Renault's Biggest Mistake? Is The Clio RS200 EDC Really That Bad?

[@SilliusSodus]

You get full metal paddles in an early 2010’s Clio but not in a brand new R8 XD

[@jondonnelly3]

you don't get them in the New Golf 8 Gti either. You don't even get much of a paddle, it's more like a couple of switches off an old gamepad.

[@Malc180s]

@@jondonnelly3 Seeing as they're only connected to a little computer I'm not quite sure why anyone would expect anything other than gamepad switches. Toy gearboxes.

[@Alanphuphalee]

@@Malc180s excellent point sir.

[@chappy2121]

Cost cutting by the bean counters. It's the modern way.

[@user-vk4vd7vr5t]

They are exactly the same as the R35 GTR paddles

[@nazmo_za9654]

I have a mapped phase 2 trophy. They addressed alot of the issues. Quicker steering rack. More power. Cup suspension, faster shifts, akrapovic exhaust. It's mental. Especially vs a polo gti. Also in Liquid Yellow with flag fog lamps. Makes a polo gti utterly boring

[@maxrichfield6254]

Hi I have the trophy phase two, is a remap honestly worth it ?

[@nazmo_za9654]

@@maxrichfield6254 Yeah. but must be done by a proper place. Not sure where you from but RS tuning is great in UK. Im not making massive power, more just a better curve. Also with a Decat, and akra, sounds mental when thrashing, yet stock when cruising. Lets just say I went from getting hidings to giving hidings against a Golf 7.5 GTI

[@bradleyriding2126]

Polo GTI dicks a Clio all over the park though 😅

[@user-ny5iy9si5u]

Have you had any issues with the EDC box? Also, where did you get that wing in sa?

[@beecee6850]

@@bradleyriding2126 you fing buerk

[@rebel099tl]

Not driven one of these but I have driven a 182 and own a 197. I think Renault could have missed out on 90% of the negative publicity if they’d at least offered it with a manual as well as the auto, a lot of the hardcore Renault sport people probably could have lived with it going turbo if it hadn’t been auto only.

[@rebel099tl]

Also can’t believe you’ve still not driven a 197!

[@simonvancoevorden295]

Better channel than those with 1 million subscribers! Criminal ! First one I click onto . Greetings J from Western Australia.

[@jonlyons1033]

James, I'm incredulous at just how well you absolutely NAILED that review. Congrats.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks Jon, very kind

[@Silentwitness1978]

I owned a 2013 one of these and its a lot more grown up than my current 2012 Clio RS Angel & Demon. As a daily it was excellent. It perfomed really well, and when you didnt want to drive hard you could just pop it in drive and just cruise. I really liked the gearbox and usually drove it in race mode. It was also better at low speed down shifting than my Alfa 4C. I reckon grab a 220 version fit some KW coilovers and a quality catback and you would have an awesome car.

[@paulallwood6033]

I need to wade into this discussion. I had a 220 Trophy after previously owning a 197F1 and before that a 182. I really didn't see what the issue with the Mk4 was. Fast, exciting, very composed, strong brakes. Gearbox in race mode was quick with a little thump in the back on full speed upshifts. I genuinely liked it alot and thought it was very unfairly panned.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Yep I am struggling to see where the hate came from

[@paulallwood6033]

I have a Leon Cupra 290 now with DSG and I don't think the VW DSG is any better than the Getrag unit Renault used in the MK4 Clio

[@Odysseuss.]

@@paulallwood6033 good info ty

[@arifazar786]

It was unfairly panned, renault addressed the edc to make it more responsive in the trophy 220 version.

[@vreagz4979]

@@paulallwood6033 is the cupra way better and faster or is it like a little Power Upgrade?

[@MrAshleydickens]

So glad you’ve reviewed this.. I’ve just bought one... personally I love it

[@stephenkirkpatrick307]

I own one too! I've owned a Corsa VXR (horrible), and a mk 7 & 8 Fiesta ST. The RS absolutely holds up against both the Fiestas

[@alenalavanja6543]

Do appreciate your honest review mate, as i own that same model; i feel like a lot of car reviewers at the time (and people that haven't driven it) gave it a 'meh' scores because it was completely different to what preceded it - it was no longer a 3-door, now it was more practical 5-door; there was no more high-reving, nothing down low-all up at redline 2.0 N/A, now it was a 1.6 turbo with a flat torque and power delivery (actually usable in everyday driving), no more hard, skittish suspension, but now it was far more compliant and daily friendly, maybe the best mix of comfort and great road holding out of all small hot hatches and finally, no more manual but a DCT only (again, more daily friendly, with dual personality of everyday auto in traffic and a proper, fast DCT in a race mode), but again, a gearbox that for some reason got less than great reviews for being not that fast? As you've exerienced in 'race' mode, it's as snappy as any DSG/DCT box from a sports car of that time (design is 8 years old now) I think time has proven those old reviews wrong and this is honestly one of the best, most usable, smaller hot hatches made in the last 10 years. If you're someone looking at buying a small, used hot hatch at the moment, do yourself a favour and go and at least test drive one, you will be surprised.

