Wilco Posted October 25, 2013 Posted October 25, 2013 http://www.themotorreport.com.au/57450/2014-renault-clio-rs-200-28790-hot-hatch-on-sale-from-december It might be fugly, no manual trans, has the same engine as the 13' pulsar SSS, not as fun as the festiva ST & Peo 208 GTI, BUT its the first hot hatch a normal person can live with in daily motoring with immense traffic jams, without having a sore left foot. I saw one of these in Glen Waverley on Thursday night (Victoria), just outside the woolies carpark, and I swear I nearly ran into a parked car for ©ock's sake, couldn't believe someone had their hands on it ALREADY. To make matters worse, I got out and looked at it for a good long 5mins but the cops came and started to circle around me (what, thought I would steal it???), so i couldn't keep looking!!!!! Arhg, will just have to wait till Dec then. It might have been a reviewer test driving the car, or one lucky Renault salesman running in a demo. Others to consider: Ford Festiva ST Peugeot 208 GTI VW Polo GTI (soooo boring...) Skoda Fabia RS (poor man's polo, BUT it comes in a wagon which I'll be test driving sooooon) Nissan Pulsar SSS (not in the same league since its much much bigger, but it's in the same price range)
Sir Triode Posted October 26, 2013 Posted October 26, 2013 (edited) http://www.themotorreport.com.au/57450/2014-renault-clio-rs-200-28790-hot-hatch-on-sale-from-december It might be fugly, no manual trans, has the same engine as the 13' pulsar SSS, not as fun as the festiva ST & Peo 208 GTI, BUT its the first hot hatch a normal person can live with in daily motoring with immense traffic jams, without having a sore left foot. I saw one of these in Glen Waverley on Thursday night (Victoria), just outside the woolies carpark, and I swear I nearly ran into a parked car for ©ock's sake, couldn't believe someone had their hands on it ALREADY. To make matters worse, I got out and looked at it for a good long 5mins but the cops came and started to circle around me (what, thought I would steal it???), so i couldn't keep looking!!!!! Arhg, will just have to wait till Dec then. It might have been a reviewer test driving the car, or one lucky Renault salesman running in a demo. Others to consider: Ford Festiva ST Peugeot 208 GTI VW Polo GTI (soooo boring...) Skoda Fabia RS (poor man's polo, BUT it comes in a wagon which I'll be test driving sooooon) Nissan Pulsar SSS (not in the same league since its much much bigger, but it's in the same price range) Agree with you on the Polo GTI - I too came to the same conclusion after a test drive. The Festiva ST is the one to get I believe if fun is what you want and pretty cheap for what you get. My friend had the previous model Clio Sport Trophee but the build quality was very poor. One of the spot welds in his car's A- pillar came undone and had to be re-tacked. And there was several other niggles that finally drove him to trade it in for another car. Edited October 26, 2013 by triode12
Decky Posted October 26, 2013 Posted October 26, 2013 I saw it in Europe recently - looks stunning. It was my first contender but I did not want to wait and decided to go for a Veloster Turbo. I did not regret it since it looks like a better package all together. Regardless, Clio RS is still a very nice car.
Guest JohnA Posted October 26, 2013 Posted October 26, 2013 i could have sworn i saw one on the ring road today on my way home. In that colour also. didnt look too bad in the flesh
RockandorRoll Posted October 26, 2013 Posted October 26, 2013 i think i saw a silver one of these on West Terrace yesterday, may have just been the base model Seriously considering swapping the GTI over for one. Just waiting to see the tuning potential, i just need it to go a bit faster
Briz Vegas Posted October 26, 2013 Posted October 26, 2013 (edited) 2014 is likely to be my new car year. After 20 happy years with my Peugeot the choice is an odd one and it may not even be available. It's between a Renault and a Peugeot. Between the heart and the heart. If it's an auto it might as well be an electric Zoe and just work out how to live with the range issue. If it's a manual, and I like manuals, the most attractive option is the 208GTI, at least it is after reading 20 odd reviews and comparisons. Neither are perfect, different DNA, but both are interesting and will never be confused in the car park, which kills off the idea of the Fiesta ST, which is too try hard for a middle aged git anyway. The hot Renault's appeal was lost with the auto only thing. Git ~ GTI..........or ZOE. Edited October 26, 2013 by Briz Vegas 1
Wilco Posted October 29, 2013 Author Posted October 29, 2013 i think i saw a silver one of these on West Terrace yesterday, may have just been the base model Seriously considering swapping the GTI over for one. Just waiting to see the tuning potential, i just need it to go a bit faster yea me too...kinda really considering swaping by $hitbox for this but im at the age where an practical car with a turbo might be a better option. people say the new Nissan Qashqai (Dualis replacement) will be more of a drivers car so will have a performance version, coming in Mid 2014. If you want to secure your RS200, you need to place a preorder confirming you won't have a clue on options and pricing, because there will be no point registering your interest only to find out the Dec2013 shipments are all sold out, and they will be no doubt. next shipments are only back in Mid 2014.
