Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup v Ford Focus RS - autocar.co.uk

The chase is on around the Millbrook testing ground. For more Renault news and reviews visitwww.autocar.co....

[@Michael-yz4mc]

I know this is an old video but in most road going situation circa 200hp is literally all you need.

[@ForceMassMotion]

Just bought another clio, its just mega still 12 years on ...

[@antj29]

Exactly why I’ve just bought an i20N……..200bhp used to be crazy power but now people laugh at it, but for b roads it’s all you need if you are a driver

[@darrenmeddings7484]

💯

[@nikb6528]

That jump! Great battle, I'd take the Clio.

[@Parabloop3r]

2:12 that was badass!

[@goodnick5266]

Renault gunna get ya! ;)

[@adamgrocco]

Lol @ 1:25 "Of course, you'd never drive like this on the road" I bloody would!!!

[@sspope]

2:11 jump was EPIC

[@AngelPlayStar]

Last 2 days waiting my "new" baby Clio RS 3 2007 ... just for fun ... very good price, and amazing condition! :D 10 years car :D still rock !

[@jayo7175]

Clio for me! much more understated and engaging as a drivers' car

[@robgerards3793]

that's why i love the Clio ;)

[@adamstanford5850]

there's no escaping the fact that the rs couldn't shake the much cheaper, simpler clio. I was really surprised that it did so well. if I had to choose I'd go for the renault.

[@TheApe]

Been watching a few reviews of the RS and the Cup, and one thing is apparent: No matter who 'wins' or whatever, the reviewers all have huge grins on their faces. Minor details of straight line vs cornering speed is down to personal preference. They both look fun!

[@SammyJ21]

Totally agree, more proper racing video's like this please :D

[@dpz46]

Look at the way he pulls away on the straights, the clio is good on the corners which almost all sporty clios are! RS Badge is a legend!

[@pendulum1997]

All car comparison reviews should be done like this!!!

[@_TheElMan]

Epic Video!! Great to see a real world style test! Both great cars! Great video Autocar more like this please!

[@7HIFAST]

great video. This is the way cars should be tested. (2:14min) Great jump smooth landings. THxs

[@MarkCup70]

"Clios arent reknown for good handling"? You missed the Clio Trophy, the 182 Cup, and what has been written about this latest 200 Cup then? They are some of the finest handling, agile adjustable hatchbacks in existence!!!

[@dstubbso]

@lupo0144 thankyou, i actually owned a fiesta st before my 200 until my girlfriend went into the back of someone and wrote it off. the clio 200 is similar to the st in terms of go-cart feel and enjoyablility - but the 200 is better in every way. more power, better cornering and more fun. totally recommend

[@dowling1981]

Good question. Do you enjoy Esther Rantzen?

[@Adrian_The_Great]

Was that road closed to public ? very nice race.

[@F1Oversteer]

Have to give it to the Clio for keeping up with 100hp less.

[@kevin-l7r7p]

They were advertised for 12k brand new in Cup spec in 2009/2010 by Lookers.....Current Fiesta ST is what 23k or somet?

[@bfcricky]

Have you ever drove an RS?? I happen to own one, and it does not handle like a boat.

[@StyleAndSpeedx]

My turbocharged cobalt ss is 16 psi's at 241hp at the wheels bone stock on a 2.0 motor, not trying tp brag but are these cars actually better performing for that cost. My SS also has launch control,brembo brakes and much more,im just curious which is more bang for the buck!

[@adrianwilliams8075]

Just purchased one and i bloody love it

[@AidanXD10]

literally i was up for getting a corsa VXR next year but the issues people have and the Boy racer look i dunno if could live with for 5 years. Is this more fun than a turbo?

[@iamneveronline02]

What's better about "catastrophic understeer"? Thanks Nick

[@marshknute]

Is there any way to disable the Renault's beeping noise? I have ears, I know when to change gear.

[@warwickstingray]

Considering the weight it's carrying it does extremely well especially as i can't believe that having a 2.5 up front helps with understeer over a lighter 2.0 lump that most are using. Like i said i would like to see a stripped out version of the RS to see what it can really do and then there's the 370bhp upgrade as well. I'm sure i'll see what at sprints soon and we'll see how it fares against the other cars in the real world with average drivers.

[@MarkCup70]

There were no speed limits on this video, it was on a private track. Ant the outcome was...?

