Power to the new Clio

RENAULT: POPULAR BRAND SPORTS PLENTY NEW GOODIES – AND NOT BAD ON FUEL Lux and Trophy oozes style and class with powerful engines rearing to go.

Renault SA recently introduced the latest derivative of the Clio GT-Line to the local media on a drive to the Vaal River. Less than one month later, it was the twisting mountain passes of the Western Cape, where they unleashed two further models featuring the same strong athletic styling but with a hefty dose of steroids, the fourth generation of the iconic Clio RS.

In 1993, a sport version of the Clio arrived in the guise of the Renault Clio Williams, celebrating the Renault powered F1 team. This was followed by a series of performance versions. The second generation spawned the awesome Renault Sport Clio V6 with a three-litre V6 engine in lieu of the rear seats and delivering all 188kW through the rear wheels.

Later models from the French manufacturer’s performance division included the 182 Trophy, the 200 and 200 Cup and the Red Bull limited edition.

The Renault RS branding has proved popular in SA with over 3 000 units of both Clio and Megane sold since its introduction.

The latest Clio RS is available as the Clio RS 200 EDC Lux and the Clio RS 220 EDC Trophy. Both share the same 1618cc 16-valve turbo charged engine but with different levels of tuning.

The Lux produces 147kW with 260Nm of torque, a claimed 0/100km/h time of 6.7 seconds, a top speed of 230km/h and fuel consumption of 5.9l/100km. The Trophy delivers 162kW also with 260Nm but that jumps to 280Nm with an over boost function, 0/100km/h takes 6.6 seconds, maximum speed is 235km/h and matches the Lux’s fuel consumption.

Power to the road is via the front wheels through a six speed EDC dual clutch automatic transmission which offers full manual operation with steering column mounted shift paddles. The downshift paddle can be held back providing automatic selection of lower gears during braking, real F1 technology. Renault claim the shift is faster than many supercars. The RS Electronic Differential uses ABS and ESP sensors along with the braking system to ensure correct power distribution.

RS Drive allows the driver to select three driving modes, Normal-Sport-Race to transform the car’s characteristics to the driver’s requirements.

The Clio styling features wider front and rear bumpers giving more road presence with RS badging prominently displayed both front and rear, the C-shaped LED lights up front surmount the new RS Vision units.

These chequered flag shaped lights are housed within the front bumper and are a very efficient