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
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.
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!
I most likely watched this around the time it came out 15 years ago, but as of today in late 2024 - this is the best car video I've seen for aaaages. There's not many motoring journos who can drive like Steve Sutcliffe. Absolutely on it in that Clio 👏
@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.
"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!!!
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.
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.
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.
@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
@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.
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.
@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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.....
i have a 1.3 escort with white stripes over the roof, i painted the front disc calipers red and the rear drums red i dont think it stops any faster but shes looking the biz, im going to put some rs badges on next
you are rite it has alot to do with the weight! but i dont think ford could do much else to lose the cars weight as the weight on it is from necessary items such as the revo knuclke diff, 2.5 volvo engine and gearbox.. the big diff being one of the main culprits but its needed, the seats are really thin! the alloys are light weight etc so i dont know how much more weight they could drop with out ruining the car or going carbon fibre/alluminium for the panels which wouldnt work price budget wise
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.
@buttnut1080 The clio lifts its inside rear under hard cornering too. Most front drive hatches do as there is minimal weight at the back. Looks dangerous but isn't really.
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?
@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!
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.
I try this cars and I prefer the clio but is cheeper, lighter, and more easy to drive faster than the focus. And finaly the clio it's faster than the focus but the focus it's so nice, soo good to show's it.
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.
@santclause1 There is a major difference in the driving style of a turbo and NA engine. I have the 207 RC, the Clio II 1,4 98HP and the RX8 Cosmo. The one I get more fun around bends is the Clio and the Mazda. The Clio is so adjustable with great feedback that unfortunately you don't get in the Pug. In the Pug you have to be careful with the gas while turning because of 1) turbo lag = you need to step on it before than the Clio 2) too much torque = understeer. And yes, torque does make you lazy!
@santclause1 Also, your Clio is over 20 seconds slower on the Nordschleife, 2 seconds slower around goodwoods handling circuit, 3+ seconds slower around bruntingthrope. The Clio should never be mentioned in the same breath as the Focus RS, its not even close.
@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!
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?
what are you on about! The focus RS should only be compared with other front wheel drive hot hatches with the same intention. That being a proper family car with performance. It should not as i said be compared to stripped down cars in the size class below or awd hardcore rally cars or rear wheel drive cars in the size class above. It came out on top against the new megane 250 for example.
Good video but i really wish people would stop comparing a full fat hatchback with all the trimmings to stripped down versions. It shows just how good it is to require a clio to go beserk to even worry it. If Ford did a Cup version of the RS then compare them. Top gear were just as bad comparing the RS to the latest R26 which had track day tyres on!! Someone strip out an RS for god sake so we can do a fair comparison. I'll be more interested to see how the new megane 250 and the RS campare.
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!!!
its wrong to say because a cars from a certain country it has a certain trait,ive had the opposite of your experience.i used to have a focus st170 and was constantly going wrong,the worst thing was it used to cut out on the motorway at any speed,v.dangerous.nobody could fix and i sold car at massive loss.i had bmw 325 which kept going wrong and a low millage cileca gt4 which blew engine at 45k.I now have clio 182 for 4 years,done 55k in it and hasnt missed a beat.most reliable car i ever had
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.
Good vid this. I am looking at gettinga 200 cup at the moment. Do I believe thats its as quick as an RS, no, not for most of the time. Do i believe this vid, yes. Clio has advantage here 200kg lighter, twisty technical surface with nowhere for the focus to use all of its power advantage. I am a big hot hatch fan and agree that on more open straighter roads the FRS would kill the clio, but for me, the clio is the bargin, the FRS is better, but not 10k better
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...
i'd like to see the clio start in front, the rs would struggle to overtake on such a tight track and the clio is obviously being held back in the corners, for that kind of circuit i would take the nimble clio, on a longer track with more straights then it has to be the rs simple as that.
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.
@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
@santclause1 um yes i have. And sure a turbo helps performance but that performance is what makes it more difficult to drive. a normally aspirated car is not hard to drive, turbo or not you will always have to watch the RPMs. To further prove my point look and see why more and more Japanese car manufactures are trying to make more normally aspirated cars then turbos, so inexperienced drivers can perform better on the track.
It's just the most uncomfortable of them all and possibly the one with the worst visibility but it's far from being bad... I appreciated the driving position and the steering feel as well as the Vtec engine Too expensive and to uncomfortable though...
@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?