[@thisWASengland]

that focus was shit that clio would only need 30 or 40 bhp more it would be bye bye focus thats a fact

[@lewis93156]

That's definitely not true. A remapped focus RS is dangerous, plus these guys aren't really driving them properly

[@clio2rsminicup]

Lewis Jordan ?? LOL

[@lewis93156]

Pandemonium Lig The focus RS driver definetely isnt as i have the ST, not sure about the Clio though

[@clio2rsminicup]

Maybe but why? it is a serious motorsport magazine... And especially as I said this comparison is just for fun because the Clio 3 RS is not in the same category of the Focus RS 305 or 350hp but from the smaller of the "City sport cars" and for Ford of the Fiesta ST for exemple... If we want a real logical comparison of chronos and times (and I speak as this on real roads of course with corners and corners or better on tracks and not easy drag races made for US guys...) we must take in Renault Sport the Megane 3RS and there your Ford Focus RS is vs the fastest commercial stock world's FWD, so... ^^

[@MrAndersie91]

Pandemonium Lig I think you mean Focus RS and Focus RS500, not Focus RS305 and RS350 lol

[@twentydollarbill20]

i want a focus! when are they gonna be released? cuz i havent seen any! are they even released yet?

[@man3ack]

i couldnt help but notice the clio was on the limiter for most of that video, surly not the fastes to way to drive it?

[@Energonorama]

All true, I agree. I'm not throwing any cards though, I'm just making sense of what the test is showing. As I said I think it's easier for the Clio to follow behind but then that's why they've done it that way. I would be interested to know how your Focus fairs against the 1.2? I've driven a 1.6 '09 Focus and (I think) an '02 Clio 1.2 16v and I recon the clio unladen would beat it to 60.

[@soundseeker63]

The fact that the clio was all over the RS into, and through the corners, and was able to make up its 100bhp power deficit by slowing quicker, just goes to show that you can make a car "fast" without having to give it silly BHP outputs. Someone should try and make that point to german car manufacturers. More power does not equal a better car.

[@trialsted]

you mean get left behind by it or crashing on every bend?

[@Hinloopen]

Where's the other seat in the Renault?

[@bfcricky]

@santclause1 i think you will find that RS models decrease in value then go back up as they become rare, how much can u get a clio 182 for now?? u can pick up a decent one for 5k

[@Mkey29]

Anyway two GREAT sport cars, I have a Swift Sport and I appreciate both, my next car could be one of them, the Clio or the FRS..well the first version of the FRS with 215hp I love that car since it came out ^^ We need more vids like this one!!!

[@mtksvn1]

I dont get it... in some shots you can really see the focus pulling away from the renault (fast!), while in the next shot the renault is right at the tail of the ford again.

[@soundseeker63]

@buttnut1080 Maybe not as badly, but they do. The previous shape Clio 182 did (I have multiple photographs that show it happening), the original Clio 16v and Williams definitely did, as did the 306 and 106 GTi. Every version of Golf GTI including the current shape lifts its inside rear, and the previous Focus RS did too, as did the old Civic Type R, again I have pictures of it happening. There is no footage of the behind of the Clio in this test so how can you tell this one doesn't? Guess work?

[@BoiledBunny]

This car looks a darker, more green shade of green in the magazine than in this video. What's the correct shade? That in the video or that printed in the magazine. I prefer the green green in the magazine. It's all about torque isn't it! The Focus has more cubes, 5 cylinders and a turbo hence much more torque. It's a bit like a turbo diesel versus a Type-R VTEC?

[@uneame]

Are you talking about the Clio 3 RS or the Megane 3 RS ?? The Megane 2RS has already a stripped version that actually hold the fastest round one the 'ring for a FWD.

[@lupo0144]

@dstubbso ...Spot on! I've been looking 2 change my car (ST Fiesta) and i do like the Clio 200! Belive me people i have a lot of mates with E46 M3's and EVO's and they realy find it hard 2 live with the cost of running them! You just cant beat a quick little hatchback...... Dont cost the eath 2 run and much more fun on the B roads around S Wales!

[@aleksandarfriscic]

@schyzoy dude,this is autocar...the say zr1 is fast as lp670...what did you expected?

[@hondacar]

@trueancient I agree.After about half an hour the Clio driver would be spent.That's what people don't understand.The "punch" from a turbo just makes it easier to live with on a day -to-day basis.

