200T: It true I actually like it..

[Fernandez]

I've always been quite vocal in my dislike for the new Clio and have let it be known many times that 5 doors and a fake gearstick is not what a hot hatch Renault should be...

Well after all that I'm gonna have to eat my words as I was fortunate to have a little play in #Ashtons mighty fine 200T earlier on today.

Now before I even got in it the subtle little changes he's made, black badges etc, have gone a really long way to improve the look of the car and to my surprise I didn't really notice the 5 doors.

Inside is very different to the 200 I'm used to and it's clear to see that there is a lot more detail and thought gone into the ergonomics, even the non Recaros were more comfortable and more supportive than I thought they'd be so again I was impressed.

Now to the business end. The first thing that struck me about this car was the noise, the Supersprint system on the car is quite simply epic, so much so that I want that noise in my car. The pops it produces on over run and on gear change are so addictive which also brings me to the gearbox..

It goes without saying that I only drove the car in race mode and I have to say the flappy paddle gearbox is a pleasure to use. The gear change is almost instant and the noise from the exhaust on up and down changes put a smile on my face that was wider than the car. I'm sure Kenny wishes he had a Go pro in the car because my reaction to it was a massive surprise.

Overall I have to say that I've warmed massively to this car and so glad that I got the chance to experience it properly. It's hard to actually compare the old and new car because they are so different but I can now see what and why Renault have done it.

Would I buy one.. mmmmmm actually if I didn't have the meg engine I think I would.

 

[Ross]

You know that comedy show where they do the sketch of "what he actually means", cant remember the name but basically David Cameron giving some crap speech and a comedian voices it afterwords and tells you what he's actually saying, i'd gladly do one for the above

The 200 turbo is the nail in Renaultsports (little hatch) coffin, only pappa Megane is worth thinking about. I would write a 200T buyers guide if needed, "buy a Fiesta", there all done

(Sorry, ready now to be flamed)

 

[badbuzz2]

[MENTION=4519]Ross[/MENTION] everyones allowed an opion bud :thumbup:

 

[frediiii]

drove one stock and i'msorry, but i'm with ross on that one. megane or gtfo.

 

[Ashton]

Told you [MENTION=1272]Fernandez[/MENTION]

Hatters gonna hate

 

[jimfacebinface]

I sat in one while I was waiting for my van to be serviced yesterday afternoon. The more I see them, the more I quite like the look of them, especially seeing the Cup Racers the other week at Brands! Unfortunately, they wouldn't let me take it out without my counterpart licence with me but having heard Ashton's videos, I can see why that sound is addictive. I see why Renault developed the car as it may appeal more to a wider market perhaps. I definitely don't think it's a step back from the 200

 

[nutnutwelshman]

It's a great car I told you so last year after I drove it

 

[Matt W]

You know that comedy show where they do the sketch of "what he actually means", cant remember the name but basically David Cameron giving some crap speech and a comedian voices it afterwords and tells you what he's actually saying, i'd gladly do one for the above

The 200 turbo is the nail in Renaultsports (little hatch) coffin, only pappa Megane is worth thinking about. I would write a 200T buyers guide if needed, "buy a Fiesta", there all done

(Sorry, ready now to be flamed)

Have you driven one? I'm going to have a test drive of one eventually and will report back.

(Had a MK4 diesel courtesy car and was impressed with it overall).

 

[Fernandez]

I really don't think you can compare the old with the new.. Lots of people say the new car is the death of Renaultsport and even I said that. The reality is that without this new direction Renaultsport would've struggled.

Look how few cars they have sold in the last 5 years. Times have changed and no longer can small specialist manufacturers survive. We purist fans may not like the direction Renaultsport have taken but far from being the nail in the coffin this car is actually taking the brand to a whole new market.

 

[Tree200]

I test drove one on Wednesday which had every option box ticked being he demo car and I agree with some of the points you said, the interior is a much nicer place to be, I wasn't keen on the display in the middle at first but had a play with the r link and RS monitor while I was waiting for the dealer it and it's good even if it does look a little like it's been plonked on the dash. The seats were surprisingly comfy and supportive (this had the heated leather seats too) . Maybe I didn't have long enough to drive it and at times there was a bit too much traffic but I did have a play in race mode and launch control. The exhaust note was nice an more pops an burbles than I expected. The ride was good compared to what I'm used to but I didn't really get a chance to push it in the corners and the time I drove it just felt a bit soft. I didn't feel like there was much more go (not enough to change it).


It is growing on me but it's not going to make me change yet, and to be honest I think I would rather meg the 200 or wait and see what a phase 2 will be like.

 

[Dmonk197]

it may be in the right direction of where the car industry is going which is less emissions using turbos. but one thing will not change...for now for me.... its ugly!!

yes with all the wheels and skirts and RS stuff it looks better but personally its not special enough (aggressive wise)
but i have felt the same for he last 2-3 MK golfs and most modern new cars.

 

[N0ddie]

Knew the humble pie would be taken before long lol.

200Ts are awesome cars.

I want a Supersprint zaust now :bye2:

 

[IanRS200]

I can accept the fact that all manufacturers are heading the same way with the 1.6 Turbo but still like [MENTION=37928]Dmonk197[/MENTION] says I still think it's ugly

 

[Ashton]

'its different, people are always afraid of what's different'

#nosheephere

 

[nutnutwelshman]

[MENTION=9615]Tree200[/MENTION] 200T what's the biggest deference to my Meg. !!!!

 

[Foxspeed]

I really don't think you can compare the old with the new.. Lots of people say the new car is the death of Renaultsport and even I said that. The reality is that without this new direction Renaultsport would've struggled.

Look how few cars they have sold in the last 5 years. Times have changed and no longer can small specialist manufacturers survive. We purist fans may not like the direction Renaultsport have taken but far from being the nail in the coffin this car is actually taking the brand to a whole new market.

and the gap its left has been filled by the st....

it may take the rs brand to a new market/technology but it also has taken it over the magic £££ barrier only have to see how the cheaper and simpler st has been a success!

if the new clio4 rs had been 3dr with the edc as an option then I think there would be more on the roads as it would also be cheaper and I for sure would have had one at the top of my list

 

[Tree200]

[MENTION=9615]Tree200[/MENTION] 200T what's the biggest deference to my Meg. !!!!

I would say it's more of a baby brother to the meg than the 200 is. With the fact that it is much more refined (like the meg) feels more held together and I thought the dash and other plastics had a nicer feel too. And obviously being a turbo engine too, the low down power is there albeit on a different level.

 

[Mattie]

I'm like you were Angel, I still dislike the car but can imagine after driving one my opinion would change like yours has.
But one opinion that won't change is it is one fugly car!! I've always disliked the appearance of clios untill I got a 197 which I believe is/will be the best looking clio

 

[Ashton]

Ugly/beauty is in the eye of the beholder

People like different things

I like mine. That's what matters to me

 

[Mentalpen]

My only gripe with it is,

1. i'd have liked a manual as a no cost option or slightly cheaper (shuts everyone up)
2. i'd have liked the silver trim as a black pack or no cost option
3. i'd have liked a seat option (been told it is coming)
4. i'd have preferred the rear door handles like on the zoe not sure why they didn't use them tbh
5. not keen on how renault have thrown the monitor/r-link system on the dash but its the same on the zoe as in it just hasn't been moulded into the dash. Its as if its a tablet you are supposed to remove and take away.
6. Bugger all intensive to buy one. I went to put 15K deposit down on a LY lux with cup chassis and even though i got a discount i couldn't get 0% finance..........

The car is cracking tho