What would your next car be after the Polo GTI?

[Hail22]

New Renault Clio RS from under $29K - motoring.com.au

Talk of the Cup being a $35K affair! I doubt it'd be 5K more for some stiffer suspension etc.

Doubtful it will be near the 35k mark...they would need to justify the hike.

[DETROITCANDY]

Doubtful it will be near the 35k mark...they would need to justify the hike.

I test drove a 1.2lt dual clutch Clio a few weeks back to see if I could live with an RS when it comes out.
Design is subjective and is a personal thing, I for one like the look of the Clio RS (especially over Fiesta or Peugeot Gti).

A few notes from my test drive:
I would hope that the RS has some better interior finishes, the high spec model I drove was pretty average.
I think we have been spoilt with VW interior build quality and finishes, despite all the shortcomings of mechanical reliability that seems to plague the polo. It would be hard stepping 'backwards' into the Clio everyday after the owning a Polo.

The steering wheel and dash has stupid gloss highlights that will look like arse after a few wipes with a chamois. Lots of hard plastic everywhere.

The gear selector action for +/- gears feels like it belongs on a Fisher Price, (have to give them credit for getting the push/pull direction correct though. This might not be too much of an issue with the RS since it will have die-cast metal paddles fixed to the steering column (ripped straight from the 35 GTR parts bin apparently).

Despite uninspiring engine note and inability to rev, the dual clutch gearbox felt pretty smart and quick to change. Didn't catch it doing anything more unusual than that of the Polo's DSG.

Ride was very compliant on 17" wheels compared to the Polo, adjustable sports suspension on the RS would probably make it even better.

Not a huge fan of the Clio's huge A-pillar's and corner window that seems to have made its way onto alot of cars this size, I really think a Polo has great visibility all round comparatively (Clio's rear visibility is fairly average but should come with a rear view camera on high spec model).

I like the keyless start (although start button hasn't been moved for RHD vehicles), bonnet latch release has lazily been left on RH side.

Media centre thingy seems pretty snappy, (next gen touch screen compared to the Polo) built in GPS as standard. I was told it was based around an Android system so who knows what that means for future add-ons or software updates.
The sound generator gimmick to make the inside of your car sound like a motorbike or electric car would be used for all of 30 seconds to show your friends once and never touched again most likely.

I was a little disappointed overall, its hard to really say what the RS would be like to own based solely on lower spec model, it would have to be pretty dynamically special to forgive it for all the shortcomings of the interior build quality and finishes. (I'm talking about things that are most likely going to be carried over to RS model, not seat or steering wheel upgrades).

I was told only 3 year factory warranty on all RS models (not 5 like the rest of the range). The nissan motor and gearbox gives you some piece of mind that it will be reliable & tough. The fact that they have the confidence to allow a launch control feature when you pull back both paddles should mean that it's should be pretty bulletproof.

I'd really like a sunroof but have been told that it might only have a fixed glass roof as an option. I was told that I could secure one from the first batch with a $1000 deposit that would be refundable if I didn't like it after a test drive when they begin to arrive at the end of the year.

Polo would be only 15 months old, but I would be happy to see the back of it if the RS is a hoot to drive.

[Lucas_R]

It's wet or nothing!

I bet you say that to all the girls.........

[pologti18t]

The Clio RS 200 price really depends on the spec level we get. UK gets two levels RS200 and RS200 Lux.

Lux gets elect rear windows (yes wind up is std!), climate, better stereo, RS Monitor and Rlink and a few bits and pieces.
Cup suspension is about UKP650
Leather is UKP1000
No sunroof, no HID etc etc.
No std RVC or parking sensors.

So, if Renault pulls a VW and says that the base model has no options and you need to buy the Lux to get the Cup suspension then you could be looking at 32k+ORC to get a desirable one.

[nomadx38]

I was told only 3 year factory warranty on all RS models (not 5 like the rest of the range). The nissan motor and gearbox gives you some piece of mind that it will be reliable & tough. The fact that they have the confidence to allow a launch control feature when you pull back both paddles should mean that it's should be pretty bulletproof.

They are lying to you! (Hope I'm not proven wrong :p) I only say this becuase the only DSG Nissan have (for the GTR) is a 6sp Wet Clutch which believe it or not is made by Borg Warner (using the same components as VW). I'll be honest I'm not sure what components they are using mech/clutch or casing? But they are using some parts.

The Clio uses a getrag box. Which had its own discussion on reliability - more or less for the better

[dening]

The Motor Report: Auto News And Reviews

Competitive price really. Not with the fiesta though, but it does offer more "prestige" than a Ford.

Surely if Ford Australia confirm the Mountune tuning option the fiesta could start becoming the clear winner though.

[BLN355]

I'd contemplate an upgrade to the new Audi S3 in a year or so if they bring in a 3 door version.

[readerr0r]

Excellent write up detroitcandy, very much what a noticed with the standard clio myself (dont forget the glovebox is rubbish because the french are too lazy to move the fuse box too).

Personally, I'd still pick the Polo over a Clio and the only real contender for me is the 2014 Octavia RS. Every time I hop into my sisters Octy 118 (1.8t audi engine, not 1.4twin) with its zainy green lighting, dancing dials and massive boot I wonder why people buy the golf.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/75lmdlqys0l10iu/New%20Octavia%20inc%20%20vRS%20August%202013%20price%20list.pdf

Liftback DSG in Meteor Grey or Rio Red please!

[BLN355]

https://www.dropbox.com/s/75lmdlqys0l10iu/New%20Octavia%20inc%20%20vRS%20August%202013%20price%20list.pdf

Liftback DSG in Meteor Grey or Rio Red please!

I'm not going to lie, the Estate is pretty horn.

[dening]

Richard Hammond on the RS Clio DSG:
"It has the excitement of a vicar sweeping up leaves.....the car is let down by that terrible gearbox..."

Ford fiesta, vs Clio vs 208 GTI, very clear winner is the ford, 208 in 2nd and the Clio burning its clutches at the back of the field. "...this car will be remembered as a classic like the rs2000 or lotus cortina, it's that good..."

Renault Clio RRS 200 EDC: On Road and Track - /CHRIS HARRIS ON CARS - YouTube

Ford Fiesta ST First Drive - /CHRIS HARRIS ON CARS - YouTube

I'd listen to Chris Harris over Richard Hammond.

[seangti]

I was mighty impressed with the fiesta ST after following one around Queensland raceway a few weeks back. The driver is very capable, seen him steer his Porsche GT3 around QR, and whilst for this event I wasn't highly committed, I think it'd be very close if not very marginally quicker around QR than my car. In saying that, my misses has a fiesta we haven't seen for a month while the DCT box is being rebuilt...

Renault Car Club Happy Laps 22 Sept 2013 - YouTube

[Lemonskin]

Its not going to be on my list, but the almost $8k price drop to $29k for the Clio Rs will have heads turning...

[j123]

Its not going to be on my list, but the almost $8k price drop to $29k for the Clio Rs will have heads turning...

Before getting the Polo, I seriously considered waiting for the RS. I'll definitely be checking it out when it comes out in December

[Hail22]

Before getting the Polo, I seriously considered waiting for the RS. I'll definitely be checking it out when it comes out in December

I'll be waiting for the Clio RS Gordini

[Hail22]

I received an email on the Clio RS, seems as if the cup will have most of the options as standard "R-link etc"