The mid-2000s were a standout time for hot hatch enthusiasts, with the Renault Sport Clio among the legendary icons of the era. The French are known for creating fast, fun cars, and a used Renault Sport Clio 197 from this period is still an appealing option. When the 182 was replaced by the 197 in 2006, we felt a bit nostalgic; while the 197 was undoubtedly more refined—with increased weight and better build quality—it did lose some of the tactile thrill of its predecessor, partly due to the switch to electric steering.
Still, the 197 brought a significant power boost, with its two-liter naturally aspirated engine delivering 194bhp at a high 7250rpm. The improved driving position and higher-quality materials made it feel much more sophisticated than the 182, which suddenly appeared outdated. The 197’s eagerness and tendency for lift-off oversteer added a playful element, and later iterations successfully recaptured some of the 182’s spirited charm.
At launch, the 197 featured an impressive spec, including four-piston Brembo front brakes, a functional rear diffuser, air conditioning, keyless entry, and unique 17-inch alloys with Continental SportContact tires. Buyers could choose from five paint colors: two solids (Ultra Red and Racing Blue) and three metallics (Albi Blue, Deep Black, and Nimbus Silver).
In 2007, the sporty lineup became even more exciting with the introduction of the F1 Team R27 special edition, celebrating Renault’s 2006 Formula 1 success. This model showcased iconic Liquid Yellow paint, special side decals, Recaro seats, and a numbered plaque, along with a first-ever Cup chassis for the 197. The Cup chassis featured a 7mm lower stance and stiffer springs for improved handling. It became available as a £400 option on standard 197s, identifiable by anthracite alloys and red calipers, though the best way to confirm a genuine Cup chassis is by checking the spring color coding.
Confusingly, Renault also launched the stripped-down 197 Cup around the same time, which included the Cup chassis but omitted features like steering wheel adjustment and air conditioning. It was priced £1,000 lower than the standard 197, but adding certain options could push the cost back up.
In August 2008, gear ratios were updated for better motorway cruising, and a Lux model was introduced, offering enhancements like upgraded wheels, automatic lights and wipers, climate control, and leather upholstery.
Production of the 197 wrapped up in summer 2009, making way for the Renault Sport Clio 200. This model retained the 197’s core attributes but introduced several upgrades, including a refined engine with variable valve timing that increased output to 197bhp and improved low-end torque, reducing the 0-60 time from 6.9 seconds to 6.6.
Visible changes included a redesigned front bumper, new alloys, and a freshened interior with new options like integrated TomTom navigation and a panoramic sunroof. Under the hood, the 200 featured new spring and damper rates, a quicker steering rack for Cup variants, and independent steering axis geometry to enhance handling.
Keep an eye out for special editions like the Gordini, featuring exclusive blue paint and unique alloys; the Silverstone, which combined silver with a black roof; and the Raider, available in matte grey or red with distinct wheels.
Both the 197 and 200 prefer high-octane fuel, ideally 99 RON. If driven conservatively, they can achieve 30-33 mpg, but spirited driving will drop that to around 25-28 mpg.
Both variants excel as trackday cars, though the standard brakes may fade quickly. They hold up well on the track, but it’s crucial to check service history carefully. As with any vehicle, you’ll find both good and bad examples, but the right one will deliver an exhilarating experience.
Buying Tips
William Moses from Clio197.net advises against cars with inconsistent service histories. For road cars, the recommended service interval is 12,000 miles/12 months, but if the car is used on the track, aim for 6,000 miles. The cambelt service at 72,000 miles is critical and costly—approximately £500 from an independent garage and over £800 at a Renault dealer.
Engine and Gearbox: Both engines are robust if properly maintained, but avoid aftermarket induction systems and be cautious with ‘performance’ exhausts, which can create flat spots. Gear changes should be smooth when warm, but both gearboxes may experience synchro issues, particularly in third gear.
Suspension, Steering, and Brakes: Steering link rods may wear out, but this is an inexpensive fix. A clunking noise could indicate a failing rack; replacement is affordable, and upgrading to a quicker Cup rack can be beneficial. However, verify the issue first, as failed power steering motors are costly.
Body and Interior: Check for wear on both standard and Recaro seats, and the steering wheel can also show signs of wear. Retrimming seats costs around £50 per bolster, while steering wheel retrimming is about £150. Ensure the wiper mechanisms function correctly and that both key cards work—replacement costs £170.
Price Guide
Early 197s are now available for under £4,000 from private sellers, often with higher mileage (over 80,000) and multiple owners. If well-maintained, they can still be a solid buy, but check the service history carefully.
For around £7,000, there’s a variety of average-mileage models with Recaro seats and Speedline alloys. Expect to pay about £5,000 for Cup chassis cars, while well-spec’d 2007/2008 models start at £8,000 and can reach over £9,000 for the best examples. Factor in an additional £500 if purchasing through a dealer. The top price for a well-equipped end-of-line 197 with a Cup chassis is around £9,000, comparable to an entry-level 200.