[@NISR227]

Some of you need to chill! SS is a respected test driver for Autocar and previously with other UK publications, he can driver faster than most of you. This is not on the road, its at Millbrook's hill private test circuit, but is far far slower than the N'ring. The video proves that if you know a route, your fully committed (and reckless) and you can drive well, then a less powerful car can keep up, figures arn't so important. The N'ring is the same, thats all. AC should disable comments.

[@namboozleUK]

Is the Focus RS faster than the Focus ST ?????

[@asshatnowhere159]

both are amazing cars but i think i would take the ford rs just based on the amazing looks and the monster under the bonnet

[@Chunkychucky]

Wicked video, now how about a timed comparison between the Clio, the Focus RS and a GTR over the same course guys? ;)

[@loneshark2000]

that road course looks like so much fun !

[@DionysisX]

You got that right...The French know what they're doing and they're doing it quite right if you ask me...That's why I've got a humble a Clio 1,4 16v for every day and a Pug 207 RC for more special occasions...That Clio is 6 years old know and it still keeps on putting a smile on my face...The RC is seriously fast, not up to the Clio RS standards, but might fast at country roads, if you know what you're doing of course...

[@droptheleash0]

How compromised is the handling of the clio without the cup chassis ? is it a big difference, and on british roads would the softer non cup car be better anyway..anyone test driven both ?

[@sspope]

How do you know who's better?

[@xxXRosanXxx]

that's Clio 200 Cup come to Brazil?

[@sspope]

I wouldn't be so sure. I've read about the new GTI mk6 and it was about 2 - 3 seconds faster around track than its competitors - Focus ST, Civic type R, Opel Astra OPC. Plus it was also the most fuel efficient one.

[@hondacar]

So what would be the fate of other turbocharged cars against the ClioRs Cup eg WRX,Golf GTI ,Megane RS and Mazdaspeed 3?They would most likely fair worse than the RS Ford?

[@Malc180s]

Enlighten me, what does pound for pound mean?

[@vince5977]

La Ford focus est elle la 215ch ou 305ch?

[@tom2812]

I also love that car, I put the pre-facelift clio cup in my 10 car dream garage. I might just have to put the new one in my top 5!

[@lexmarsperformance]

ojala llegara el clio a mexico esta muy bonito

[@875109725710]

@santclause1 Actually a turbo car is much harder to drive simply because it forces the driver to time the boost perfectly. Turbos have a lag to them and this lag is very problematic because of the delayed power, and when the power comes its instant and strong. So imagine coming into a corner and hitting boost to late or to soon, you could mess it all up. When driving a normally aspirated car your working with the engines steady power that is much easier to predict, that's why it does so well.

[@SmallBlogV8]

Ah, muscle versus agility. Always an interesting battle. And while the Ford is a great all-rounder, the Clio is the one winning all the big group tests. Tough choice...

[@jrodigan5]

I wish they did! I'd love to see those things on our roads. Maybe its one of the Euro Fords coming to America along with the Fiesta. Wich is also awesome.

[@coldspoon]

I have a 2005 Renault Clio 182 Cup and it just passed it's MOT with flying colours. Not even an advisory. It's showing no signs of corrosion and was rolling roaded today at 179.1bhp at the flywheel, bang on the money. Currently the only work the car has needed is a set of new front break pads and disks at 25k miles along with a 2 regular services and a fresh set of the bespoke Michelin tyres...it's be utterly reliable. As was my 2005 Focus 1.6 Sport I had before.

[@1nt123]

it's Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedford

[@Loukisnik]

you compare 2 cars in corners with diffrent driver ? ? ?:P

[@rapaceable]

is there clio rs with automatique boite??(dsg) or (bva)

[@Dan4096]

Do you even limiterbash?

[@nogert]

i've got one and i'm able to turn corners in it, is this unsual

[@PeterM0911]

Where is this track?

[@Hollyone]

rofl cost the same? Here in germany, the RS beats the WRX. The Evo may be a bit faster. Costs: RS: 34.000€ WRX/EVO: 48-55.00€

[@s1rallye]

@soundseeker63 Well said, glad someone else is thinking with a broader field of view! Seems to be most comments are either about aesthetics of the car than the way it actually drives and the power in a straight line. what would you rather be seen in? Honestly if it was a fashion statement I was after I would buy neither of these cars. Clio has a fantastic chassis!

