Since 2000, the successive variants of Renault Clio RS have led to it becoming the best-selling performance hatchback of its class, with worldwide sales totaling more than 70,000 cars.
The strengths of Clio III Renault Sport’s chassis, brakes and steering combined with the precision of its gearbox have resulted in the model being widely praised as the most efficient of its class, by the media and exacting owners alike. To provide a match that is more closely tailored still to the demands and needs of its customers.
Exterior styling: a powerful stance
Clio’s original lines have been revised with the accent on more athletic, telltale curves. The more aggressive front end incorporates an F1-type aerodynamic splitter and a low-positioned air intake, the mission of which is to cool the naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter 16V engine. At the rear, the twin exhaust tailpipes have been incorporated into the diffuser. The hot hatch sits squarely on the road thanks to its wide tyres mounted on 17-inch aluminium alloy rims, through which it is possible to see the Brembo brake callipers and big brakes that deliver powerful, durable stopping power.
Sporty interior appointments
The model’s sporting pedigree is confirmed by details such as the aluminum pedal covers and footrest, as well as by the perforated leather steering wheel with visible stitching and yellow centrepoint marker. The yellow rev-counter includes an audible and visible Formula 1-style gearshift indicator to help optimize gear changes.
Thanks to a range of three trims (Argenté Grey, Yellow, Dark Charcoal), customers can select the colour of the seatbelts, dashboard trimming and/or upholstery. The specific Renault Sport seats are exceptionally comfortable and ensure a high level of body-hugging lateral support. Bucket seats designed and developed in association with Recaro are also available. They are equipped with lateral airbags, plus a rigid, glass-fibre/polyamide-injected shell which provides the sort of all-enveloping experience normally associated with motor sport. The slots for the harness belts and the integrated headrest add a further sporty note, while at the same time serving to hold occupants firmly in place.
A sporty, normally-aspirated engine with a specific power output of more than 100hp/litre
The Clio RS is powered by a normally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine (F4R RS). With a specific power output of more than 100hp/litre, this powerplant delivers an extremely high standard of performance for the hot hatch segment.
In addition to the gains achieved at low revs, peak power has been increased by 2.5kW to 147.5kW (203hp) at 7,100rpm. Meanwhile, torque has been upped 20 per cent thanks to a new cylinder head, continuously variable intake valve timing and fine-tuning of the engine mapping. The first, second and third gear ratios have all been shortened for punchier acceleration and for motoring in built-up areas.
This engine drives through a manual six-speed gearbox (TL4) and claims maximum torque of 215Nm at 5,400rpm. New Renault Clio RS accelerates from standstill to 100kph in just 6.9 seconds and covers the 1,000m standing start in 27.3s. The top speed of 225kph is 10kph higher compared with that of the former version.
An eloquent illustration of the high standard of work that has gone into this powertrain is the fact that its fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.7 litres/100km compared with Clio III Renault Sport which was launched in June 2006. Combined cycle fuel consumption stands at a reasonable 8.2 litres/100km.
Genes shared with the other members of the New Renault Clio family
A long list of safety and travelling comfort equipment are offered on the Clio RS, including:
– Hands-free card
– 80W RadioSat Classic audio system with six loudspeakers, plus two functions for customers looking for additional connectivity: Plug & Music (to connect an MP3 player or an iPod®) and Bluetooth® telephony
– Sunroof
– Cruise control with speed limiter
– Automatic climate control
– Combined rain/light sensor
The Clio RS is built on the same platform and is equipped with the third-generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection (SRP3). Like Clio III, which obtained a five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating in 2005, it is engineered to provide uncompromising protection for all occupants.
Test driven by Richie Honein
