RAND-PER-THRILL CHALLENGE
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI VS. RENAULT CLIO R.S. 220 TROPHY
COMPARING THE GOLF GTI AND THE CLIO R.S. 220 TROPHY IS AKIN TO COMPARING A HEAVYWEIGHT BOXER TO A MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHTER. THEREFORE IT SHOULD COME AS LITTLE SURPRISE THAT THE GOLF GTI GETS THE NOD ON THE TALE OF THE TAPE – IT’S SIGNIFICANTLY BIGGER IN SIZE AND ENGINE CAPACITY, AND IT’S SLIGHTLY FASTER IN TERMS OF BOTH ACCELERATION AND TOP SPEED.
“THERE CAN BE No DoUBT THAT THE GTi WiNS THE
TAlE of THE TAPE iN EvERY RESPECT, EvEN ABovE iTS WEiGHT DiviSioN, BUT THE Clio R.S. 220 CERTAiNlY TAKES THE SPoilS iN THE RAND-PERTRill STAKES...”
In boxing terms, the GTI enjoys a clear reach advantage over the Clio R.S. 220 before they step into the ring. Then again, excluding optional extras on the GTI to the value of about R120,000, the Golf GTI is R125,000 more expensive than the Clio R.S. 220 Trophy, which is a significant advantage in our Rand-per-Thrill challenge.
STYLING
Golf GTI
True to the Volkswagen design philosophy, the GTI styling is rather understated as it takes a less-is-more approach with its aggressive sculpted front, supplemented with subtle reminders that indeed this is a GTI, the king of the hill. It says a lot that (perhaps the only) audacious exterior feature is the 18” Milton Keynes alloy wheels.
This mature sense of restrained styling is reflected in the interior where the leather seats are enhanced with red stitching, which is further complemented with gloss black and satin silver finishes in the compartment.
Driver/Car interface is seamless thanks to Volkswagen’s Composition Media, which includes as standard an 8” touchscreen, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, App Connect, voice control and cruise control.
Clio R.S. 220
Fitted with high-performance Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres on 18” alloy rims, a sporty chassis with R.S. suspension settings, 320 mm ventilated disc brakes, and an exhaust system from Akrapovic, the Trophy looks every bit the street racer it attempts to be. Add to this, aggressive front styling, R.S. logo-styled LED fog lights, rear diffuser, and those prominent exhaust tips, and you may just have yourself a real low-riding street racer.
Every bit a driver’s car, the Trophy features a user-friendly dashboard layout, 7” touchscreen, excellent connectivity, cruise control, rain sensors and light sensors, all of which makes for superb driver/car interface.
POWER DELIVERY
Golf GTI
Much like Dr Jekyll who struggles in vain to contain the untamed Mr Hyde, the GTI has two distinct personalities. In unhurried driving conditions, like driving to visit the in-laws on a Sunday afternoon, the GTI is as gentlemanly as a guy on a first date. At low revs, the 2.0-litre turbocharged mill sounds, feels and responds much the same as any other Golf. However, once you move into the power band between 4,700 and 6,200 r/min, the GTI transforms into a
roaring hot hatch with just a hint of turbo lag. In Sport mode, the gear changes of the six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission (with built-in launch-control) remain short, but every change is accentuated with an assertive bark from the exhaust. With 350 Nm torque on tap, which helps to accelerate the GTI from 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 248 km/h, the transition from boulevard cruiser to boulevard bruiser makes for an adrenaline infused ride. It’s addictive.
Clio R.S. 220
Echoing its design style, the Trophy has a one-track mind. It’s all or nothing. With its smaller, high-revving 1.6-litre turbocharged power plant inviting a right foot down, power delivery peaks at 6,050 r/min, along with the compelling auditory drama from the Akrapovic exhaust system as it conducts a symphony of noise that spans several octaves. With a slightly better power to weight ratio than the GTI, the Trophy’s 280 Nm torque is enough to accelerate this purpose built street racer from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, which is marginally slower than the GTI, and only on account of significant turbo lag. The six-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission (also with built-in launch-control) is as quick as it is sharp to deliver an invitation to play. Again and again.
HANDLING
Golf GTI
A marked difference between the Comfort and Sport settings again accentuates the duality of the GTI as both a sports- and luxury hatchback. In Comfort mode, it offers suppleness equal to most luxury sedans, making it the logical choice for every day driving. In Sport mode, though, the GTI firms up to provide excellent body control and lasting grip, yet it retains that sense of suppleness, even when pushed to the limits of its design envelope.
Clio R.S. 220
Conceived as a one-trick pony, the Trophy’s stiff suspension settings deliver an uncompromising ride quality that restrains body roll and enhances mechanical grip. And as uncomfortable this may be under “normal” driving conditions, the Trophy turns and grips by Newton’s laws, as determined only by varying road conditions.
LAST WORD
While the GTI impresses with its all round versatility, the Trophy amazes with its singleminded playfulness. Both cars offer fantastic performance in the play range between 80 to 140 km/h as they offer equally good handling to match power and acceleration, especially through the twisty bits.
There can be no doubt that the GTI wins the tale of the tape in every respect, even above its weight division, but the Clio R.S. 220 certainly takes the spoils in the Rand-per-Trill stakes as this little pretender punches way above its weight.
Depending on the size of your wallet, you are guaranteed exceptional performance and certain pleasure in either of these two very different beasts, and if your wallet does not make the grade to earn yourself the luxury of a GTI, then the Trophy is guaranteed to fill the gap.
Gentlemen start your engines… but first, count your Rands.