[@myrants5836]

I was selling these when they were first launched. The old school RS enthusiasts hated it. The Playstation generation loved it. However the 220 Trophy is the best model by far. I had 3 on the bounce and absolutely loved them.

[@idiotsandwich6727]

Absolute not true man, engine isnt even made by renault, its not a manual, it doesnt corner as well as a clio 3 RS. I own 7 renault sport models and this one was one off them. Really dont like it. Engine power losses, gearbox failures not the stuff you want.

[@myrants5836]

@@idiotsandwich6727 It's 100 % true! I sold Renaults for nearly 20 years so I know what I am talking about. We sold more of this model than we ever did of the previous generation. It attracted a totally different crowd.

[@tavirosu25]

@@idiotsandwich6727 Except the 220 Trophy with it's quicker rack, revised suspension and if add some PS4 tyres handles like a clio 3 RS. Only thing Renault missed on the Mk4 is the Brembo 4 pot...you do notice it, but that's like a 800 euro upgrade that you can do. I think Renault pushed the Akrapovic exhaust option so they need to cut cost...and they did it with the Brembo calipers :(

[@jing713]

@@myrants5836 thanks for sharing, interesting!

[@idiotsandwich6727]

@@tavirosu25 that what i mean you have to buy a lot of stuff to make it handle like a 3RS, also its a bad automatic that cant handle the launch control, and the nissan engine bloks are far from reliable. In my opinion the clio 2RS ph3 trophy and clio 3RS ph2 are the best clios they ever made. Coming from a renault mechanic with 27 years experience at a Renault Sport devision in Germany, sadly they stopped with Renault Sport products.

[@parky5329]

Would love to see a review on the RS 220 Trophy!

[@craigsmith4983]

Great video. Finally somebody who does a review and actually understands the car. 👏

[@chuakz]

I have one, it’s pretty good. And I agree with you, the reason why people hate on it is because it was so different to it’s predecessors. People were expecting a full out hot hatch from Renault but it was more Golf GTI-like than Megane-like.

[@simonorr594]

how is the gearbox? Is it a dry clutch DSG type box? thx in advance!

[@varmastiko2908]

@@simonorr594 Getrag dry clutch.

[@dannyconway2612]

My neighbour has one and he loves it, i like it and i like the fact that you hardly see them, i would have one over the ST, another great video.

[@roadhouseguy]

I had one of these for 3 years. RS200 EDC Cup. Loved it. Gearbox is fine, was overly criticized. Yes it’s not a manual, but I didn’t want to daily a manual. It’s not a slow gearbox by any means. I wouldn’t remap it as the gearbox has a torque limit as per Getrag’s whitepaper.

[@jamie1992ful]

It will hold to 250hp

[@tavirosu25]

Clutch is the main issue on remap. It can't handle more than 400NM, so most stage 2+ limit the torque at 360-380NM. That's quite a lot, like 80NM over standard Trophy.

[@BarneyWobba]

These had a really tough time at launch from most of the motoring press, unjustly so. They are tuneable, fast and practical out of the box with legendary handling. I was not a fan of the looks or that it's a 5 door, but like the 172 Ph1, 197 and NA 200, it has really grown on me. Clever bit of kit and strangely, very rare!

[@M33AAX]

Owned one back in 2016. Changed the induction kit, exhaust etc and had it mapped to 240ish bhp. It was good fun but EVERYTHING rattled inside after having the scorpion exhaust fitted.

[@grahamnutt8958]

@6.55 Wonder what Ashley Neal would say about that 🤔 Enjoyable review there James 👍

[@jensdc1877]

I have mine 5 years and still love it , hard to find a better car for the money , great revieuw your’e spot on 👌

[@emmen700]

I did have a Clio RS 200 EDC for 6 years, and had so mutch fun with car. For me it was the best buy ever. I'm Dutch, the most fun i had during a vacation in the Astria mountain's, driving up the Grossglockner was an real challenge. So mutch fun.