Wilco Posted October 29, 2013 Author Posted October 29, 2013 2014 is likely to be my new car year. After 20 happy years with my Peugeot the choice is an odd one and it may not even be available. It's between a Renault and a Peugeot. Between the heart and the heart. If it's an auto it might as well be an electric Zoe and just work out how to live with the range issue. If it's a manual, and I like manuals, the most attractive option is the 208GTI, at least it is after reading 20 odd reviews and comparisons. Neither are perfect, different DNA, but both are interesting and will never be confused in the car park, which kills off the idea of the Fiesta ST, which is too try hard for a middle aged git anyway. The hot Renault's appeal was lost with the auto only thing. Git ~ GTI..........or ZOE. Yea seasion 20 episode 1 of Top Gear reviewed these 3 cars and when I watched it, the GTI 208 was sexy!!! pitty it came 3rd in their review because they like the ST only because it was more value for money and was cheapest to tune.
Wilco Posted October 29, 2013 Author Posted October 29, 2013 I've also been a total sucker for the Skoda Fabia vRS Wagon ever since this review was published last year Sep: http://performancedrive.com.au/2012-skoda-fabia-rs-wagon-review-video/ And have always wanted one in Red with the Black Pack: But it looks like no low demand and high stick pricing, and low quality interior will see it axed for the 2014 line of the new Skoda Fabia: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/skoda-fabia-vrs-is-no-more-skoda-suv-coming-2013-08-21 Not so sure anymore if one should buy a car that will be discontinued. But it's the only ultra compact sport wagon in the world...one of a kind. If you want one, it better be before their 2014 launch = S
betty boop Posted October 29, 2013 Posted October 29, 2013 I like and even more that it comes with a dual clutch rather than the CVT the pulsar comes with
mello yello Posted October 29, 2013 Posted October 29, 2013 http://www.themotorreport.com.au/57450/2014-renault-clio-rs-200-28790-hot-hatch-on-sale-from-december It might be fugly, i dont think its fugly i dont mind the Megane either long as it comes in bright vibrant yello not like those boring German cars
Wilco Posted December 21, 2013 Author Posted December 21, 2013 Who would have thought wife and I would be taking delivery of the first Australian customer registered Renault Clio RS200 Cup Trophy in limited allocation Liquid Yellow colour. We've had 24hours with it, and my my... Being manual drivers, yes manual transmission is better (i.e. Ford Fiesta ST), but we'd HAPPILY trade in manual for Dual Clutch + awesome infotainment system, RS Monitor 2.0, 3 driving modes & Launch Control & practical setup for everyday traffic driving. The touchscreen is just an absolute godsend, making everything so easier to navigate instead of using those USELESS joysticks on Bimmers and Mercs - I've had it with them iDrive systems (first world problem). Having said that, a tad scared using launch control for now. Festive season + police presence + tyres not run in = disaster! Managed to use 9 litres in 2 launches, so I'm left scratching my head seeing it's only got a 45L tank! (40L usable and I suppose 5L red light) 2
blybo Posted December 21, 2013 Posted December 21, 2013 Cough... Trade in value... Cough. My old man had a $65k Laguna hatch a few years back, traded it in 4 years later with 92k on the clock for............. 7k :-0 I made him promise he would never buy another Renault. I love the Megane rs looks but we will be picking up a mk7 Golf GTI in a months time. Much safer investment
betty boop Posted December 21, 2013 Posted December 21, 2013 wow thats pretty bad....yep citroen c4, 40k new was offered $11k trade in 4.5 years later..not even the citroen dealer would take it. full factory serviced, on 60k on the clock and immaculate. yet very poor resale. one other thing I don't think I could stand on the clio is the electronic engine noise these have via their stereo. a bit like the fake engine noise from the soundakator on the vw golf gti that vibrates the firewall and windscreen. much better to have a proper exhaust. blybo the vw golf resale perhaps better than some but isn't great right now. I think I sold mine at the right time just before the vw dsg debacle, mine devalued 50% in 3 years. again with desirable options and very low Ks (32k) and immaculate. I don't think thats all that great or an investment by any stretch. part of the reason of poor resale for 2nd hand these days is heavy discounting on new cars, plus the used market is flooded.
