?!?!? It was bloody weird when I saw it being driven around Chichester by it's new owner.

Yep the 197 was awesome, I never tracked my 200 (got slightly put off when some dude rolled and flattened his 2 month old 197 Cup at Cadwell Renaultsport day I was at.) Although I did drive a 200 around Cadwell and I would say it was fractionally better.

 

I've never been out in one, despite liking them and having a few friends with various different versions. But I've done the whole French hot hatch thing and wouldn't go back.

 

I've broken the clutch in a 197 at the nurburgring. Fun times.

 

I had a 172. Absolutely hated it! Sold it after 2 months!

 

A few of my friends are into Renaults so I've driven/been in quite a few different models: 172 Cups, 182 Trophies, R26s, 197s, 200s even a Twingo 133.

I think they're great little cars and have considered buying a 200 as a cheap runaround.

Chris.

 

I had a 172 Cup and it was awesome, spent more time on 3 wheels than 4

I love the 'mario kart' effect it had when it got going on cam, handling was great and it constantly encouraged you to drive it like you stole it! Lift off oversteer was great fun and so easy to control too

The cup was miles apart from the full fat which in comparison felt lethargic and wallowy. The weak points in my opinion were the gearboxes and the launch or stall it option it gave you with how the clutch bite was!

 

I really like a lot of things about mine... The pace, grip, looks, gadgets, massive boot space, economy, brakes, Recaros etc.

But, the Cup suspension is bloody hard at lower speeds, the engine just sounds gash and drones all the time, it's jerky when cold, I'm getting a bit of 3rd gear crunch and it's a bit cheap inside.

But for what they cost, bargain.