[@H22A7]

I'm not exactly sure what your saying but totally agree that driver skill/guts has a big effect on the outcome. Its also true to say the same driver in two cars gives a pretty clear indication of the overall speed of a car, such as the R26R beating the RS. It was cheating as oppose to homework as I've a good friend who was running a DS at 280bhp in his ST (now sold) and we took it on track several times.

[@HENRYHOBBS1]

@CardiffCentral 6k??? what for,a cut n shut or scrap?! gotta look 9k for a ok one

[@redkerr4940]

Why prior not doing this

[@bfcricky]

You tell me another car which has 305bhp which you can have for 25k.

[@raflo2105]

the thing about the clio they want to proove is that...1- to be a 200 bhp car that weights about 2500 pounds and is from another whole different class can keep up from time to time with a car that has a 301 turbocharged bhp engine...thats a bigger engine and a sportier car....obviously in straight line the clio gets pawned...2-the clio is the best car on its type (ibiza cupra,asta turbo,etc)3-it has very good handling.....

[@MarkCup70]

Also I'm LOL at chassis flex - my 172 Cup has had 111k miles of road/track abuse so far, embarrassed countless exotica on track...and I've never felt any chassis-flex. They're so stiff they pick the inside rear wheel up round most turns...so what's this chassis-flex you're talking about?

[@uneame]

"that the focus is built better" -> No. If you've got 2 secs, just check the last German ADAC 2008 report. For the sound, you're right.

[@guygittins]

great vid... but a swap of drives would have been interesting. The Focus looked very calm.

[@scoot24925]

@S2KMDRD who the ford or the clio?

[@87MattyH]

@buttnut1080 All fast Fords have done it in the past, Focus ST, FIesta ST, Focus RS, RS Turbo - I see it as a benefit as if you are a competent driver you can use it to tuck in the front end when cornering hard. It has no negative impact on the handling. The reason it does it is due to the rear anti roll bar being so stiff.

[@Robcatist]

Renault really are the masters at making a hot hatch that handles unfortunately they don’t make em powerful enough anymore.

[@droptheleash0]

The rs doesn't even sound like its going flat out either ?

[@longebor85]

@schyzoy what about de TypeR Ep3?

[@renaultrsdriver]

okay, but you dont really need a clock when youre driving like that, dont ya?

[@bnmcmhn]

Where is this?

[@sspope]

Not just an extra cylinder. The Clio is Naturally aspirated, Focus is turbocharged

[@Crownleyian]

@StigRossi The Camaro is developed by Holden Australia. Australians had to engineer the Camaro to get it right!

[@droptheleash0]

@santclause1 yeah, I guess then that's what the clio's really all about, back to basics hot hatch, and it should be enjoyed in its most purest form...cheers for that

[@reanimation2000]

lol mate.. my mother has a ferrari and my father a viper... does this some it up??

[@TTGT2000]

great little renault! On the other hand on those roads (short straights and multiple corners) not even a Porsche 911 would pull significantly away from the Renault. Just no space to utilize all that extra power while managing any extra weight.

[@zasagt4]

bought a type r because i there were no renault dealerships near my area at the time. i love clio

[@PS3TheJamesS]

Pdpeppe they are on a private test rack I forget the name but they filmed part of the James bond film casino royal there too

[@CafeRacer_90]

Look at these video of Rs and tell me witch driver would u pick to be bettrer? And alancwce, dont u have anithing better to say than something that understands just me and u?

[@Gimpthulhu]

Regrettably, the European division of Ford has a history of designing really cool cars that never come to North America. The Escort RS Cosworth and Fiesta ST are two examples that come to mind.

[@sspope]

Wrong, wrong. Hot Clios have been here for some time so the history is there, as is the excitment, it goes to tripod mod in every corner and can go sideways under throttle. Plus small French hatches are super cool so stop bashing. Q:But if you we're to own one, would you really get the Clio? A: Depends on funds. I think Clio competes with smaller hatches tho.

[@malcatron]

I think most comments appear to be missing the point. Sure the RS is quicker and nicer to drive BUT it's £10,000 more than the clio. The question is, is it worth another £10,000 of YOUR money?

[@antonyingram]

They explained that the Clio is the lighter car by a fair margin and it also has more sophisticated brakes, so it's entirely possible the Focus was braking late and the Clio could simply brake later.

[@adamgrocco]

Surely they should swap round and try the clio in front and the Focus chasing, then you see if the handling of the Clio makes up for the Focus's power advantage.