Test Drive have a big article on the 197 v it's main rivals i.e Fiesta ST, Mini Cooper S etc. The Clio comes top of the pile. They then pit it against the Focus ST and it nearly scores a victory, certainly gives it a bloody nose :) The main downside is extracting the power with max torque up in the 7000 rpm range which makes for a tiring drive. I much prefer the low down turbo inspired torque from the 225 for day to day driving, you never seem to have to try too hard to cover the ground quickly :D

Good to see the 197 holding it's own :lol:

I had never seen a 197 until I went to the stealers last weekend to see if they had an F1 on their books as was interested in trading the Trophy for one.

There it was the 197 in that awesome blue.....man it looked mint! Had a sit in and the demo had all extras, climate, cabasse etc.....it really is an impressive little motor.

Glad to hear it holds its own.