Has it gone soft? Should it have a manual gearbox? Is turbocharging the wrong direction? Is Will and Kate's baby a boy or a girl? Some of these questions are answered in this video.
excellent review. professional assessment bscked by your driving ability and experience in all things cars Most imprrssive was the intelligent approach to the man vs paddles debate...you provided a breath of fresh air on this thanks for the great review
As a 'young person' and previous clio 182 owner, I reckon the new clio is the best yet, both in terms of looks and features. 1.6L turbo and paddle shifters from a company with strong ties to F1... yes, yes I would like to feel like a race car driver.
I had one for 18 months and I'm looking at getting another (that's why I'm here). I love the things and all that crap about "missing something" is horse shit.
i don't know why most people bash it. i guess it's better than a manual overall, just not fun. who needs fun, when you win the drag every time xD that's the fun
@@comedyman112 I can't agree with you, I've got a more old school view on hot hatches where fun and ability to do lairy stuff on public roads (not having to go ludicrously fast) is top priority. Some modern hot hatches are just too serious (lap times, flappy paddle boxes etc) and you have to be going dangerously fast (and illegaly) to use them to their full potential. More of a fezzer st kind of person to be honest.
Had a cheap front wheel drive car and was enthralled. At one point, my focus was not on shifting, or braking or anything you might imagine. My focus was on the interaction between the right front wheel and the road surface. That was it. My brain was constantly calculating the exact moment of right wheel impact coupled with accelerator depression. Hard to put into words but get it right and it becomes addicting and thrilling.
excellent review and excellent car. I like manual gearbox but I think EDC gx are very fast and practical system, you cant compare them. We need to enjoy them!
Trust me! I'm a vehicle dynamics engineer.... The road spring needs to compress before it reacts any force onto the vehicle chassis. The dampers reacts force almost immediately from an input. When you hit a bump on the road the road spring barely compresses and the majority of force goes to the chassis through the dampers. The springs are used mainly to tune roll stiffness and hence load transfers->slip angles of the tires and hence the overall under steer characteristics of the vehicle.
My opinion is that a hot hatch like this should at least have an option for a manual gearbox. I can see the paddles being useful on a track, but if you're going to primarily use it out on the road it's a lot more fun to shift through the gears with a stick.
I'm a 20 something (26) and I can tell you without a question of doubt I prefer a stick. I learned how to drive on a 5 speed Jetta and nothing beats that control and enjoyment you get.
Chris Harris waxes philosophical on the new Clio RS. I love it. As many videos as I watch, he is THE commentator to beat regarding everything that makes a review great. No doubt I'm a big fan. Great work, Chris. Thanks.
A great review as usual Chris, far more in depth (and a lot more pushing the car's abilities to the limits) than a weekly UK car mag's channel had. Great to see it put through its paces.
Chris, I'm one of those "young people" you were referring to. I'm still partial to a manual gearbox. But I respect how you can think about different perspectives when reviewing cars. Spot on vid!
I know I would like to have my 1983 Rabbit GTI back...people complained when the gen-II came out and it was bigger and more civilized...took the fun out of it....looks like Renault put the fun factor back in, and Chris Harris is just the guy to reveal it...great piece
Yeah, because being in TEXAS is so important. Especially given that Chris's last video was the SLS AMG Black Series, and the one before that a Bentley Conti GT Speed and an Audi S4. Keep up with the diversity Chris - it is what makes life (and driving) interesting.
Ordered one myself a couple of months back, delivery late September hopefully. The car is a much better drive than some reviews / folks would have you believe. If you can get past the thing that it's not the Uber hard core hot hatch that the previous generation/s Clio were, then most people I suspect would be pleasantly surprised how capable this car is both on the road and track. As usual, it's pretty much a matter of what someone wants. All of the current batch of hot hatches are decent motors (Fiesta ST, 208 GTI and the Clio RS). Just comes down to what you are looking for in a car. As an example... the current generation Fiesta ST is a great little car and probably the sharpest of the bunch. But the down side is the pretty firm ride and the fact that it's pretty noisy at motorway speeds (not sure why, as Ford are usually good at sorting NVH). Now this might not bother some, or even be noticed much... but for me on our badly made up rural SW Scottish roads, it pretty much ruled it out for me.While both the 208 GTI and the Clio have a much more forgiving ride. And the 4-doors of the Clio swung it for me. Plus once you take the time to get used to the EDC box (and it does take a while) I decided after many , many years of being a stick-shift man, that I rather liked it. Not perfect though... ideally it needs a 7-speed box (some odd gear ratio's in the current box), and the faster changes available in Race mode, should also be available in Sport mode. And "yes", the paddles on the steering wheel, rather than fixed on the binnacle would be the icing on the cake. Though none of these issues stopped me from enjoying driving the car. As usual, the only way to decide if it's the car for you, is to go for a decent test drive (try and get it for at least an afternoon if possible). Then make your own mind up. I personally think this is one of the better and more objective reviews of this car.