[@papapetad]

Yeah I totally forgot about these...mostly because the megane stole the show and I really really like the shape of the 3rd gen clio. Gen 4 has a couple of flattering angles on it but gen 3 looks like a truly special car and had a proper engine, brakes etc... I would love to know which has the stronger components (wheel bearings, suspension arms, auxiliary units like ps pump and rack etc...) and most optimal suspension geometry/chassis. Looking forward to gen 3 review.

[@Phil16Wales]

Hi Jay, I've only been watching your videos a short while and didn't realise you never had, but wanted to review the old RS200. I definitely would have let you review the one I had. It was mint, but crucially, it had the CUP PACK, CS Recaro seats & YOKO AD08R tyres which made it handle, grip and feel like nothing else could keep up with it on a good B road

[@allow6389]

Love suspension that absorbs bumps & stays on line sounds excellent, ta

[@jackspectre4302]

Got an itch to scratch.. This or a Fiesta ST or the Toyota Yaris GRMN? The GRMN is still crazy money and worried that depreciation shall be a huge noose around the neck? Love the idea of the community supporting the Fiesta ST - tuning + modifications eat your heart out. BUT... Something about that Yaris GRMN. Is it the old skool 1.6 supercharged lump or the feeling that Toyota really put their hearts into it and developed a very limited polarising hot hatch? Keep up the great work @JayEmmoncars.

[@connor5100]

DS3 Racing would be really interesting, they are fairly rare and are slightly different, I looked at one but decided the mini JCW was far better!

[@AR-gk1kt]

As I understand it the later Clio IV RS cars not only had the RS front lights, but also had quicker gear changes, quicker throttle repsonse and revved higher in certain gears. The gearbox as you said is 6 speed and I think it's dry, the A110 has a 7 speed wet clutch so they aren't the same. Interested what you think of the Mk3 RS, you have to rev it hard!

[@robstaples6649]

Great video James. Like the 197 a lot so nice to see a less damning video of the RS200

[@henryhol8538]

Awesome! This car looks almost Identical to my wife's Cleo GT. The major difference is that ours has a single exhaust and (ahem) err only 130bhp. Lovely car, the only problem is the dual clutch gearbox seems to be made of chocolate. Anyone considering getting one needs to have warranty in place.

[@tehnoob19]

I have a GT too and i haven't had any problems with the DCT so far, but i will keep an eye on it.

[@gambinoi8078]

Would love to see you do a 197 review!

[@nandovee2025]

Thinking about buying one of these. Currently driving 2011 fabia vrs. Great review :)

[@Gemini_0815]

Good video! Just the alpine handling course quite lacks the alpine-ness

[@M11PAC]

My last car was a 197 and loved every second of it, non modified at all. I'm really in 2 minds about the newer clio. I have not driven one but I feel its lost something with it now being a turbo charged and auto. The 197 was a nuts little thing that would take any road flat out and the noise was lovely, the fun of of dropping down to second and giving it some was great. And I am always keeping my eye out for an rs200. I wish I didn't sell the 197 but needed to at the time but whenever I get the rs200 I think it'll just go into my lockup over winters. So I think the new rs will be great but it's lost its spark. Parked next to a standard clio and not the most of differences really, where as the phat butt of the old rs I had and the vents in the wings were just stunning.

[@JMJoubert]

Had my "fanboy" moment, today, about the time this was released 😃 ... "Hello, Jayemm" lol. Looking forward to seeing the content on the vehicle you were in.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Nice Z4

[@GeeeEm61]

Just found your review Jay. Good job. I’ve owned my Australian 2014 RS200 Cup Premium for 8 years (new to the brand) and still love it. At the time I had my heart set on buying a Fiesta ST until I test drove one, and like you, found the damping in the Clio to be superior for my daily drive. As far as the exhaust sound goes, I leave mine permanently on the RS effects in Clio V6 sound mode. Just glorious.

[@peterdejong5456]

Great shirt, James! 😎

[@ApothecaryTerry]

The fuel gauge dial is more useful than the analogue speedo in my car, considering there's a great digital one too and the analogue one goes up in 25mph increments (which is useless anywhere), except where it has a 15mph increment... Anyway, I feel like this is a car that you wouldn't buy for pure fun, but it could be a fantastic daily driver for anyone who doesn't spend their life on B roads but wants occasional fun (cheaply). Good to see a review of a relatively unloved car being a bit more positive about it and looking for why it's different to its predecessors rather than just expecting the same.

