New car - £12/13k

RussZS

RussZS

RussZS

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Joined
23 Jan 2006
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669
I currently have a RenaultSport Clio 197 R27, which I love, but it's lack of torque and requirement to 'thrash' to get any power out of it have become somewhat tiresome (it's a sign of getting old, I fear!).

So, time for a new car. However, I am totally in love with the chuckability, poise, grip and handling of the Clio; so whatever replaces it still needs to offer each of these at a relatively similar level.

My other 'issue' with the Clio is its awful economy - 24MPG average for me. Now, whilst I can afford the fuel, it strikes me that the level of performance is not in relation to running costs.

The only other consideration is insurance - needs to be Group 17 or below.

Obvious choice is a Megane R26... but what else is there?

Russ.
 
What on earth are you doing to get 24 mpg out of the Clio, you could have a faulty lambda sensor. I get 34 mpg from my 182 and that isn't being particularly easy on it.
 
The 197's are notorious for their poor economy - I get 28MPG if I drive very conservatively, or 35MPG at 65mph on a run.

Worst I've seen on one is 12, but that was at Silverstone.

The older RS Clio's are a LOT better on fuel.
 
antipacker said:
Astra VXR nice
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Hmm, they look nice and are quick in a straight line, but the understeering and general handling is a bit dodgy coming from a well sorted RenaultSport.

Decent enough I guess, but depends what you're used to I suppose.

Focus ST is nice, but again, handling isn't quite 'there' for me - too much body roll and feels too heavy. Epic grip though, and amazing engine.

330CI could be an option - never tried one...
 
RussZS said:
Hmm, they look nice and are quick in a straight line, but the understeering and general handling is a bit dodgy coming from a well sorted RenaultSport.

Decent enough I guess, but depends what you're used to I suppose.

Focus ST is nice, but again, handling isn't quite 'there' for me - too much body roll and feels too heavy. Epic grip though, and amazing engine.

330CI could be an option - never tried one...
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Regarding the understeering cars, they only understeer if you are going far too fast around corners but in real world conditions this isn't likely unless you have a death wish. Definatley test drive these cars before you spend £12k on a car which you 'may' regret.
 
peterattheboro said:
Regarding the understeering cars, they only understeer if you are going far too fast around corners but in real world conditions this isn't likely unless you have a death wish. Definatley test drive these cars before you spend £12k on a car which you 'may' regret.
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Exactly on the road and in real world conditions I've NEVER had a problem with understeer or even torque steer and thats with 285bhp and 320ft-lb.
 
peterattheboro said:
Regarding the understeering cars, they only understeer if you are going far too fast around corners
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I suggest that you read up on Traction Circles as your statement is very misleading. Going too fast around a corner is one way of understeering as is breaking too hard while cornering or accelerating too hard while cornering. From my admittedly limited understanding the problem with powerful FWD cars (especially turbos) is that the power is delivered very low down the rev range so it is very easy to break the traction circle especially as it is the front tyres that are trying to deliver power and steer the car. Now obviously driver aids like traction control can mask the problem and modern suspension & tyres are far better at handling big power through the front wheels but put me in a powerful FWD car and I could drive round a corner at 30mph safely and on the next attempt understeer at 20mph.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AKGAqWGpjc is a good starting point if you have no idea what I am talking about. I'm not sure if I do having just re-read my post :D
 
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RussZS said:
Hmm, they look nice and are quick in a straight line, but the understeering and general handling is a bit dodgy coming from a well sorted RenaultSport.

Decent enough I guess, but depends what you're used to I suppose.

Focus ST is nice, but again, handling isn't quite 'there' for me - too much body roll and feels too heavy. Epic grip though, and amazing engine.

330CI could be an option - never tried one...
Click to expand...

Are you going to be tracking the VXR? If not then the old understeering arguement is a load of rubbish, if you are going fast enough for this in real world conditions then you probably arent going to have your license for long.
 
Del Lardo said:
I suggest that you read up on Traction Circles as your statement is very misleading. Going too fast around a corner is one way of understeering as is breaking too hard while cornering or accelerating too hard while cornering. From my admittedly limited understanding the problem with powerful FWD cars (especially turbos) is that the power is delivered very low down the rev range so it is very easy to break the traction circle especially as it is the front tyres that are trying to deliver power and steer the car. Now obviously driver aids like traction control can mask the problem and modern suspension & tyres are far better at handling big power through the front wheels but put me in a powerful FWD car and I could drive round a corner at 30mph safely and on the next attempt understeer at 20mph.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AKGAqWGpjc is a good starting point if you have no idea what I am talking about. I'm not sure if I do having just re-read my post :D
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I wouldn't accelerate hard in a corner, nor brake hard during cornering in my RWD car, nor would I do this in a FWD car, just asking for all kinds of problems and is quite poor driving, steady speed is the key!
 
Lord-Jaffa said:
I wouldn't accelerate hard in a corner, nor brake hard during cornering in my RWD car, nor would I do this in a FWD car, just asking for all kinds of problems and is quite poor driving, steady speed is the key!
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Someone really should tell those racing drivers to stop trail braking and accelerating hard out of corners ;) Driving styles for the road and track may be different but the laws of physics remain the same and if more people understood why their car heads for the nearest ditch when they plant their right foot there would be fewer accidents.
 
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