blybo Posted December 21, 2013 Posted December 21, 2013 (edited) It's all a gamble but v7 GTI seems to be a sizable advancement on the 5 and 6. Should hold up well but we are losing out buying a new and desirable model so not much discounting. Company car anyway. Got leather and bi-zenon options. Mrs gets corporate discount via VW over and above what we can negotiate anyway so happy with the deal. Will now have 1 fun and 1 luggage hauler vehicle in the family. Still, got great trade on the Subaru Liberty 2.5 sports premium wagon... 27k for a 4 yo car with low kms. Paid 43k Edited December 21, 2013 by blybo
Rural Rat Posted December 21, 2013 Posted December 21, 2013 I picked up a turbo diesel Megane GT Line Premium just yesterday. I have/had however already accepted the poor resale part of the equation before making the final call. Goes with the territory I think. 4
betty boop Posted December 21, 2013 Posted December 21, 2013 It's all a gamble but v7 GTI seems to be a sizable advancement on the 5 and 6. Should hold up well but we are losing out buying a new and desirable model so not much discounting. Company car anyway. Got leather and bi-zenon options. Mrs gets corporate discount via VW over and above what we can negotiate anyway so happy with the deal. Will now have 1 fun and 1 luggage hauler vehicle in the family. Still, got great trade on the Subaru Liberty 2.5 sports premium wagon... 27k for a 4 yo car with low kms. Paid 43k I dont personally see the mk7 a sizeable advance on the mk6, more incremental. I too got pretty heavy corporate discount plus dealer discount as bought off their floor, came out ok with lease but mine lost a fair bit, which suprised me. one of the problem with the vw golf is no one wants to buy out of warranty and especially since all the very expensive servicing lies just outside that period in years that follow. Post dsg debackle I'm reading much poorer resale again. vw isnt the most favourite brand right now. subaru's like mazda have very good resale. to the point when we were looking for my wifes mazda it didnt make sense buying 2nd hand for the silly prices people ask when we picked hers up at great price on run out with 8 years warranty and all sorts thrown in any ways wish you well. things like resale are very much market and timing dependant, congrats on the golf gti, definitely a very fun yet practical car. still have fond memories of mine
betty boop Posted December 21, 2013 Posted December 21, 2013 I picked up a turbo diesel Megane GT Line Premium just yesterday. I have/had however already accepted the poor resale part of the equation before making the final call. Goes with the territory I think. 2013renault-megane-gtline-exterior-front-right-dynamic.jpg congrats ! I remember recommending the gt line to someone recently, so I hope I am not to blame ! yep resale just something to factor in. I guess we buy these things to enjoy them, not necessarily thinking of resale and such. cars are never good investment so yeah goes with territory ! I've owned 3 french cars over a period of 15 years, and much enjoyed them. strangely the 2 peugeots I owned faired very well with resale. so perhaps its not a french brand thing, and more specific brands / models. dont know. when I was considering an alfa last year someone told me dont be silly ! dont buy new, buy one thats a year old, that way already taken its major hit on resale. so perhaps that is a strategy. way I looked at it though was one less year of warranty, which very much need for something like that
blybo Posted December 21, 2013 Posted December 21, 2013 Yes incremental improvement but like they skipped a version. Awesome low down torque and fuel economy improvements whilst getting significantly more interior room at the same time. Drove a 6 and whilst still a great car, no where near as flexible as the 7. Max torque from 1500rpm anyone... Feels like a naturally aspirated engine, very linear response.
