Hold on to your hats because Renault has just yanked the covers off the most dynamic version of its fourth generation Clio at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the 2013 Clio RenaultSport (RS) 200 EDC.
While the French carmaker continues a long tradition of sport hatches, the new Clio RS differs in many ways from its predecessors. For starters, like the rest of the range, it will be offered exclusively as a five-door model.
However, the big differences are under the hood as Renault replaced the previous Clio RS’ rev-happy 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four that was connected to a six-speed manual gearbox with a new 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol that will available exclusively with the firm’s EDC dual clutch, six-speed transmission.
This 1.6-liter unit delivers the same horsepower as before at 197hp (200PS) at 6,000 rpm, but has a higher peak torque at 240Nm (+25Nm) delivered from 1,750 rpm.
Renault has not announced acceleration figures, but it did divulge that the Clio RS 200 EDC “will use two liters/100km less fuel for an equivalent power output, plus 25Nm of extra torque compared with Clio III R.S.’s normally-aspirated 2.0 powerplant“.
European buyers will have a choice of two different chassis including, the Sport version that is said to offer “an optimum balance of sportiness and comfort in everyday motoring”, and the Cup chassis designed for track day enthusiasts, thanks to stiffer suspension that also rides 5mm closer to the ground.
On the styling front, the new Clio RS 200 gains an F1-style front blade, a rear diffuser and rear spoiler that are said to help generate 80 percent and 20 percent extra downforce respectively.
Also exclusive to this model are the unique grille and spoiler, front and rear bumper, LED daytime running lights, sill extensions, dual tail pipes and 17-inch wheels, with 18-inch rims available as an option.
As for the cabin, there are red accents used throughout, a sports steering wheel flanked by the two gearshift paddles, a dedicated instrument package and aluminium-capped pedals.
PHOTO GALLERY