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... ^^
Well i own a renault clio now so i agree about the bang for buck of the clios in general. But i still agree with my previous comment. If you observe the race lines you will see the renault driver is much more efficient in his driving, race lines ETC. So the renault is keeping up. You can argue that the cars is quicker in tighter nibbler corners but, if you put the cars on race tracks such as the nurburgring then the renault will be destroyed. I like clios though for the bang for buck.
i own a clio 200 just like the one in the video but red, i have driven a focus RS. the focus RS is no doubt more powerful and you can feel it pull more when driving it - especially mid rev range. But unquestionably my clio is more fun, it has that go-cart feel which makes every journey enjoyable. i wouldn't give up my 200 for any other hot-hatch. Not even the new megane 250 - yes its faster round the track than clio 200 and focus RS, but again, it doesn't beat the clio for fun.
The Focus is faster then the clio.Of course, it has a full 100 hp extra, and is a turbocharged car. The clio Rs NA with 200 hp is a lot more agile in the corners but has lack of torque in the straights. i drive a clio 197 and i can say one thing,it is a great car, handles superb, very fast in the corner, but a total lack of torque in the lower rev range. The point is to keep it above 5000 rpm.
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!
yes you are right i mean 4WD... about FWD you forgot alfa romeo 156 147 GTA, alfa romeo GTA AM autodelta. i am also look forward to see the MiTo GTA on track. ciao!
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.
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?
and they had to turn off the ESP in the Clio, while of course keeping it on in the Focus. A bit like playing golf, when the players have different handicaps.
most smaller cars with similar power could do the same thing, try racing a fiesta st with a clio sport, more competition, or better still a megane gt with the focus rs
@MardgeePS3. i own a 200CUP that is a hothatch. a hothatch is/should be as fast as possible for the least amount possible. Focus RS is only only only 0.9tenths of a sec faster around a track than 200CUP but 13k more. you do the maths.
@trueancient I agree about comparing the cars, its not right. The Clio should be compared with the Fiesta and not the fat Focus. The Clio is more agile, lighter and more of a drivers car and it's way cheaper as well.
The cup version is for the track yes but the simple one does the job extremely good and funny and its suspension is unexpectedly comfortable. Don;t forget that IRL you won't have the extreme quality tarmac of a track and the crazy torque of the RS will be there to burn your rubber everytime. Yes it has torsen it has revoknuckle and a great front suspension geometry but sick torque can get past these things not only in average quality tarmac but in track quality too
@droptheleash0. yeah i,ve driven both. both awsome. just that CUP was alittle more rewarding, and gave better feedback. acceleration was abit more snappier aswell. due to less weight. got more mpg in the cup too. but i prefer my hothatches as bare as possible. but after owning ST, Type R gt. i wanted to get back to basics as i thought sat nav, nice quality stereos, big soft touch dashes, too much sound proofing spoiled everything a hothatch should be.
I know this is an old video but in most road going situation circa 200hp is literally all you need.
Just bought another clio, its just mega still 12 years on ...
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
💯
That jump! Great battle, I'd take the Clio.
2:12 that was badass!
Renault gunna get ya! ;)
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 !
Lol @ 1:25
"Of course, you'd never drive like this on the road"
I bloody would!!!
2:11 jump was EPIC
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.
Clio for me! much more understated and engaging as a drivers' car
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!
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!
I most likely watched this around the time it came out 15 years ago, but as of today in late 2024 - this is the best car video I've seen for aaaages.
There's not many motoring journos who can drive like Steve Sutcliffe. Absolutely on it in that Clio 👏
All car comparison reviews should be done like this!!!
@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.
"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!!!
that's why i love the Clio ;)
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.
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.
Totally agree, more proper racing video's like this please :D
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.
@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
@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.
great video. This is the way cars should be tested. (2:14min) Great jump smooth landings.
THxs
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.
Just purchased one and i bloody love it
@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.
Epic Video!! Great to see a real world style test! Both great cars! Great video Autocar more like this please!
great vid... but a swap of drives would have been interesting. The Focus looked very calm.
@santclause1 every RS model holds it value mate, no matter what comes before or after. The next RS is the RS500 with 350bhp and its FWD.
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.
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.
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
There were no speed limits on this video, it was on a private track.
Ant the outcome was...?
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.
@StigRossi The Camaro is developed by Holden Australia.
Australians had to engineer the Camaro to get it right!
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...
bought a type r because i there were no renault dealerships near my area at the time. i love clio
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.....
i have a 1.3 escort with white stripes over the roof, i painted the front disc calipers red and the rear drums red i dont think it stops any faster but shes looking the biz, im going to put some rs badges on next
"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.
