BIG IDEASThe new Clio RenaultSport 197 may be small but its ideas are much further reaching. Inspired by F1 technology, it brings big competition to the hot hatch world. The presence of a spoiler and other down-force generating designs used to be reserved for pricey sports cars or wannabe boy-racers. Except now the smaller more affordable cars are getting more serious about performance and so actually require some grounding measures.
Take the new 197’s air diffuser, which is used in place of a rear spoiler and counteracts the car’s tendancy to lift-off the ground at high speeds. The F1 derived diffuser creates a zone of low pressure beneath the car and the semi-rigid aerodynamic splitter accounts for the amount of air that is directed underneath. Further proving that every detail of design has been thought through, even the flush-fitted exhausts are squeezed neatly inside the outer channels for aerodynamic purposes.
Also enhancing the car’s efficiency is the front wing extractor vents which make the best use of the drag coefficient. The vents are designed to direct the flow of air along the sides of the car as well as managing the hot air under the bonnet. Indeed with a power output of nearly 100bhp to every litre, things do get a little heated in there.
The 197’s 2.0litre 16 valve engine may seem to have very modest performance upgrades in comparison with the hugely popular Clio 182 Cup and Trophy models it succeeds. However the 197’s engine has been worked on rather tentatively, it now has continuous variable valve timing and improved gas flow to the engine. The 197’s inlet tracts have also been tuned to give a ram-effect; they now produce over 100 per cent volumetric efficiency. Other details such as a higher valve lift, larger diameter valves and the re-shaping of their seats have also contributed to its performance.
Yes, it’s true that the 197 is a more voluptuous; 1240kg in kerb weight but its racy personality more than makes up for that. The 197 lives up to its name with197PS (194bhp) at 7,250rpm and it also produces 215Nm of torque when the revs reach 5,550rpm. This gives it the best torque figures in its class; it also has among the lowest figures for fuel consumption in the hot hatch segment, covering 31.7 miles to every gallon of fuel consumed.
Its normally aspirated engine is coupled to a six-speed close ratio gearbox which is designed to excel in in-gear acceleration. Even from rest the 197 can reach 62mph in a respectable 6.9 seconds and is keen to play right up until the tacho reads 134mph. Renault knows that it is appealing to real driving fanatics and that its sports brand has an expectation to fulfil. Rather like Sharon Stone’s return in Basic Instinct 2, the box office knows it will get bums on seats but can it really be a bigger hit than the first?
Well a lot of things have changed since the early nineties but we’re pleased to say that Ms Stone’s raunchy appeal certainly hasn’t and nor has the essence of Renault’s Sports brand. In fact it looks even sharper with its wider track and burly Continental Sport Contact 3 tyres (215/45 R17) tyres. The spare wheel has also been replaced by two tyre repair aerosols and there’s now enough space to accommodate for the exhaust silencer and twin tailpipes.
The biggest changes though have gone on inside the car with race-style aluminium pedals and footrest as well as a perforated leather steering wheel with its red centre stitching. Black and white is the colour coding for the instruments and their backdrop while the over all charcoal colour for the seats and the plastics is complimented by a chrome-zinc centre console and dashboard inserts with echo technology and sports performance. There is also a new indicator-light on the rev counter which shows you how to optimise performance through each gear change. There’s also Recaro bucket seats on the options list if you want that whole enveloped experience.
When on the move, you should also notice some improvements in traction due to the double-axis strut system. This set-up weighs less than the previous Macpherson struts as it features aluminium components. Handling has also been enhanced by the torsion beam rear suspension which has been significantly strengthened. At the front end too the 197 is firmer thanks to the subframe that it shares with the Megane Renaultsport 225 and when the going gets rough, its all round polyurethane bump stops will take the flak.
Essentially what you’ve got is a well honed Clio III with even sharper styling cues, wilder power stats and tauter, more athletic underpinnings. Getting ideas?
Verdict
FOR:
AGAINST:
CONCLUSION:
Spec
ENGINE: 1,998 cc, 4 in-line / 16v, Bore x stroke (mm) 82.7 x 93
POWER: 194bhp
TORQUE (lb/ft): 5,550rpm, Max. torque Nm EEC (m.kg) 215 (21.9)
0-62mph (sec): 6.9
TOP SPEED: 134 mph
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed Manual
SUSPENSION: Front suspension Double-axis strut system, Rear suspension Torsion beam with programmed deflection - coil springs, Front/rear anti-roll bar - dia (mm) 20 / 30 integrated
BRAKES: Braking System Front: Cross drilled ventilated 312 discs with Brembo four pot callipers, Braking System Rear: 300mm discs
WHEELS: 7.5 J 17
TYRES: 215/45 R 17 Continental Sport Contact 3
WEIGHT: Unladen kerb weight 1,240, Front unladen kerb weight 800, Rear unladen kerb weight 440, Gross vehicle weight (GVW) 1,690
|
|
