jameswrx

iTrader: (4)

Its been a long time since I've driven anything other than an Impreza, looking at selling our uk Turbo and getting something more economical for school runs etc.

I was thinking of either a golf/A3 1.8T sport or a Renault Clio 172.

Has anyone come from a uk turbo to one of these and noticed them to be more economical? It just seems the Impreza drinks fuel even when driving slowly, I guess the 4wd helps that!

I don't want to get her one and then have her say it's no different. But she doesn't want anything too mundane.

She drives around really carefully anyway but would appreciate any input on mpg from people with 1.8T's or 172's.. Sensible drivers :-p

kevo10

Id also consider a turbo diesel. Had a golf mk4 gttdi 180 brake and sooo much torque. Miss her a lot

saints_forever

If you're looking at clios then I'd say spend that little bit more and get a 182. Much more comfortable and have the extras like ABS, climate control etc. My 182 would get around 33-35mpg round town and was hitting 42-44mpg on a run.

jameswrx

iTrader: (4)

Certainly considered a diesel but they are a lot dearer.

Does the 172 not even have ABS? Surely it does?

saints_forever

The 172 Cup doesn't have ABS but the standard 172 does

Luan Pra bang

save a fortune and get a 306 gti-6, can get a really good one for £1200 and they are awesome makes you feel like a 17 year old every time you get in it.

RobEvo5

iTrader: (9)

+1

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

LOL, it was one of those I drove that disappointed SOOOO much I went and spent £8000 more on an Impreza.......

Fantom

Apart from the exhaust manifold, wheels and rear bumper, the 172 is exactly the same car. Can be had for a bargain. I've had 3 172's and used to get 32mpg with mainly short journeys to work. On a run they get over 40mpg. They are pretty quick too and would easily keep up if not beat a standard uk turbo.
The main Clio drawback is the driving position. I had to change the seats in mine as I'm 6'5 but most people are ok in them.
Any more questions, let me know

saints_forever

^^^ Cruise control and speed limiter on 182 and late 172's as well. Plus the suspension is a different fit, front springs slightly stiffer and 182 is ever so slightly (tiny difference) wider. Disagree with them beating a UK turbo.

Fantom

I had a couple of tests that would suggest different. My 260bhp impreza could only just pull away slowly from a 182. And my 172 had no trouble keeping up with a wrx of some variety.
Remember the uk turbo only came with 208bhp originally.
Apart from the turbo push I reckon I've had more fun driving clios than I did imprezas

saints_forever

Good point. The Clios are brilliant fun, all about the twisties. If I didn't need a slightly bigger car, then I would never have sold mine.

K3ogh_sti

I have a polo 1.8 20v t and it drinks fuel on a run, mind you its only a 40L tank so it seems to go quicker

Luan Pra bang

I would pick a 306 gti-6 over a classic Impreza every time. Peugeot handles much better is more fun and uses much less fuel. My first Scooby was a classic with 280bhp but was not even close to the feel of the 306, being old I would pick fun over raw speed everytime.

saints_forever

Stick with looking at the Clios, 306 is less reliable, slower, uglier and doesn't handle as well! As for the thought of having a Peugeot over a Subaru....hhhhmmmm

Luan Pra bang

I have had 3 Imprezas and I think they handle rubbish, they are too loud and the interiors are crap. The classics had rubbish brakes as standard and when you tune them they eat clutches, you also have to mince about with Turbo timers to stop the turbo going and all things considered they have to be tuned to ridiculous levels to keep up with a 535 diesel on the motorway. I have no idea how you can claim the Clio is more reliable than a gti-6 I would argue firmly that its the other way around but simply put Clio's are overwhelmingly driven my Women, they are as masculine as a pink Suzuki cappuccino.

saints_forever

^^^ Think you should take you red nose and clown make up off and start talking sense. Your argument also supports the fact that a clio would be a good choice, as the car is mainly being used by his other half - "overwhelmingly driven by women"

Plus my mates pug was always in the garage; timing issues, head blown etc etc!

Luan Pra bang

You seem unnaturally vested in this, I would have got a 182 and put up with looking like a girl but the reliability issues and complete absence of 'cool' factor with them made me not want one. One day I may get one, I may not I don't have some great passion for a Peugeot vs Renault debate I just liked he 306 better for now because I think it is better car and feels like a classic hot hatch. The choice is an emotive one, I can buy any car I like, the 4 cars I have are the ones that suited me and the 306 is one of my favorites.

richyprodrive1988

I sold my 2005 182 to get my 2005 blob sti ppp. Clio doesn't come close power wise but handled like it was on rails. Was getting 29 mpg around the doors with a heavy right foot and 40 mpg on the motorway. It had 96k on the clock when sold and not a single problem with it in 4 years of ownership. Love the scoob but sad to see that little beast go. Really good equipment too

saints_forever

And there's me hoping you'd bite a bit more

I've never seen any girls in a Renaultsport so for me it's not girly. I do see plenty in standard clios as do I in 306's, Scoobys etc etc but that doesn't emasculate them for me. At the end of the day it's personal preference just like you have said as well.

trails

iTrader: (41)

182s are a hoot to drive and pretty cheap to run...who cares about silly stereo types

I've got a yellow one so **** knows what that says about me

nick172sport

iTrader: (6)

cheap to run but costs fortunes in electrical problems dont bother french junk

Fantom

Nick you can't judge all 1*2s on your experience. Out of thousands of cars a few will go wrong. Just like any car ever made. It's not like electrical problems are guaranteed. Never had any on my 3 clios

nick172sport

iTrader: (6)

you are very lucky then as for a 1200clio ive never driven one nor will i ever drive one as for 172 s and 182s which ive got there rubbish wish i hadnt got rid off the scoob to the op keep your classic thats what im after

Fantom

Just to clarify, I didn't mean a 1.2 Clio. 1*2 is a faster way of referring to the 172 & 182 considering they are both the same car.

scooblet

iTrader: (5)

106 rallye FTW!!

trails

iTrader: (41)

only had one issue with the passenger electric window so can't agree

maff125

iTrader: (1)

I bought the misses an audi a3 1.8t, 38mpg on a run and 29mpg on her 5 mile trip to work, running on choke the whole way probably! lifeless steering but bombproof lumps in them, now I'm thinking of getting rid and going for a 172 for the small times I drive her car!
Ive got a 330d and a sorted corrado vr6 and the audi is boooring in comparison, really boring engine note but great all rounder for girls!