Yet the strange thing is, even when driven right to the outer limits, the 197 doesn’t feel as much fun as the Trophy. Even though we’re only 900 miles into our relationship I already know that this new Clio is no Trophy replacement.
To be fair it is not a like-for-like comparison. I would only consider another Cup/Trophy version of the 197 otherwise it'll never be a fair battle (i.e. Renault suspension versus specialist units will never be an even playing field!)
Plus, buying a new 197 is like flushing your cash down the toilet. Only less exciting to watch...! The 197 will lose the same value in the first 4 months of ownership as you would one year with the Trophy.