i'd like to have a spin in the new clio.. my dad works for renault and he came from 20+ at mitsubishi. he thinks they are shit hot but suffer ( like others have said) because of the bad publisity

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The new 197 hasn't had the best reviews in the UK compared to the old 172 and 182 as it put a lot of weight on with the new body shape. More civilised though. I considered a 182 a few years ago but didn't trust the build quality and went with a rex.

Think I saw somewhere that they were asking $36,490 rrp for the 197?? 3dr Golf GTI is only 2 grand more and a way better car.

In fact after sales service has been very good.

Yep everytime i drive her car I almost have to start by saying "I hate the pedal placement/brake application" (stupid Electronic aid). And that is only because I get a chance to drive other Jap cars. I am sure clio will allow u to turn electronic aids off.

Have had a 172 for about 5 years now, is used as a daily driver. Engine and drivetrain has never skipped a beat. Niggles like rattles (dash, door and seats), boot lock not working intermittently but never really had any major issues.

Servicing is a bit more expensive than a Jap just because not as many people work on these so choice of mechanics are sort of limited. Dealers are ok, common parts can sometimes take a while to come in. Other than that, they are fantastic to drive.... lightweight, good chasis combined with a biggish engine makes it a hoot on clear twisty roads. You get used to the slightly weird pedal placement... Brakes are fantastic...

New 197 is more powerful but also heavier, I hope that doesn't dilute the RS experience. Plus they seem to have been out for a while in Europe, any issues they might have will hopefully have been sorted out already?

They quoted me 41K driveaway, for the Clio but said they would do it for 40K

Golf is another option, and one I would definitely consider if I was dinkum. 3 door is also built in Germany and not SA IIRC..

Which would mean the build quality should be right up there...

I've also had a couple of positive comments from VW owners regarding after sales support.

I'd want a manual, preferably with sunroof / leather though, which might mean a very long wait.. (apparently they mostly stock DSGs)

you cant compare the two lol

get the golf forget the flimsy little renault!!!

40 grand! Thats a rip off. No way its worth that. In the UK its list price is about the same as a Polo GTI, which is 27k+onroads here. Tell em there dreamin

We've got a manual 3 door that I got mid last year. It was a 12 week wait though. It was the first new car I've bought but I had no issues with the dealer (Ossie Park). They were conservative with the delivery and wouldn't commit to a date. Just said 3+ months. Haven't had a single issue since I got it and I've already done over 30,000km. Makes an awesome daily driver. Perfect combination of comfort/sport and performance/fuel economy. Also fun on the skid pan.

Golf GT is going great for me. Hammers and feels solid. The Bleks obviously made mine correctly.

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lol the golf is the far superior car in all ways imho of course

Cannot compare the Golf to a Clio, if you want to talk about comparing the Golf to a car from Renault on an even playing field have a look at the Renault F1 Team R26.. can pick one up for around 40kish and is a great car that has if you have read up on it received fantastic reviews. Would perhaps be hard to find as they were only released in a limited amount of 80 odd I believe. http://www.renault.com.au/docs/renau...RSmeganeF1.asp is the link for the RS F1 Team R26. Brief review from Wheel magazine available at http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/wheels/s...ullarticle=yes