Up for a bit of discussion about how the new 1.6T Clio 200 stacks up against the Megane 225/R26. The reason I ask is that like all petrol heads, I look towards what the next car might be. I've contemplated all sorts of cars, do you go for something older that's dropped from £50k to £15k and be wairy of huge repair bills, do you go for something newer but less powerful that (hopefully!) shouldn't cost you more in maintenance. At first I was a bit unerwhelmed by the Clio 200, 5 door only, DSG style gearbox and no option of a manual didn't set my automotive pants alight, certainly not compared to the previous generations anyway. But, my motoring goal posts have moved now and as I use my 225 Trophy to drive my little girl around the idea of 5 doors has become more appealing. Also, the paddle shift gearbox again has a new appeal, having the option to have an automatic sounds like a dream when I get stuck in a jam on the M25 (picking up my little girl). The big question is, how do they perform? Is a stock 200t comparable to a standard 225 in terms of pace be it in the corners and in a straight line? Re-mapped do they still compare, Clio is 1,200kg and the Megane is 1,400kg. Interior of the new Clio looks like a really nice place to be I must admit, plenty of toys and a far more modern look compared to the 225. So, what are your thoughts people? One thing to consider in my specific circumstances is that I have a stock Megane 225 and a Twingo 133 Gordini as well so a slightly less engaging drive doesn't necessarily mean I'm missing out on one entirely. This doesn't specifically need to be a car for all ocassions but as a fast, fun, 'family' car.
It's no bigger inside, and the boot is smaller. So for me as a father of a 7 month old it would be a lesser family car!
I drove a 200t round bedford and it was great. Maybe once i sell the Abarth i'd get one but then i'd like something a bit special....
To be honest I rarely use the boot and if the interior is similarly sized that's fine by me, 5 doors does appeal though. To explain further, my litte'un doesn't live with me so I pick her up and she stays at my place. So ISOFIX car seat and room for a push chair is all I need. Also, my girflriend has a 5 door Focus tdci which she needs as a nanny so on the odd ocassion I'd need more boot space, that is an option. Great compared to a Clio 172/182? Obviously more refined of course.
Compared to the crashy noise r26 i have it was a nicer place to be in. Its a different feeling in the 200t as you don't have the raw NA noise or power
Although I havent driven one - I would imagine that its going to be a fairly good bet as a fast family car but not as much fun when it comes to a Sunday blast. As Ive reached the grand old age of 33 now I have found that I quite like the maturity and comfort of a less raw car. The reason I chose the stock Megane 225 is cos it will be used as a family car that I can have a bit of fun in on occasion - and it sounds like you are in a similar position. I guess you need to test drive one and see what you think.
As old man as it sounds, a bit more refinement sounds somewhat appealing even though my 225 is pretty comfortable. Am I correct in assuming the 200t has more torque or at least torque lower down than the previous RS Clios.
Being a turbo car itll have a lot more torque low down. The na clio sports are poor bottom end. Compleatley different power delivery, id imaging the turbo will suit town driving a hell of alot more.
Good timing with this thread since Renault have just announced the Clio 220 Trophy. I would guess this'll be like the Megane 265 Trophy, a new upgraded model will follow in 6 months where the Trophy specs are added onto the standard car. Though I imagine you won't see one with an LSD and Brembo brakes for a few years yet.
Clio 200 EDC is half a second quicker around the Top Gear test track than a 225 Trophy. I know this is down to the driver, tyres and conditions on the day but it does mean they're pretty similar.
not sure on exact figures, but I'd expect the 200t to have a good 20-30 lb/ft more than the naturally aspirated unit
I know this is the OZ site but it's coming to the UK too: http://www.renault.com.au/vehicles/cars/megane/wagon/gt-220#features Megane GT220 Estate. If you're after a fast Renault family car this has to tick a lot of boxes I'd of thought. This a Autocar UK review of the Coupe version of the GT220: http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review...rives/2015-renault-megane-gt-220-coupe-review