[@rossanderson5447]

Have a 2014, previously had the 182 which was a quirky ball of fun. My current one has been mildly tuned, and is seriously quick. Overall, I would favour the manual 182 but only for the gear stick. The EDC has its quirks, it can be a bit clunky tbh, but I feel on a windy road the car comes into its own. Overall as much as I liked my old one, this one has indeed grown up, and it's the more mature car. I feel it's an underrated car, dismissed by motoring world because of the EDC tranny, but once you get over that, it's a seriously fun car on the right road. I agree with the presenters sentiments. Give one a go. Oh, its also been really reliable, no issues in eight years.

[@GeeeEm61]

Agree. I’ve had my 2014 model (here in Australia) for almost 8 years now and I still love it. The damping was chiefly, among several other traits, why I finally bought one of these over a Fiesta ST (which I thought I’d need to buy a kidney belt if it was to be my daily drive). The only gripes I’ve got are connectivity & slowness of the infotainment system and a very intermittent issue at start up where the electrics can’t engage the gearbox (which is corrected after 1 or 2 full per downs and restarts). ❤

[@RazvanRO]

You can have my Clio rs 3 facelift (2009) for a review. It’s the early facelift model before the added an “RS” emblem in the front. I have it since new and I still love it to death. It’s 100% stock with 140.000km. Only problem is that I live in Bucharest and it’s not running very well. But I will have it running as new by middle March I think. Still you are welcome to drive it. I can manage without it for a few days👍

[@christianronn5301]

There's so much Vivaro/Trafic in that interior.

[@SuperVitz]

Dacia, Renault, the whole TVP range and the Mercedes Citan... Same interior bits... Probably missed a few...

[@superfly3628]

Please do the Citroen DS3 207, that would be interesting!

[@silkywelshman1999]

Quite rare that is, dsport is more common although less bhp unfortunately underrated car aswell

[@ivanlazarevic78]

@@silkywelshman1999 nothey are not...that 1.6thp is problem engine

[@silkywelshman1999]

@@ivanlazarevic78 The ds3r is rare, only 1000 units were made, dsport basically same but with less power, and I'm pretty sure they both have the 1.6thp

[@silkywelshman1999]

@@ivanlazarevic78 And yes it is a bad engine, I had an r56 mini, had to put a litre of oil in it everytime I took it out 🥴

[@ivanlazarevic78]

@@silkywelshman1999 I know they are bad.That is way I dont consider them even I like fast cars with petrol engine.Same as a lot of older tfsi engines aren't a smart option to buy.

[@Mexxx65]

Renault's biggest mistake was focusing on their Megane RS coupe/Megane 5dr RS now and totally neglecting what Renault did best......the Super-min Hot Hatch......Clio (With the Clio Williams Renault showed us they know how to give us a proper Super-mini Hot Hatch!)

[@tavirosu25]

Can't beat emissions and drive sales mate. It's easier to ask 35k euro for a Megane RS than 25k euro for a Clio. Also RIP Clio RS, they won't be doing one in the future. So if you really want to get one, get a Mk4 now, before prices go up as colectors start buying them!

[@Captainball439]

The cars ok ... but that shirt is a thing of legend !!!!!

[@nleedsd4577]

Had one in silver for a year mapped with the ITG induction kit and GFB diverter valve, can just throw them into corners and they will take it very good car left alot of more expensive cars red faced

[@tavirosu25]

This, a 220 Trophy with some good PS4 tyres handles so good, you almost think it's a Porsche or something :)

[@nleedsd4577]

@@tavirosu25 I can imagine, with the map I had it was running 225bhp and running on Delante tyres some budget sports it still gripped like it was holding on for life couldn't believe it lol

[@bashderq]

I used to own a chipped phase 1. Brought the power up to 250hp and definitely made a difference. Was a fun everyday car. Quality though was shocking. Bought mine brand new and the gearbox failed during its warrantry period, which renault refused to replace. Other issues were the induction pipe splitting whilst driving and a complete replacement of the infotainment system. It was an eventful 5 years of ownership but i dont miss it. Never buying renaults ever again

[@nickthegun]

Yeah, I had a 182 and parts used to fall off it like a clown car. In the end I was spending north of £150 a month putting something right. Its still the only car I've ever owned that I would buy back, though.

[@lah1218]

Thinking of getting one, first thing I will do is upgrade that exhaust.

[@Tomasti84]

I have a phase 2 for about 6 months now. It's a great little car. I commute on the motorway with it in the week and can blast it over the mountains on a day off. You don't see many either! I've only seen three in my city. Best things: Suspension/handling, relative rarity, lazy man's gear box, good value. Worst things: Interior quality, sounds pants, radio not the best.

