RENAULT CLIO 88 kw TURBO GT-LINE
Want your Clio RS with a manual? Sorry, not possible. But please step this way...
RENAULT’S local Clio range includes two Rs-badged derivatives, each employing the Boulogne-billancourt-based brand’s less-than-perfect sixspeed dual-clutch EDC automatic transmission. So, where does that leave enthusiasts yearning for a third pedal in the footwell?
In short, somewhat frustrated. But, perhaps in a bid to appease stick-shift fans, the French automaker’s local distributor has included this lively Gt-line variant in its refreshed line-up. Unlike the pre-facelift 66 kw model sporting the same badge, this derivative comes with added oomph courtesy of a turbocharged 1,2-litre four-cylinder unit, thankfully mated to a six-speed manual gearbox (this engine was available before, but linked exclusively to a self-shifting transmission).
And what a little cog-swapper it is. Precise in its operation and endowed with an almost oldschool, mechanical shift action, the ‘box adds a fresh layer of involvement to the driving experience, while the inclusion of an alloy-headed gearlever serves to emphasise the refreshingly hands-on approach.
Free from the shackles imposed by Renault’s sluggish EDC, the turbo-four revs cleanly to its 6 000 r/min redline, making full use of its 88 kw and 205 N.m and feeling far sprightlier than it is in reality. While we struggled to goad the plucky little Clio from standstill to 100 km/h in
less than 10 seconds, it nevertheless proved tremendous fun zinging the tachometer needle round the clock while exploiting what is a well-sorted chassis at every possible opportunity.
Drive with a modicum more restraint and you’ll be rewarded with fairly wallet-friendly consumption, as our standard fuel route figure of 6,2 L/100 km illustrates (the average CO emissions 2 figure, for the record, handily slips in under the taxable threshold).
The ride, meanwhile, is a little firm (the 17-inch alloys certainly don’t help here), but there’s a measured balance between bump-absorption and chuckability to render the GTLine an entirely liveable everyday vehicle.
The Clio Gt-line also gains a number of distinguishing exterior styling features, from the model-specific front bumper, faux rear diffuser and oblong, chrome-embellished tailpipe to the grey finish applied to the side-mirror caps, door protectors and foglamp surrounds. Inside, you’ll find a leather-trimmed steering wheel, figure-hugging sports seats (complete with GTLine lettering on the headrests) and subtle blue stitching and facia trim.
TEST SUMMARY
Let’s be clear: the Clio Gt-line is not a hot hatch. Instead, it’s an entirely capable warm hatch – something that has quietly become an uncommon sight in the local market – that serves up a tempting compromise between daily liveability and grin-inducing driving fun.
Hard-core RS enthusiasts will crave more muscle, but the average buyer needs little more than this. Still, it’s a timely reminder of what could have been had Renault opted to build an entry-level, manual Clio RS around this very gearbox.