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!
you are rite it has alot to do with the weight! but i dont think ford could do much else to lose the cars weight as the weight on it is from necessary items such as the revo knuclke diff, 2.5 volvo engine and gearbox.. the big diff being one of the main culprits but its needed, the seats are really thin! the alloys are light weight etc so i dont know how much more weight they could drop with out ruining the car or going carbon fibre/alluminium for the panels which wouldnt work price budget wise
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.
@buttnut1080 The clio lifts its inside rear under hard cornering too. Most front drive hatches do as there is minimal weight at the back. Looks dangerous but isn't really.
Mate has the same Renault but in gray, it's an amazing machine.
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?
that road course looks like so much fun !
@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!
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.
I try this cars and I prefer the clio but is cheeper, lighter, and more easy to drive faster than the focus. And finaly the clio it's faster than the focus but the focus it's so nice, soo good to show's it.
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.
@santclause1 There is a major difference in the driving style of a turbo and NA engine. I have the 207 RC, the Clio II 1,4 98HP and the RX8 Cosmo. The one I get more fun around bends is the Clio and the Mazda. The Clio is so adjustable with great feedback that unfortunately you don't get in the Pug. In the Pug you have to be careful with the gas while turning because of 1) turbo lag = you need to step on it before than the Clio 2) too much torque = understeer. And yes, torque does make you lazy!
@santclause1 Also, your Clio is over 20 seconds slower on the Nordschleife, 2 seconds slower around goodwoods handling circuit, 3+ seconds slower around bruntingthrope. The Clio should never be mentioned in the same breath as the Focus RS, its not even close.
@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!
it's Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedford
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?
what are you on about! The focus RS should only be compared with other front wheel drive hot hatches with the same intention. That being a proper family car with performance. It should not as i said be compared to stripped down cars in the size class below or awd hardcore rally cars or rear wheel drive cars in the size class above. It came out on top against the new megane 250 for example.
they should have also done the test with the focus behind the clio, its easier always easier to chase than be chased.
Good video but i really wish people would stop comparing a full fat hatchback with all the trimmings to stripped down versions. It shows just how good it is to require a clio to go beserk to even worry it. If Ford did a Cup version of the RS then compare them. Top gear were just as bad comparing the RS to the latest R26 which had track day tyres on!! Someone strip out an RS for god sake so we can do a fair comparison. I'll be more interested to see how the new megane 250 and the RS campare.
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!!!
its wrong to say because a cars from a certain country it has a certain trait,ive had the opposite of your experience.i used to have a focus st170 and was constantly going wrong,the worst thing was it used to cut out on the motorway at any speed,v.dangerous.nobody could fix and i sold car at massive loss.i had bmw 325 which kept going wrong and a low millage cileca gt4 which blew engine at 45k.I now have clio 182 for 4 years,done 55k in it and hasnt missed a beat.most reliable car i ever had
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.
Not just an extra cylinder. The Clio is Naturally aspirated, Focus is turbocharged
Good vid this.
I am looking at gettinga 200 cup at the moment. Do I believe thats its as quick as an RS, no, not for most of the time. Do i believe this vid, yes. Clio has advantage here 200kg lighter, twisty technical surface with nowhere for the focus to use all of its power advantage.
I am a big hot hatch fan and agree that on more open straighter roads the FRS would kill the clio, but for me, the clio is the bargin, the FRS is better, but not 10k better
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...
that wheel lift is because it's got a very shot wheel base and high center gravity.
i'd like to see the clio start in front, the rs would struggle to overtake on such a tight track and the clio is obviously being held back in the corners, for that kind of circuit i would take the nimble clio, on a longer track with more straights then it has to be the rs simple as that.
They were advertised for 12k brand new in Cup spec in 2009/2010 by Lookers.....Current Fiesta ST is what 23k or somet?
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?
@santclause1 Theres a focus RS mk1 with 16,000 miles on the clock and its a 53 plate for £14,000 on the auto trader right now.
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.
2:13-in jump, RS has better grip. front and rear whells same moment touch ground. clio is bit heavy in part of engine
Maybe he lifted the gas a bit
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
@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
@santclause1 um yes i have. And sure a turbo helps performance but that performance is what makes it more difficult to drive. a normally aspirated car is not hard to drive, turbo or not you will always have to watch the RPMs. To further prove my point look and see why more and more Japanese car manufactures are trying to make more normally aspirated cars then turbos, so inexperienced drivers can perform better on the track.
