So last thursday I took delivery of my racing blue 200 with cup packs and recaros. so thought I would put a review of how I have found the 200 to date.
I used to have a 53 plate 172 hence the name, I loved the car to bits , yes it wasnt the best built, yes it had its problems, yes it wasnt the most refined car in the world but it never failed to put a smile on my face every time I drove it. That left the 200 with a lot to live up to.
Build Quality
First opinions are that the 200 is 10 times better built than the 172, Ok it is still early times yet but you get the feeling that it will actually last longer, The cabin is relativly quiet and really not a bad place to be, The materials on the dash, wheel etc look and feel much better than the 172 was. I will reserve full judgement on it until 6 months to a year down the line once it has covered a good few thousand miles.
Engine
I had the common problem on the 172 with the crap idle when cold and the kangaroo effect when first started. So far the 200 has never shown any signs of any similar problems. The car seems to pull well in every single gear although still revs high in 6th. I havent taken it to full revs yet as its still in its running in period but so far so good with it, I think the 200 is a bit more forgiving than the 172 if you try to put your foot down in the wrong gear. You dont always need to drive near the 5k revs.
Handling
Due to weather conditions up here not had a chance to push the car too hard. What I will say is the 200 fills me with so much more confidence than the 172 ever did. The car feels planted all the time and you can sense when you are starting to over do things in it. I had the back end step out on me once on a bumpy road covered in black ice and it was very easy to correct it. Ride is a little harsh with the cup packs but not uncomfortable and certainly not something to comlain about.
Fuel
The 200 drunk its first £10 of fuel in 20 miles driving out the showroom, tbh I crapped myself thinking it was always going to be as bad. I am now averaging early 30mpg and would expect it to get slightly better once its run in but hey its a hot hatch I wouldnt expect it to be ecenomical but its not all that bad either.
Overall
The 200 had a lot to live up to in my eyes in that I wanted something fun but reasonably practical. does it? Yes in every way I cant help just get in the car for a drive, from the driving position in the recaros, to the smaller steering wheel and the planted feel of the car it has me smilling every time I drive it. Ok the front end is a bit marmite and I will admit I am still not sold on the front of it but if you can get over that you will have a bawl in the car. The exhaust note is addictive on it aswell pops and has a nice note from it aswell. Am I glad I bought it? No doubt I am with absolutely no regrets
cheers
I used to have a 53 plate 172 hence the name, I loved the car to bits , yes it wasnt the best built, yes it had its problems, yes it wasnt the most refined car in the world but it never failed to put a smile on my face every time I drove it. That left the 200 with a lot to live up to.
Build Quality
First opinions are that the 200 is 10 times better built than the 172, Ok it is still early times yet but you get the feeling that it will actually last longer, The cabin is relativly quiet and really not a bad place to be, The materials on the dash, wheel etc look and feel much better than the 172 was. I will reserve full judgement on it until 6 months to a year down the line once it has covered a good few thousand miles.
Engine
I had the common problem on the 172 with the crap idle when cold and the kangaroo effect when first started. So far the 200 has never shown any signs of any similar problems. The car seems to pull well in every single gear although still revs high in 6th. I havent taken it to full revs yet as its still in its running in period but so far so good with it, I think the 200 is a bit more forgiving than the 172 if you try to put your foot down in the wrong gear. You dont always need to drive near the 5k revs.
Handling
Due to weather conditions up here not had a chance to push the car too hard. What I will say is the 200 fills me with so much more confidence than the 172 ever did. The car feels planted all the time and you can sense when you are starting to over do things in it. I had the back end step out on me once on a bumpy road covered in black ice and it was very easy to correct it. Ride is a little harsh with the cup packs but not uncomfortable and certainly not something to comlain about.
Fuel
The 200 drunk its first £10 of fuel in 20 miles driving out the showroom, tbh I crapped myself thinking it was always going to be as bad. I am now averaging early 30mpg and would expect it to get slightly better once its run in but hey its a hot hatch I wouldnt expect it to be ecenomical but its not all that bad either.
Overall
The 200 had a lot to live up to in my eyes in that I wanted something fun but reasonably practical. does it? Yes in every way I cant help just get in the car for a drive, from the driving position in the recaros, to the smaller steering wheel and the planted feel of the car it has me smilling every time I drive it. Ok the front end is a bit marmite and I will admit I am still not sold on the front of it but if you can get over that you will have a bawl in the car. The exhaust note is addictive on it aswell pops and has a nice note from it aswell. Am I glad I bought it? No doubt I am with absolutely no regrets
cheers
