- 68
- Gazeratti
Tech Spec Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC LUX
- Body Front-engined five-door hatchback
- Engine 1618cc 16v turbocharged petrol
- Transmission FWD, six-speed twin-clutch manual with paddleshift
- 0-62mph 6.7 seconds
- Top speed 143mph
- Max power 197bhp @ 6000rpm
- Max torque 177lbf.ft @ 1750rpm
- Fuel consumption 44.8mpg (claimed combined)
- CO2 emissions 144g/km
Renault Clio Renaultsports have historically been uncompromising hard-core hot hatches.
The latest model has broken the trend by being only available with 5 doors and an automatic transmission.
Can it still provide the high octane thrills associated with the breed?
Visually the new Clio Renaultsport’s 5-door layout lacks the predecessor’s focused track-racer presence with a more bulbous nose and overall chunkier dimensions, although this sporty model in the range still looks the business and is identified by 17” or 18” Renaultsport alloy wheels, rear diffuser and lip spoiler, F1-style front blade and rectangular chrome twin exhausts.
The sporty theme continues in the cabin, with leather steering wheel, red detailing, bespoke grey instrument backgrounds and aluminum pedals and gearlever.
Comfort and quality has gone up several notches too. Gone are the Recaro race seats, replaced with softer leather chairs and classy chrome and glossy piano black finishes adorning the modern dashboard. A seven inch touch-screen controls the R-Link infotainment system.
Here you can access all multimedia and car functions, including the sat nav.
You can even replicate the engine sound of different sports cars, including the Nissan GTR and Alpine A110 rally car.
Although amusing for a while, in reality the Clio’s’ own sound is more than engaging enough in its own right, emitting a throaty roar and turbo whoosh under hard acceleration.
And what an engine it is. Developing 197 bhp from its 1.6 litres and 177lb ft of torque means 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and a 143 mph top speed.
The new turbocharged motor is also more economical, managing 44.8mpg, and cleaner, emitting 144g/km of CO2.
Controversially the new Clio Renaultsport only comes available with a six-speed EDC dual clutch automatic gearbox.
This is very easy to operate and in normal mode sees the Renaultsport behave just like a regular Clio automatic, being smooth and relaxed to drive.
Select sport mode via the silver RS switch by the handbrake and the car noticeably changes character, becoming more responsive, louder (the exhaust pops on over-run)… and faster.
Gears can still be changed automatically, or via the steering-wheel mounted flappy paddles, allowing you to hold onto ratios at your will, although it’s still not as involving as a decent fully manual gearbox.
The Clio handles well in all driving modes, but becomes firmer and more focused in sport, allowing keener drivers to enjoy more spirited progress: a trade off being the ride which becomes a bit fidgety over bumpier surfaces at lower speeds.
For even more thrills - or track days - there’s race mode, which along with disabling the traction control, allows gear shifts to become fully manual.
