29th Nov 2007, 06:02
The only crown renault have got is for the worst reliability, when the type r first came out it outclassed all the rivals.
29th Nov 2007, 11:16
"They never had the hatch crown. Renault did!"
Erm no, the old Type R was in a diferent league than the 182, and the figures back this up.
Type R 0-60 6.6 top speed 147.
182 0-60 7.1 top speed 182.
And don't even start me on the differences in build quality and reliability between them. Anyway, my Astra Vxr would eat both of them. I honestly think from 60-100, it could be twice as fast as the Clio.
29th Nov 2007, 11:27
The Clio 182 Cup is widely regarded as the best hot hatch of recent times. The Honda couldn't and still can't match its handling and feel. Build quality is a bit crap, but if driving experience is your main concern, the Honda is definitely second best.
The 197 has gone the same way as the new Type R though. Too fat and the engine too weedy to cope. Neither are a patch on their predecessors. Best hot hatch of the moment would be a toss up between the Golf GTI and Focus ST. Both fabulous cars.
And yes I've driven all these - I'm not working from magazine reviews. The Clio 182 Cup is a fantastic car.
30th Nov 2007, 11:08
The 182 was never regarded as the best hot hatch, and the Focus ST/Golf GTi aren't the best hatches on the road; that's the Astra VXR. The Golf GTI isn't even a hot hatch. "0-60 takes 7.2 seconds, there are animals faster than that" Jeremy Clarkson's words and I agree.
p.s The top speed for the 182 is 138, which is a joke.
20th Nov 2007, 09:08
The new civic is a let down. I like Honda cars, but I think they should have made it faster and more powerful. What's the point putting the same engine into a heavier car. Honda need to get their act together, they have lost the hot hatch crown.