Modified Clio RS 200 Buyers Guide
The mid-2000s were a standout time for hot hatch enthusiasts, with the Renault Sport Clio among the legendary icons of the era. The French are known for creating fast, fun cars, and a used Renault Sport Clio 197 from this period is still an appealing option. When the 182 was replaced by the 197 in 2006, we felt a bit nostalgic; while the 197 was undoubtedly more refined—with increased weight and better build quality—it did lose some of the tactile thrill of its predecessor, partly due to the switch to electric steering.
Still, the 197 brought a significant power boost, with its two-liter naturally aspirated engine delivering 194bhp at a high 7250rpm. The improved driving position and higher-quality materials made it feel much more sophisticated than the 182, which suddenly appeared outdated. The 197’s eagerness and tendency for lift-off oversteer added a playful element, and later iterations successfully recaptured some of the 182’s spirited charm.
At launch, the 197 featured an impressive spec, including four-piston Brembo front brakes, a functional rear diffuser, air conditioning, keyless entry, and unique 17-inch alloys with Continental SportContact tires. Buyers could choose from five paint colors: two solids (Ultra Red and Racing Blue) and three metallics (Albi Blue, Deep Black, and Nimbus Silver).
In 2007, the sporty lineup became even more exciting with the introduction of the F1 Team R27 special edition, celebrating Renault’s 2006 Formula 1 success. This model showcased iconic Liquid Yellow paint, special side decals, Recaro seats, and a numbered plaque, along with a first-ever Cup chassis for the 197. The Cup chassis featured a 7mm lower stance and stiffer springs for improved handling. It became available as a £400 option on standard 197s, identifiable by anthracite alloys and red calipers, though the best way to confirm a genuine Cup chassis is by checking the spring color coding.
Confusingly, Renault also launched the stripped-down 197 Cup around the same time, which included the Cup chassis but omitted features like steering wheel adjustment and air conditioning. It was priced £1,000 lower than the standard 197, but adding certain options could push the cost back up.
In August 2008, gear ratios were updated for better motorway cruising, and a Lux model was introduced, offering enhancements like upgraded wheels, automatic lights and wipers, climate control, and leather upholstery.
Production of the 197 wrapped up in summer 2009, making way for the Renault Sport Clio 200. This model retained the 197’s core attributes but introduced several upgrades, including a refined engine with variable valve timing that increased output to 197bhp and improved low-end torque, reducing the 0-60 time from 6.9 seconds to 6.6.
Visible changes included a redesigned front bumper, new alloys, and a freshened interior with new options like integrated TomTom navigation and a panoramic sunroof. Under the hood, the 200 featured new spring and damper rates, a quicker steering rack for Cup variants, and independent steering axis geometry to enhance handling.
Keep an eye out for special editions like the Gordini, featuring exclusive blue paint and unique alloys; the Silverstone, which combined silver with a black roof; and the Raider, available in matte grey or red with distinct wheels.
Both the 197 and 200 prefer high-octane fuel, ideally 99 RON. If driven conservatively, they can achieve 30-33 mpg, but spirited driving will drop that to around 25-28 mpg.
Both variants excel as trackday cars, though the standard brakes may fade quickly. They hold up well on the track, but it’s crucial to check service history carefully. As with any vehicle, you’ll find both good and bad examples, but the right one will deliver an exhilarating experience.
Buying Tips
William Moses from Clio197.net advises against cars with inconsistent service histories. For road cars, the recommended service interval is 12,000 miles/12 months, but if the car is used on the track, aim for 6,000 miles. The cambelt service at 72,000 miles is critical and costly—approximately £500 from an independent garage and over £800 at a Renault dealer.
Engine and Gearbox:
Both engines are robust if properly maintained, but avoid aftermarket induction systems and be cautious with ‘performance’ exhausts, which can create flat spots. Gear changes should be smooth when warm, but both gearboxes may experience synchro issues, particularly in third gear.
Suspension, Steering, and Brakes:
Steering link rods may wear out, but this is an inexpensive fix. A clunking noise could indicate a failing rack; replacement is affordable, and upgrading to a quicker Cup rack can be beneficial. However, verify the issue first, as failed power steering motors are costly.
Body and Interior:
Check for wear on both standard and Recaro seats, and the steering wheel can also show signs of wear. Retrimming seats costs around £50 per bolster, while steering wheel retrimming is about £150. Ensure the wiper mechanisms function correctly and that both key cards work—replacement costs £170.
Price Guide
Early 197s are now available for under £4,000 from private sellers, often with higher mileage (over 80,000) and multiple owners. If well-maintained, they can still be a solid buy, but check the service history carefully.
For around £7,000, there’s a variety of average-mileage models with Recaro seats and Speedline alloys. Expect to pay about £5,000 for Cup chassis cars, while well-spec’d 2007/2008 models start at £8,000 and can reach over £9,000 for the best examples. Factor in an additional £500 if purchasing through a dealer. The top price for a well-equipped end-of-line 197 with a Cup chassis is around £9,000, comparable to an entry-level 200.
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administratorLewis is the founder of Madlows