james_h
Platinum Member
As some of you know I chopped in the 197 for a 200 with Cup Chassis.
1 Week on I thought I would share a few of the positives I have enjoyed so far (about 100 miles)
Exterior:
Like Marmite I guess, but I love it. Gloss black bumper and lush looking front/rear diffusers gives an ultra modern image and brings the look up to date IMO. The rear exhaust trims look great.I love the Antracite RS cup alloys against the Red Brembo's and Albi paintwork.
Chassis (cup):
Completely different feel. Much firmer and so stiff, uneven road surfaces make you want to cry.(very similar to my 172 cup) High and low speed cornering is immense, it's just so hard to push this car to the limit as the limit is so high!. Tonnes less body roll, can't emphasise that enough. Much sharper/precise steering. Back breakingly hard ride. A class act IMO - well done Renault!
Interior:
Very similar but nice graphite dash inserts. Standard seats have grey/white bolsters which makes it feel very sporty. Dials look fab, yellow tacho looks great. The beep to change is a nice touch.
Engine/Gearbox:
Again, feels almost like a different engine and gearbox. 197 felt so flawed at low RPM in first which really disappointed me. Revised gearbox ratios so I believe, and more torque available lower down the rev range gives 1st and 2nd gears a total overhaul IMO. Out of first quicker and much better pick up below 4k.
MPG:
I have to mention it. Was getting about 24-26 to the Gallon (on a freshly serviced 197 as well), now averaging 30-35. 6th feels longer
and motorway driving now more efficient. That is about 50/50 split between town and motorway driving - driving very sensibly as well mind.
1 Week on I thought I would share a few of the positives I have enjoyed so far (about 100 miles)
Exterior:
Like Marmite I guess, but I love it. Gloss black bumper and lush looking front/rear diffusers gives an ultra modern image and brings the look up to date IMO. The rear exhaust trims look great.I love the Antracite RS cup alloys against the Red Brembo's and Albi paintwork.
Chassis (cup):
Completely different feel. Much firmer and so stiff, uneven road surfaces make you want to cry.(very similar to my 172 cup) High and low speed cornering is immense, it's just so hard to push this car to the limit as the limit is so high!. Tonnes less body roll, can't emphasise that enough. Much sharper/precise steering. Back breakingly hard ride. A class act IMO - well done Renault!
Interior:
Very similar but nice graphite dash inserts. Standard seats have grey/white bolsters which makes it feel very sporty. Dials look fab, yellow tacho looks great. The beep to change is a nice touch.
Engine/Gearbox:
Again, feels almost like a different engine and gearbox. 197 felt so flawed at low RPM in first which really disappointed me. Revised gearbox ratios so I believe, and more torque available lower down the rev range gives 1st and 2nd gears a total overhaul IMO. Out of first quicker and much better pick up below 4k.
MPG:
I have to mention it. Was getting about 24-26 to the Gallon (on a freshly serviced 197 as well), now averaging 30-35. 6th feels longer
and motorway driving now more efficient. That is about 50/50 split between town and motorway driving - driving very sensibly as well mind.
