When it comes to the “Renaultsport” badge, everyone will always remember the cracking duo of Clio RS and Megane RS which basically put Renault as a brand that knows how to make fun hot hatches. The Megane RS 250 has been doing very well, and now Renault has stepped up the game with the new Clio RS 200. The new Clio RS features the new corporate face with a larger diamond badge at the centre of the front grille. The lower intakes now feature F1-inspired blade and daytime-running lights. At the rear, the Clio RS sports two exhaust pipes and a central diffuser for the aerodynamic purposes.
The big highlights that comes with this car though, are the usage of a blown 1.6L engine and a dual-clutch gearbox as opposed to a high-revving naturally-aspirated and six-speed manual ‘box combo of the previous Clio RS. The turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder puts out 200 HP and 240Nm of torque, promising a 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds and 230 km/h of top speed. The new power train promises a quicker throttle response and lift-off, enabling on-demand power from as low as 1750 rpm. Efficiency is highlighted with an average fuel-consumption of 6.3 l/100km and 144 g/km of Co2 emission.
As per usual, the Clio RS will be offered in two chassis option: Sport and Cup. The Cup chassis will have a 3 mm lower height, 15% stiffer suspension set up and a quicker steering rack. Up front, the Clio RS has MacPherson Struts with hydraulic compression control while the rear retains the similar set-up as the previous Clio RS but with a thicker anti-roll bar. Brakes are 320 mm/260 mm front and rear. The Clio RS wears a standard 17″ ‘Tibor’ alloys with 18″ alloys upgrade option.
The new six-speed EDC (efficient dual-clutch) gearbox incorporates Renault’s new “RS Drive” that enables three different driving modes: Normal, Sport and Race. Choose the “Race” mode and it will disconnect the traction controls and let’s the driver to fully utilize the paddle-shifters. “Sport” allows dynamic driving with the occasional intervention of the electronic controls while “Normal” let’s the car to be driven comfortably.
Inside, the Clio RS features a black-lacquered centre console with chrome surrounds, red accents on the door trims, steering wheel and gearbox surround with a standard seven-inch touchscreen “RS Monitor” with menu options that give drivers a customizable display of the g-force diagram, wheel spin, power/torque curves, stop watch (useful to record track time) and data logger.
The new Renault Clio RS 200 EDC will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
