Three thousand rpm. That's all I've had to play with for most of the month and I can confirm that it isn't much fun. Running-in is a necessary evil, I'm afraid. The Clio's handbook recommends 3000-3500rpm for the first 625 miles. Which doesn't sound too bad. Until you try driving using less than half the available revs ΂- all the time. Still, I'm assured it will be worth it in the long run.
I was determined not to hurtle towards the rev-limiter as soon as the odometer clicked over to 626 miles but restraint is getting harder as the miles accumulate... The engine is still tight but the potential is obvious. As the needle glides past 4500rpm the engine note takes on a keener bark, the steering shimmies and you're catapulted up the road with a grin on your face. Hopefully it will begin to loosen up soon and the great Old versus New 172 performance debate can be settled once and for all.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to pile on thousands of miles this month, what with so many different cars passing this way. It would be rude not to try them, wouldn't it? Having said that the Clio's hard to resist even when more exotic machinery arrives. It looks great in its distinctive silvery-blue hue and the grown-up interior is a nice place to be on the daily slog to work. Even if the perched driving position is a bit of a pain. Peter T had a quick punt and found the rear 'surprisingly mobile', whilst Barker still isn't totally convinced by the feisty Clio. But I reckon that's just his anti-fwd disposition. I'm enjoying my time with the Clio and even Meaden has been angling for a 'refresher' test. Any car that can tempt him out of the M Coupe must be doing something right.