The new Renault Clio Renaultsport is faster and lighter than the car it replaces, it has been confirmed.
The car’s 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine develops 197bhp and 177lb ft of torque, 19lb ft more than before. Peak torque arrives at 1750rpm and is available to 5500rpm - a far wider band than the current car.
Renault claims the Clio Renaultsport 200 can sprint from 0-62mph in 6.7sec – 0.2sec faster than the car it replaces. The official kerb weight is 1204kg, 36kg lighter than before.
The car will be offered with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission only. Renault says it features the first sub-supercar application of the multi-downshift function.
It is also the first production car to be fitted with rally car-style hydraulic compression stops in the shock absorbers. A Renaultsport differential and launch control will be fitted as standard.
The Clio will offer a Renaultsport drive system with three modes – Normal, Sport and Race. These allow engine, accelerator pedal, steering and ESP map settings to be altered. In Race mode, the car’s ESP and traction control systems can be fully deactivated.
The suspension, which features a MacPherson front arrangement, has a thicker anti-roll bar. The front brakes measure 320mm, up from the old car’s 312mm units.
Visual changes include a choice of 17 or 18in alloy wheels, an ‘F1 blade’ front bumper, a Renaultsport rear diffuser, twin exhausts and specific side skirts. Standard-fit tyres are Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2.
As before, the Clio Renaultsport is offered with an optional Cup chassis that reduces the ride height by 3mm and provides a 15 per cent stiffer chassis and a quicker steering rack. Clio Cup models also feature 18in gloss-black Renaultsport wheels wrapped with Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres.
Renault claims running costs have been reduced over the old car. Fuel economy increases by 10.3mpg to 44.8mpg, while CO2 emissions drop by 46g/km to 144g/km. Consequently, road tax is reduced from £250 to £135.
Standard equipment includes Bluetooth, USB connectivity, a seven-inch touchscreen operating TomTom Live navigation, keyless start and entry and Renaultsport front seats. On-board telemetry, which displays laptimes, real-time torque and standing start figures is among the options available.
Renault will confirm pricing on 28 February, ahead of order books opening in April. The first deliveries are set to commence in June.
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This is the car's favorite
It is best car for my long
It is best car for my long drive. I love it.
Auto Hot Hatch - 1 (and Only?) Vote
I'm probably in the minority, but an auto hot-hatch is just what I'm looking for; best of both worlds, autos are usually a bit sluggish and soft.