jflmd 916 edj Hi... got fed up of waiting for a new car order (5 months and still a no-show) so cancelled my order and 2 days later bought an X Renault management car (IE. not an X demo... so only one owner). Saved almost £4.5k and a grand more for my trade in. So pretty much wiped out the first years depreciation. Better buy in the end. It's the lux model in Liquid yellow. Unluckily only on stock suspension, really wanted the cup suspension. But to be totally honest, I think I prefer the silver wheels anyway. I've put another 8k miles on it since I bought it last October. And besides some rusty wheels bolts (replaced under warranty), it's been faultless. Ride and handling are spot on I think for the UKs poorly made up roads. Most of my driving (99%) is done on rural SW Scottish back roads. I think the chassis balance is pretty damn good. Cabin quality fine, though some plastics are a bit hard and cheap looking (the car is not alone here I think). Brakes for fast road use are very powerful, though for track use I think you would want harder spec pads. Engine pulls well and is pretty linear in it's power delivery. Though I wish it was a bit more vocal (both engine and exhaust). As to the EDC auto box. I've not had any problems with it and not too sure why there is so many -ve comments about it. It's not the best DSG out there, but it's more than reasonable. Normal auto mode works fine and is OK for the odd time I go into town. The rest of the time I drive it manually with the paddles. I find the speed of the changes acceptable (sport or race mode). I reckon you can change gear three times in the time it would take the average driver (that's me then) to change manually once. Anyone that says different, has either never driven the car, or has a faultily gearbox. One thing you can do with the paddles, is pull one to quickly (but not hard enough) and hence not trigger the switch. I believe the switches on the paddles have been improved on the new Trophy edition that was shown at the Geneva motor show. Not a bad first effort for Getrag (gearbox manufacturer) and Renault in my opinion. Needs a bit more development work to sharpen it up a bit, but that's cars for you. But I can totally understand why some just prefer a manual box. As a fast road car, I think it's a decent motor myself. And yes, I have driven bot the Fiesta st and 208 gti, before deciding on the RS Clio. The Clio is not quite as sharp a car to drive as previous gen ones, but in some ways I consider it a better car for that (IE. far easier to live with). Though in the end it comes down to personal taste and what car in the end floats your boat. Now if the Fiesta ST had come with the option of 4-doors (like it does in the USA) then I might have been willing to over look the harsh low speed ride and the couple of other things I did not like about the car (NB. does not make it a bad car, just not for me). In the end, I'm happy with the car I bought. Just to put things in perspective, I've had three Scoobies in the past, then bought a new shape Suzuki Swift sport (downsized), then decided to sell both the Suzuki and the sensible family Fabia (our other car) and buy just the one motor (IE. the RS Clio). I shall be very interested to see what the revised car coming in September / October will be like. I'm assuming here that some of the mods from the Trophy edition will be carried over to the stock car (just don't expect a manual box). TBC PS. And if you are the sort of person that likes to get your car chipped. Then there are several reputable tuners out there that can extract another 30/40 BHP with a simple re-map (cost around £400) to optimise for running on super unleaded. Just watch the torque increase with it being and auto box (they can account for this in the re-map).