It's just the most uncomfortable of them all and possibly the one with the worst visibility but it's far from being bad...
I appreciated the driving position and the steering feel as well as the Vtec engine
Too expensive and to uncomfortable though...
@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?
@hcAsicted. Had my 200cup 8 months. no problems what so ever. service cost me 200 pounds.
Have you ever drove an RS?? I happen to own one, and it does not handle like a boat.
that focus was shit that clio would only need 30 or 40 bhp more it would be bye bye focus thats a fact
That's definitely not true. A remapped focus RS is dangerous, plus these guys aren't really driving them properly
Lewis Jordan
?? LOL
Pandemonium Lig The focus RS driver definetely isnt as i have the ST, not sure about the Clio though
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... ^^
Pandemonium Lig I think you mean Focus RS and Focus RS500, not Focus RS305 and RS350 lol
Well i own a renault clio now so i agree about the bang for buck of the clios in general. But i still agree with my previous comment. If you observe the race lines you will see the renault driver is much more efficient in his driving, race lines ETC. So the renault is keeping up. You can argue that the cars is quicker in tighter nibbler corners but, if you put the cars on race tracks such as the nurburgring then the renault will be destroyed. I like clios though for the bang for buck.
i own a clio 200 just like the one in the video but red, i have driven a focus RS. the focus RS is no doubt more powerful and you can feel it pull more when driving it - especially mid rev range. But unquestionably my clio is more fun, it has that go-cart feel which makes every journey enjoyable. i wouldn't give up my 200 for any other hot-hatch. Not even the new megane 250 - yes its faster round the track than clio 200 and focus RS, but again, it doesn't beat the clio for fun.
The Focus is faster then the clio.Of course, it has a full 100 hp extra, and is a turbocharged car. The clio Rs NA with 200 hp is a lot more agile in the corners but has lack of torque in the straights.
i drive a clio 197 and i can say one thing,it is a great car, handles superb, very fast in the corner, but a total lack of torque in the lower rev range. The point is to keep it above 5000 rpm.
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!
can't really tell, but if depends on if the RS driver is really breaking a sweat. Looks like the driver had to work the clio quite hard to keep up.
yes you are right i mean 4WD...
about FWD you forgot alfa romeo 156 147 GTA, alfa romeo GTA AM autodelta.
i am also look forward to see the MiTo GTA on track.
ciao!
Absolutly mind blowing...Viva Renault!!!
This must be a huge slap in the face of the Forvo engineers that slapped together the RS from Volvo parts.
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.
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?
and they had to turn off the ESP in the Clio, while of course keeping it on in the Focus. A bit like playing golf, when the players have different handicaps.
most smaller cars with similar power could do the same thing, try racing a fiesta st with a clio sport, more competition, or better still a megane gt with the focus rs
I know that. But they should try a standard R26 against the RS. Being a used R26 doesn't really matter.
@MardgeePS3. i own a 200CUP that is a hothatch. a hothatch is/should be as fast as possible for the least amount possible. Focus RS is only only only 0.9tenths of a sec faster around a track than 200CUP but 13k more. you do the maths.
Was that road closed to public ? very nice race.
@trueancient I agree about comparing the cars, its not right. The Clio should be compared with the Fiesta and not the fat Focus. The Clio is more agile, lighter and more of a drivers car and it's way cheaper as well.
The cup version is for the track yes but the simple one does the job extremely good and funny and its suspension is unexpectedly comfortable. Don;t forget that IRL you won't have the extreme quality tarmac of a track and the crazy torque of the RS will be there to burn your rubber everytime. Yes it has torsen it has revoknuckle and a great front suspension geometry but sick torque can get past these things not only in average quality tarmac but in track quality too
ojala llegara el clio a mexico esta muy bonito
IF you watch any AUTOCAR videos before, or know something about them, you'll know the driver in the Clio is a much better driver
@droptheleash0. yeah i,ve driven both. both awsome. just that CUP was alittle more rewarding, and gave better feedback. acceleration was abit more snappier aswell. due to less weight. got more mpg in the cup too. but i prefer my hothatches as bare as possible. but after owning ST, Type R gt. i wanted to get back to basics as i thought sat nav, nice quality stereos, big soft touch dashes, too much sound proofing spoiled everything a hothatch should be.
Good question. Do you enjoy Esther Rantzen?
you mean get left behind by it or crashing on every bend?