[@karllelliott681]

I would like to see you review a Ford Focus ST MK4. Why? Because I trust your review ethics and (rather selfishly) I will almost certainly be swapping my current 'modded' MK3.5 for one of these in the mid term and I wanted an 'un-ladded' (e.g. your) opinion on the vehicle. Maybe this could be a new stream for your channel - viewer requested potential purchase reviews ..........

[@Odysseuss.]

Fair comment I do like this channel for precisely those reasons because you have to THINK what MR JE is telling you ; )

[@JamaicanMeCrazy980]

I have an Orange Fury Mk4 I've been thinking of asking Jay about actually. I'm in South Essex too so I'm not that far from where Jay is.

[@karllelliott681]

@@JamaicanMeCrazy980 That would be really great to see on the channel from my perspective. I hope he gets in touch to do the review!

[@JamaicanMeCrazy980]

@@karllelliott681 August ✌️😁

[@karllelliott681]

@@JamaicanMeCrazy980 Nice one - I am already looking forward to it :)

[@zzhughesd]

It’s the very last way I’d spend my money but I am 44. I’m now getting serious horn for a mk1 WRX Impreza colin mcC blue over gold wheels. And I hate gold wheels......

[@marfrandema1884]

Gold wheels are the very best in a subbie

[@zzhughesd]

@@marfrandema1884 I’ve had 8000 cars in the car trade and the horn for Impreza gold wheels is now getting serious

[@system450]

This is a good review of this car... one of the few !!!

[@RobertMilat]

I always thought these looked good, I see a couple around here in Brussels, but I always thought they wouldn't drive that good which made me not like it that much, I'm glad you changed my mind

[@andyhunt457]

See quite alot of RS Line clios which I have had opportunity to drive also.New interior is loads better and although not a 200bhp engine it was a hoot to drive and did have the same gearbox and it in that liquid yellow looks great.I certainly have this cliosport and it's relative rarity it's all the better for it.

[@chutchy107]

Owned a trophy on a 16 plate for 6 months, bought it with 13k on clock, came from a 208 GTI, like both but the clio is by far the more fun when you want it to be

[@davidsanderson2960]

If you haven't already, could you review the Clio mk5 1.3tce ?

[@SChapps]

I would like to see you do a video on a 2009-2012 Clio 200, I've heard it's the best out of the lot

[@ollie-t7862]

I’m looking as that for my first performance car

[@MrGwaldo]

They’re very good and the last of the naturally aspirated Clio Sports. I still reckon the best driver’s model is the 182, especially the Trophy although the Raider 200 has a certain appeal.

[@SChapps]

@@MrGwaldo I’ve always loved the look of the 182s, especially the Trophy. I haven’t driven any of the Clios though so I need to try them

[@MrGwaldo]

@@SChapps I’ve had a Trophy since nearly new so perhaps I’m biased but it really is a cracking car. The N/A 200’s look like good value now though. Well looked after 172/182 have been on the rise price wise for a while now. There’s not much difference in performance but the older cars are more raw, as you’d expect.

[@InvisibleJiuJitsu]

I like my RS200 gordini from 2010 a lot

[@graemedavison7309]

Must now get the Fabia/polo/Ibiza dsg twinchargers on review! Ive got a fab estate vrs if you need it to test.

[@sleepindragon179]

I'm only here for the shirts. Niocce Jay 👍

[@OurCognitiveSurplus]

I test drove this, the fiesta and the Mini Cooper s with my wife. Wife chose the mini. Good choice I think.

[@robsendall9847]

The 'second phase' as you call it added more than chequered flag lights. The RS 220 added another 20hp, and gear changes were made more snappy by remapping,

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

V nice car, I love Renaults even though I have an i30N, I'd always go for a manual.

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

The problem with this car for me was the fuel consumption. It was, last I checked, quite atrocious for something with a 1.6. Both the Fiesta and 208 counterparts fared much better in this respect. I am sure them being manual only probably plays a part in that, but looking round the owners forums it seemed like Clio owners struggled to get much beyond low 30's whereas the 208 could calm right down and give you well into the 40's. sounds like a dumb thing to talk about with cars like this, but its a hot-hatch, its supposed to be a do it all car on a reasonable budget and fuel consumption does come into that.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

Any modern(ish) hot hatch should be able to get into the 50s on a run, although Renault claim this will do that comfortably enough. Being a turbo especially, I suspect it would need to be driven extremely gently to do it but that's normal for any vaguely performance-oriented car. People have this idea that turbo engines are efficient, but the whole point is to increase effective displacement by adding air- which needs the corresponding increase in fuel too. Means as soon as the turbo is doing anything, it's drinking fuel (proprtionally to boost pressure). They're efficient because if you sit at low revs and don't utilise the turbo, you've basically got a small NA engine. I wonder if the Clio tends towards worse economy because the auto likes sitting at higher revs than most people do in manuals. I imagine most owners leave it in at least sport too, which wouldn't help that.