+Michael Owen sorry I've taken only just seen this haha, thanks for your reply, very helpful. drove both a fiesta and the Renault this week and don't really know which I prefer. the ford seemed more refined and better build quality, but I like the sound and gearbox of the Renault. main concern with the Renault is reliability, car I looked at had 15k miles and seemed to be in good shape, but I think if it was driven hard for 3 years some problems would pop up. I just want the most enjoyable car to drive, never owned a hot hatch before, so would you say the Renault is the better option, or vice versa? from what I can gather the Renault would be better as a daily driver, more convenient etc. but the Ford is the choice if you just want fun and want to throw it round the bends quick. same price for both cars, each have different benefits, can't decide, ahhhh
+jflmd 916 edj Up to what you want really. Both are nice cars. As to reliability... Mine is 17 months old (and driven pretty hard) with 23k miles on the clock and nothings broken or dropped off. Not even a rattle or squeak to be honest. IMO it's pretty much a myth that French cars are Shite. I've had two Renault's, two Citroen's and a Peugeot. And can't remember there being much go wrong with any of them. Two worst cars I had for reliability were both VAG products. A Mk4 Golf GTI and a Seat Ibiza TDI 130 sport (this one needed a new engine after only 6 weeks when the can belt snapped and trashed the engine!!! ... I jest not). The Renault also comes with a 4 year 100k warranty (as opposed to 3 years on the Ford). Renault have also done pretty well the last couple of years in the JD Power surveys (both for manufacturers and for the cars). Though as usual, you can have problems with any make/model of car. Good luck whatever you decide. As to me. At the moment I'm probably looking to PX my current car at the back end of this year. So I'll start looking June/July time. Really need something a bit bigger now. Shame they don't do the Renault Sport Megane in a 4/5 door and the new RS model probably wont be out till 2017 (after the cooking cars are released this year). So favourite at the moment is a Ford Focus st3 (I like my toys). We shall see.
I know I shouldn't, but I really want one. It just sounds like a cleverly-engineered car, like everything was made to offer a coherent experience. And by God, is it pretty. One of the prettiest cars of Renault's history.
it's a good looking little performance car. it's quicker than the previous one with even more comfort for every day use, and for those who want something more special (me too) renault will offer a track-focused Gordini version soon. I can't wait to place the order for the Gordini... :)
Seeing this. After owning one. A alfa 159 2.4 diesel and now a Fiesta St MK7 (and previous a 205 gti and saxo 16v). I would probably choose this. It is the most allround. The fiesta ST is a rocket. The 159 is a highway milage monster....... but then again ... the saxo.... maybe even better handeling. less power more courage ... :D I loved all of them in a different way.
Adding. The Clio automatic box wasn't as bad as one did believe.Also if driven like a hooligan you would set it in full manual and then you could not manually out shift it.....
I've got mine in black with the cup pack. Car just eats up corners! Just feels like a full time job to keep the black looking good.....the looks you get though make it worth the effort
Before I saw this I had watched other reviews and I was still adamant that I'd take the old Clio 200 RS over the new car. Now I'm not so sure. I do however have some issues with the rear styling of the new car, so for that reason I'm yet to fall in love with it and really want to buy one. Maybe that will come in the future though.
My dads 69 helped him get a fun car got a Clio 182, gave up trying to find a nice hot hatch with an auto as it didn't exist. But now it does I expect when my dads in his 70's will upgrade to this new Clio auto and the cool thing is it will shift faster than a driver could shift manually!
mmmm.. as a big clio fan and owner of a megane 225 F1 the release of the new Clio was saddening... But as usual Chris Harris' amazing reviews are making me re-evaluate my position on all things RS...
Brilliant! thanks Chris & Drive. Once again made my week with an awesome video. Feel like heading down to the local Renault dealer and giving one a fang!
One of the best review that i ever seen. I love clio, especially the old Clio Williams, it was the genesis of a mith. I love this one, yes a manual gearbox it would be perfect but honestly... i'll buy one of it because i love too much the clio.
Well, after you get your muscle memory used to manual shifting you no longer think about it, it's not the same as texting while driving, it doesn't distract you at all. Yet it's (in my opinion) a very pleasurable feeling, whether you're driving fast or just cruising. Renault probably used an automatic not for safety reasons but to appeal to a younger audience - it's a clio, most will be bought by young people. It probably makes the car faster as well, and number play an important roll nowadays.
Great Review. I've had 2 Clio Sports 172 and 182 Loved them both. I wish I could justify buying a new RS it looks a lot of fun, but then again that's what the Clio Sport has always been....
love the slow mo hi-res shots in the vid. if chris says its okay then it must be but hope they bring out and brembo braked, recaro seated, big wheel arch version.
Mr. Harris, Thank you for a most enjoyable review. I have subscribed to your channel, and very much look forward to future reviews. Its a pity that the Renault is not available in America (or, is it?). Thank you! 'Zahc'
I have owned a GTI DSG for 5 years, great gearbox BUT just got a Focus ST and my God having a manual again is so much more fun, engaging, rewarding and you have much more precise control over the car.. long live manuals I say! :D
Another great review! Regarding the automatic gearbox - we can't blame Renault - IT IS OUR FAULT!!! nowadays customers look for comfy car not proper maschine that reward the driver efforts. Obviousely now the market look for pedal shifter and the good old manual dies - I expect in several years to find manuals only in small less powerful cars and this is so so pity - may be iven in small hatch the manual will be only as option becaus there are no real driver today!
