I know this has probably been done before but I would like your opinions please.
Which of all of the recent hatches that Renault has produced would be the one that is the most playful and or best handling.
I am asking because although I really like the Megane, I have a feeling it is a little lardy compared to something like a Clio with a cup pack. When I finally get some money out of my business I would like to start hillclimbing my 309 gti and I am looking for a road car to bring my diluted driving senses back to life. I know all cars handle differently, but I suppose I am looking for the sharpest knife in Renaults draw?
Cheers

According to Performance Tuner this month (R26 vs R27) they put the R27 down as the car with the best handling round a tight track / B roads.

I guess the 197 Cup will be a tad better given that it will be a little lighter.

Must say the Clio handels so so well, ask Jamie Mc what he thinks of it lol

hahaha thats only because he drove into RS tuning sideways, i'll never forget the look on shinys face!

clio R27 handles like a dream yeh, gotta agree

clio R27 handles like a dream yeh, gotta agree



How does a 182 handle compared to a 197/R27, also is there a noticable difference in performance


Phil

clio R27 handles like a dream yeh, gotta agree



How does a 182 handle compared to a 197/R27, also is there a noticable difference in performance


Phil

From what I've heard it feels a lot more grippy and you can commit to a corner harder.

And yes there is a noticeable difference, it's slower (again not 1st hand).

Speed wise there is no difference in speed is there surely?


Having been lucky enough to have use of the girlfrieds 197 i find it hard to think of a car that handles so well, it's been lowered on H&R and since then it handled even better, i've got to say that before the suspension wasn't as good as what i though it would be and there was even a tiny amount of body roll.


Now it just holds on and takes you around the bend amazingly quick.

Hmmm yeh suppose but on saturday we had a 182 there modded up and that was fast n grippy. fast as the R27 maybe. sayin that it was modded (very nicely len)

the R27's cornering tho is brilliant, so grippy. the one on sat was lowered too and was the best handling car i went in all day

Cheers for the advice fellas-was there a 182 cup?

I guess they way to some it up is if you want a crazy handling car go for any of the renault sport clios! :D


The 172 has got to be one of my favourites though!

I have gathered that that seems to be the consensus but which Clio is the sharpest?

probably a 172 then as it's the lightest

probably a 172 then as it's the lightest

Not necessarily, the 182 Trophy would be the best, probably followed by the 172 Cup.

However from the reviews of the R27 that has got to be better, sure someone who's driven / owned them all could confirm or deny.

Ill let you know on Monday when I pick mine up.

Was it the 182 trophy that Phil Bennet in EVO declared as the best ever hot hatch a while back?

Was it the 182 trophy that Phil Bennet in EVO declared as the best ever hot hatch a while back?

Yup, and I'm inclined to agree. I'm sure Gareth (Funkymunky) will agree to as we are both former Trophy owners. They may not have the power and punch of the R26/225, but they are so much livelier and more chuckable. There's not much that can get close to them as a performance car for around £10k and they will still embarass most things on the road.

Incredible feel and you can do the most ridiculous things to them without ever feeling in trouble. The only place they fall down is under hard braking where you get such a huge transfer of weight, that the back get's pretty jumpy. You only really notice this on track though.

Otherwise get a 172 cup. Just as quick, just not quite as polished. :yes:

cheers badger, I think that 'we' have whittled it down to 2 then?

182 trophy's going for about 10k-is that about right with low mileage?

Was it the 182 trophy that Phil Bennet in EVO declared as the best ever hot hatch a while back?

Didn't it come 2nd the the DC2?

I believe that was a different test-but it was the greatest handling front wheel drive car ever test- and you are right, the DC2 came first but wasnt it a Williams that was in that test.
Phil Bennet did a separate test on the Trophy iirc?

No the trophy and the Williams were both in the EVO test alongside things like Pug 205gti's.

I have a R26 and had a Trophy before that and find that grip is similar in the R26 and trophy although i think you would find the limits of grip in the the R26 before the trophy.

Saying that round a track i found that the R26 could carry more speed through high speed corners and had great acceleration out of lower speed ones but for changes of direction it would not match the trophy.

On a twisty road i would say the trophy would have a edge, but they are both great cars. Drive them and see which one you prefer, you will get a big smile out of them both!

Nice one, I have just registered over at cliosport.net to get an idea of whats going on with clios as I realise this is predominately a Megane site. Its good to hear ex clio owners views though that have traded from a clio to a megane as it will give me the balance that I am looking for.

I think there is(from my point of view) a bit of a boy racer stigma attached to the clio's which is why I have never really considered one, but if I am missing out on one of the best handling FWD cars around and it keeps my hillclimbing senses on the boil then I think I am foolish to overlook one.

The 182 trophy sure looks like the best compromise between a newer looking car and handling entertainment.

I shall keep on researching :wavey: