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Renault Clio

10th anniversary of Ninco

Ninco is celebrating the tenth anniversary this year (2003). The first model was a Renault Clio. This year Ninco introduced the new Clio (Clio 2) with new specifications. It is clear that the development of models have been evaluated.

Old Clio

In those days the model was a big step forward for model car racing. The first motor of Ninco, the NC 1, powered the model. The guide did not have a spring and the models were not equipped with magnets ten years ago. The white Renault was decorated with decals.
The first model of Ninco (no. 50101) was offered in a carbon box.

Clio 2

The new Clio (no. 50297) is offered in the big plastic show-box. The tampo print of the car is spectacular compared to the old decals. The spring-loaded guide (active suspension guide) and strong magnet are standard these days. The pink NC-5 Speeder motor (20.000 rpm) was introduced with this model. The Speeder has more magnetic force and brakes better than the NC2. Acceleration with the Speeder is sensational. Ninco claims that the Speeder is the perfect motor for rally cars, but the NC5 will be used in GT cars too. Compared to the first models the recent Ninco models are very detailed. The driver figure, mirrors, seats, roll cage, antenna, wipers and the body are better designed and give the models a realistic look.

Shock absorbers

Another novelty on the new Clio is the "Proshock" suspension. The independent suspension on all four wheels creates better contact with the surface. The system, which was introduced by the Spanish Scalextric (Exin) on the TT models in the nineties, is fixed with two wheel bearings per wheel. The first bearing is fixed on the chassis (for the axle) and the other is connected to the absorber. Ninco offers three suspension profiles: red (soft), blue (medium) and yellow (hard). The model 50297 is offered with the red shock absorbers.

Super 1600

The Renault Clio is the third model of Ninco that has been used in the super 1600 Junior World Rally Championship. The Fiat Punto and the Citroen Saxo were released earlier. I have tested the three different standard models (out-of-the-box). The Punto and Saxo are standard Ninco models: fast, reliable and easy to maintain. In all the cars I installed the Speeder motor.
On the Scalextric Sport track the new Clio shows some wheel spinning. The Renault handles better on a Ninco track. I prefer the Renault, because in does not roll over as easy as the other two models. The Proshock system seems to work out well.

Conclusion

Ninco developed a lot during the last ten years. The Renault Clio is a superb model. I am curious how the new techniques (Speeder and Proshock) will perform with other, bigger models.

Jan Willem van Capelleveen