Rural Rat Posted December 21, 2013 Posted December 21, 2013 congrats ! I remember recommending the gt line to someone recently, so I hope I am not to blame ! yep resale just something to factor in. I guess we buy these things to enjoy them, not necessarily thinking of resale and such. cars are never good investment so yeah goes with territory ! I've owned 3 french cars over a period of 15 years, and much enjoyed them. strangely the 2 peugeots I owned faired very well with resale. so perhaps its not a french brand thing, and more specific brands / models. dont know. when I was considering an alfa last year someone told me dont be silly ! dont buy new, buy one thats a year old, that way already taken its major hit on resale. so perhaps that is a strategy. way I looked at it though was one less year of warranty, which very much need for something like that Gday Al, No it wasnt you mate. This was a recommendation from a good friend who is a mechanic who specializes in Euro cars. Tried it, liked it, bought it. Interestingly he also recommended buying new to gain max benefit from warranties, road side assist and the like. This is my first step outside the comfort zone, with cars at least, so we will see how it works out. I have had a lot of Euro 2 wheelers over the years with no significant hassles at all. Cheers 1
betty boop Posted December 21, 2013 Posted December 21, 2013 Gday Al, No it wasnt you mate. This was a recommendation from a good friend who is a mechanic who specializes in Euro cars. Tried it, liked it, bought it. Interestingly he also recommended buying new to gain max benefit from warranties, road side assist and the like. This is my first step outside the comfort zone, with cars at least, so we will see how it works out. I have had a lot of Euro 2 wheelers over the years with no significant hassles at all. Cheers RR you will love it no doubt. There is something about french cars nothing matches I reckon a certain je ne sais quoi 1
Wilco Posted December 23, 2013 Author Posted December 23, 2013 Cough... Trade in value... Cough.My old man had a $65k Laguna hatch a few years back, traded it in 4 years later with 92k on the clock for............. 7k :-0I made him promise he would never buy another Renault. I love the Megane rs looks but we will be picking up a mk7 Golf GTI in a months time. Much safer investment Um Yea... Buying normal European cars wld not be deemed an investment at all by any means. Choosing one for better resale yes, but no car is an investment in $$$ terms, only those classic or rare cars. The rs line has decent resale figures. But of course this is the first of the rs line with edc boxes so only time will tell. Sooner the rest of the rs megane range will follow suit, along with the same interior setup.
Wilco Posted December 23, 2013 Author Posted December 23, 2013 one other thing I don't think I could stand on the clio is the electronic engine noise these have via their stereo. a bit like the fake engine noise from the soundakator on the vw golf gti that vibrates the firewall and windscreen. much better to have a proper exhaust. I hear ya, but you can just not use it or delete the app from your car all together lol. i havent used it more than once, ever. the exhaust notes when in sports & race mode is enough to make you go mad ESPECIALLY when decelerating and downshifting, zomg i cream me pants soooooooooooooo often. it will take me awhile to get used to that deeeeeeeeeep howling crowling sound
Wilco Posted December 23, 2013 Author Posted December 23, 2013 I picked up a turbo diesel Megane GT Line Premium just yesterday. I have/had however already accepted the poor resale part of the equation before making the final call. Goes with the territory I think. 2013renault-megane-gtline-exterior-front-right-dynamic.jpg Congrats!!!! My sister is looking seriously at the GT Wagon in diesel. An attractive car I must say. Also very roomy as expected. How does it drive now that you've had it for a few days? servicing 299 or 499 capped price?
Rural Rat Posted December 23, 2013 Posted December 23, 2013 Congrats!!!! My sister is looking seriously at the GT Wagon in diesel. An attractive car I must say. Also very roomy as expected. How does it drive now that you've had it for a few days? servicing 299 or 499 capped price? Barely driven it Wilco. Only done about 70kms so nothing to report yet. $299 capped service. 5 yr warranty and 5 years road side assist. Hopefully wont need either.
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