At the end of the day, I like to go fast. And the paddle gearboxes are fun. Part of a hot hatch is low cost, so if they can do it and keep it affordable more power to them. That said I still like my manual transmissions, even the truck with its blown 2nd gear syncro that you have to double clutch like a boss
I agree. They make more sense in a high powered super car, where the theatre of the power and noise go together with the superfast changes offered by those boxes. Part of the thrill of the little hot hatches was getting them screaming, and shifting for yourself, heel-toeing through the twisty stuff, and enjoying the rewards for getting the timing right. This gearbox doesn't make sense in a car like this.
He did! search for 'lift off oversteer" and a drivers republic vid with him in the frame should be the top result. Funnily enough it's in a old 200 Cup as well.
Chris is right, you have to think of this car in terms of what the newer generation of car buyers want, DSG boxes are pretty nice, way better in city traffic on your way to your job which you need to pay for this car, Turbo is better then peaky N/A in the same world which you drive 99% of the time, keep up the good mix of neutral and unbiased reviews, is what seperates you from the others
The point of a hot hatch, really, much like any other enthusiast vehicle is to HAVE FUN! nothing more, nothing less. It really shouldn't matter as to the manual vs automatic, so long as you have fun.
The Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC Is A Hot Hatch Version As Fourth Generation Of Clio a Subcompact Made By Renault Since 1990 Debuted In 2012 Paris Motor Show
Unfortunately that's what enthusiasts want, but not the average car buyer. Renault really needs to sale lots of cars right now, and I think this new Clio RS will be a success. It's powerful but comfortable, it's more usable, more user-friendly in a way. I guess those of us who wanted a more hardcore car will have to wait for the Gordini version.
Having a DCT isn't boring, but that's also not the issue. The reason people like myself prefer a "proper manual" is all about the interaction and the process. Ultimately, if I'm at a track/autocross/or simply driving on a country road. I want to interact with the car, I also want a greater challenge because it results in a greater reward. If I come into a turn and have to heel-toe down 2 gears and nail the apex, its way more rewarding than clicking a lever. For supercars, i would prefer a DCT,
Never doubted this would be a capable car. Not so phased by the omission of natural aspiration. The Megane has I think topped the hot hatch hierache for years with a turbo motor and it is enthusiastic as an engine. Paddles though.... definately not sure. A manual option at least... I can deal with them wanting to sell the car with paddles but why not give us a choice. Surely the best way to broaden appeal is to give us options. Props for discussing the car in terms of its ability though Chris.
I agree the first non-Cup car that Chris drove looked a bit meh, but the Cup looked much tougher with the black, bigger wheels and yellow paint. Small changes but it does make a much bigger impact in my opinion.
One of the first car magazines I ever read had an article comparing the Tesla Roadster and the Porsche Boxster Spyder. Something the writer said has stuck with me ever since. He talked about how he found that the Tesla was an astounding drive and an incredible technological marvel. He also said that the Porsche was a better car, but not by much. The man went on to say that he would always go to the Porsche because its exhaust note burbled. He compared it to the romanticism we have for horse-
Finally! Some videos back i wrote about wishing Chris reviewing some "small" sport cars and here we have it. Hope some day to see reviews about the Corsa OPC, Polo GTi and Fiesta ST. Keep up the good work Chris! (this is in Portugal isnt it? :D)
When you are not driving aggressively you want the throttle and gear changes to be more dampened so that the drive is smoother and less abrupt. That's why you have the RS button.
Looking at this video only serves to further cement my opinion that the best cars for me are stuff like Noble M600 and classic 911s, especially modern interpretation of it like the Singer 911.
My personal experience is the opposite. I feel less tired/bored while driving because I have to concentrate a little more. And it seems like I've got more appreciation for how it all works, so I drive more attentively.
The trouble with a hot hatch looking too eye-catching and like something that's speeding even when it's not, is that it tends to attract the attention of the police. Also, I reckon the solution to understeer in a front wheel drive is to turn the wheel a bit more, and floor it.
It get's very complex when you go into the details, there's secondary spring aids and bump stops. The tyre itself has a lot of compliance,and the bushes can account for over 20% of the wheel rate. In terms of "chop" ride quality (when you hit a pothole at speed or run over cats eyes) you could change the spring rate by 100% and see no difference. A spring is a gradual thing, it takes time to absorb/expel energy. Dampers can be instant. Difference between a Rolls or a Porsche ride, damper tune!