[@carlmanders5414]

I have a fiesta St and have never been well into the 40s ever . Average 28 round town and high 30s on a good run .. car fully serviced always run on v power .. but u don’t buy a st or gti ect if fuel economy is a priority.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

​@@carlmanders5414 I'm amazed by that, my 981 Cayman S (3.4) gets high 40s on a run. I'd have expected a Fiesta ST to be noticeably more economical. Guessing it's down to gearing keeping the ST on boost at motorway speeds since turbos kill economy if you actually use them. Porker sits at

[@Robcatist]

To sanitised, crap auto box needed another 50-60hp. Needed manual box and a decent exhaust to make it crack out a bit.

[@m44nee]

Love these! Need to get one.

[@Tetrapetaloudos1]

PM if interested as we are selling ours

[@ripptorr]

the paddles are there so when you turn the wheel 180 degrees you don't miss match up and downshifting! Why is everyone compalining about this? Left paddle is upshift right is downshift. And if you know how to hold your hands on the wheel you won't have any trouble finding them ;) "oh but in F1 they're fixed to the wheel ....." YES they are because there you only hold hands on the wheel on 2 fixed positions so with the left hand you upshift and with the right you downshift. You always keep the hands on 2 spots ALWAYS on a wheel that has way less turns lock to lock. This is nowhere aplicable on a road car so yeah, you get the paddles fixed to the column. The end!

[@mrc7966]

I had a play with one of these on some country roads with a 182. On the straights there wasn't much in it, but through the corners it couldn't live with the 182 at all. I'm sure it's a much nicer car to live with than a 182 as it's much more modern. As a drivers car though it certainly doesn't live up to its predecessors.

[@djdrastic1]

Yeah that mirrors my experience as well.Dunno why you would buy an RS car thats not fun or fast around the bends.

[@oliverlowe8297]

A car is only as good as the squishy bit in the middle. But, realistically a 200T would beat a 182 in most scenarios. I have a 197 so I’m unbiased.

[@mrc7966]

@@oliverlowe8297 But it didn't, as I said it was faster on the straights and the 182 was faster in the corners. Decent drivers in both, tyres on the 182 a bit shagged if anything. I agree on paper the newer car looks like it has it...but it didn't translate in the real world. Don't ask me why, haven't a clue, just know what happened.

[@oliverlowe8297]

@@mrc7966 so you knew the other driver?

[@rubenvalente]

The mk4 is milles faster than the 182, you just drove the 182 much better than the other guy.

[@68michthor]

Not quite. Phase 2s had slightly bigger turbos, revised engine mapping and updated gearbox shifting. Seen plenty standard phase 2 cars make 220 bhp.

[@tavirosu25]

And the Akra exhaust. It's insane how good it sounds! Puts to shame any 2.0L (I'm looking at you GTI).

[@jamie1992ful]

Will hit 250hp no probs

[@martindaborn8444]

Would you consider doing a review on a renault laguna coupe. As I'm thinking for getting one. Food for thought.

[@victorsoares9946]

Hey i have a 200 gordini version I live in Luxembourg but if u want to make the trip u can test it out ans review it love the vídeos keep it up!

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

Renault should make a Mark 5 Clio RS at some point.

[@stacymitchell6453]

Sadly will never happen now that Renault Sport is no more

[@varmastiko2908]

@@stacymitchell6453 What happened to RenaultSport?

[@bassline2k10]

I have daily driven a 182 for 10 years now, It feels so incredibly raw and nimble whilst still being very practical and surprisingly reliable - its never once broken down. I'm finally considering upgrading just because its starting to be a pain to find parts for it (recently took 4 weeks to get the correct abs sensor for its MOT). This Clio Sport 200 EDC does not appeal to me one bit. It looks clumsy and uninspiring in terms of external design and most importantly it is missing that awesome, high revving NA engine. This is an absolute deal breaker alongside not having a manual option. For me personally, these two factors alone make this no longer a real drivers car but more of a "jack of all trades, master of none" type of vehicle, designed to appeal to the masses rather than focusing on what the Clio Sport brand was previously known to deliver

[@sambobrooklyn316]

Get a Suzuki swift

[@bassline2k10]

@@sambobrooklyn316 I bought a Clio RS200 (the last NA Clio Sport). The Swift wouldn't even have been on my list, i do not rate them at all personally.

[@zzhughesd]

JayE please give a link to shirt thanks. Or just a clue.

[@sysakPL]

Great review. Would be very interested in seeing what you think about the mk3 200

[@buckleyjteams]

Its the gearbox most people couldn’t gel with most people wanted a manual

[@AbandonEarth911]

The Clio 220 trophy is a great hot hatch, the paddle shift gears are the way to go you have normal Sport and Race mode with launch control. Manual gears are now slow and old hat, just look at all the latest super cars. Yes the fiesta ST is a nice hot hatch but after driving both cars, i prefer the Renault RS every day.

[@AbandonEarth911]

@@instagib5085 In 2014 i bought a new liquid yellow Clio Rs200 cup kept it for 4years and covered 46 thousand trouble free miles not a thing went wrong. In 2018 i bought a new Black with black pack Clio Rs 220 trophy, still have the car 2023 and has also been 100% reliable. The Trophy is awesome the grip and handling is great, give it a remap and they fly.

[@ScottZ370]

If you could get your hands on a Trophy 220 it'd be interesting, I think if that's how it originally came out then Ford might not have ran away with the market!

[@kieranmz4614]

I clicked on the video expecting a review on a renaultsport clio but was hit by floral rays emitted from James' torso. Should've seen that coming.

[@CptCaptainClockwork]

A few videos back I commented saying you'd reviewed 2/3 of the cars I was considering to replace my daily Clio 200 (Mk3). Now that's 3/3.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Hopefully I have been of some help :)

[@CptCaptainClockwork]

@@JayEmmOnCars Any time you talk about the seats and getting in and out the cars as a larger chap is a help

[@CookieCandyRF]

Why would you want a manual if you can have a automatic with manual options ? lol

[@chrisogrady28]

IMO if you know how to drive wheel mounted paddles are superior. Column means you cant shift while steering without moving your hand or doing the policemans shuffle (which is not how to steer). You also can't shift while steering as your hand is sliding across the back of the paddle as the wheel moves, so you have to stop steering mid corner to get them still. Terrible design even if it does look pretty. I'd still always take a real manual though.

[@GoldenCroc]

Agree fully, but I think column mounted is done for liability reasons, not for looks.

[@chrisogrady28]

@@GoldenCroc liability? How so? As in someone would sue them for putting them on the wheel?

[@GoldenCroc]

@@chrisogrady28 People pulling the wrong paddle, shifting down when they thought they were shifting up, making them spin out from how it affects the chassis. Most cars which have column mounted paddles are supercars and/or expensive high performance cars. No offence to supercar owners, but taken as a collective, they are not really famous for having driving abilities matching the performance of their cars. They also can afford to hire expensive lawyers. It is also bad business if your customers are crippled for life or dead. I am pretty sure those are the reasons why they do it.

[@TunaNoKetchup]

@@GoldenCroc It's design choice. To your point, I actually think it's the opposite, big paddles are more of a liability than small steering mounted ones. With big paddles it becomes the "What does the red button do situation" while the small paddles are barely noticeable so most just ignore or completely forget about them.

[@doughnuts5364]

It should be noted that pretty much all race cars use wheel mounted aswell and that’s for a reason

[@nigo1787]

I was hesitating between the 208 GTI and the Fiesta ST. The Clio came to mind a few times but... meh. EDC and 5 doors does nothing for me, and I really don't like the way it looks (I LOVED the 197 look though). I know it's not a bad car, it just missed its audience with tough competition. Today I may hesitate between the "new" Fiesta ST 1.5 and the i20N, the fact they didn't even try to make a Clio 5 RS nor a 208 GTI tells something to me about the direction of these companies

[@bowbridgejohnson7191]

6:55 - seems the standard has been lowered, was almost shunted by a learner whom obviously was told to close up the gap deliberately instead of letting traffic out when in a queue themselves. Equally moronic. Guess ADI pay is even worse than what it was when I was a learner...

[@simonspencer3108]

Great review!

[@jonlyons1033]

Mmm twin clutcher, is that a position or a whole genre? I'm off to research.

[@WRRHD]

Get a ds3 thp 150 etc on, I love mine

[@onelyone6976]

Otherwise a great option, but the thp 156 is known for some timing chain problems, just like it’s BMW counterparts

[@WRRHD]

@@onelyone6976 my 150 2011 has had no issues touch wood, had it a year, just driven 4 hours up to the lake district

[@onelyone6976]

@@WRRHD that's good to hear, 7 also really like the look of the DS 3 but unfortunately they're a bit out of my price range for a first car, as long as I don't happen to find a good deal on a salvage one

[@WRRHD]

@@onelyone6976 got mine for 3500, insurance as my second car 1000, 1 year no claims in South East near London, u probs wouldn't get insurance on 1.6 as first car, get a fiesta or something cheap to start u of, I had mk5 fiesta 02 quite fun little 1.2

[@Cyberdyne-kg8ku]

This road is right on my doorstep. I'll often take the long way home to hoon along it. Our little secret eh?

[@mrwick7961]

i had a clio 197, the biggest let dwn was the engine. was terrible going around town and to get anything out of it you had to rev the nuts off it, plus it was always braking sensors.

[@ollie-t7862]

That’s the point of high revving NA engines, they are designed for the track which makes them compromised around town.

[@person.X.]

Y it is a pity you haven't driven the previous 200 manual to compare this model with. For me a manual gear box is key to the enjoyment of a hot hatch. Decent but not huge amounts of power, a manual gear box and twisty involving roads is the perfect mix. Autos are fine but for heavy congestion driving or long distance cruising.

[@davidm6975]

Should I buy the auto or manual???

[@joshbacon8241]

Why was it only offered with an EDC dual clutch automatic, unlike previous hot Clios which had a manual gearbox? And at 2:42, I thought the A110’s gearbox was a 7-speed?

[@benlowe7089]

It's like asking why a car in the 1990's was only offered with fuel injection, when previous models were carbs.

[@richards4456]

Wet clutch 7 speed in the A110. Clio is dry clutch 6 speed.

[@andrewbrown5636]

Basically the same interior as my Renault Trafic van

[@BrandinooWOW]

The interior on the facelift is slightly better. I had a facelift Mk7 non RS and my brother in law has a pre facelift of the same spec and mine was noticably nicer inside. The upgraded infotainment is much better than the one in this model also

[@user-vk4vd7vr5t]

The EDC in the Clio is NOTHING like the EDC in the A110. Clio’s is a dry clutch 6speed Getrag the same as Ford Powershift, A110 is a wet clutch Getrag same as Megane RS

[@eze8970]

Thanks J!

[@fasthracing]

Always liked Renault RS's. I am however sick of being beaten on track by them (I have a MK7 Fiesta ST)

[@68michthor]

Exactly why I bought a RS200 phase 2 cup!

[@ollie-t7862]

@@68michthor I’m looking at purchasing one next month, How’s your ownership been so far?

[@68michthor]

@@ollie-t7862 superb. Long service intervals, great on fuel, practical with 3 kids and intoxicatingly quick when you want it. Much greater range of abilities than you’d imagine. Only niggle is a small rattle in the dash. I even think the engine / exhaust noise is awesome with pops and crackles and that edc box is very quick through the gears. You won’t be disappointed if you look at a phase 2 cup. Ps I don’t work for Renault, I’m in Healthcare!

[@AbandonEarth911]

@@ollie-t7862 They are great cars, i bought a new liquid yellow RS 200 Cup in 2014 kept it for 4 years, then bought a new 2018 220 trophy black with the black pack. Both cars 100% reliable, the grip and handling is superb, a great and practical car for every day use in the traffic we all face on our busy roads. But put it in sport mode it's a superb car for a blast, a simple remap does make a massive difference. The phase 2 Clio 220 Trophy is worth the extra outlay. RS tuning in Leeds has a good record for remaps.

[@ollie-t7862]

@@AbandonEarth911 thanks, I purchased an rs200 with cup pack and love it. It's the perfect car for South Wales roads

[@SuperVitz]

The lack of manual means it won't dominate track days the way the previous Clios did.

[@collinwaugh939]

do most clio and megane rs have torsion beam suspension rear just like a honda civic fn2 type r ??

[@CarObsession]

Good video pal, and a well balanced review if you ask me. I think there is the temptation to rip the car apart just because of the gearbox, although let's face it, Renault cocked up big time. I had a brief drive in one of these a while back and I was pretty underwhelmed...

[@ScoobySteve555]

In race mode is it completely manual? It doesn't upshift if you hit the Rev limiter?

[@cosmo550]

You care about the look and feel of the car interior 😀 I se you like pretty things. Nice shirt 😎😀

[@akhoucharmouta]

YEY! the return of the regal shirts!

[@good_roads]

Care to review a mito or guilietta qv as the are now discontinued?