After its Paris Motor Show debut last September, Renault has confirmed UK pricing and specification for the Clio RenaultSport (RS) 200 EDC, which is available exclusively as a five door model with a six-speed automatic dual clutch transmission (Efficient Dual Clutch), in two trims.
The base version of the 197hp (200PS) 1.6-liter turbo-powered hatch starts at £18,995, which Renault makes a point to note that it’s “only £100 more than the three-door, manual Peugeot 208 GTi and £1,055 less than the lower-powered, DSG-equipped five-door Volkswagen Polo GTI“.
There’s also a Lux model priced at £19,995, which adds an assortment of goods such as an upgraded audio system, auto lights and wipers, climate control, electrically adjustable and folding door mirrors, integrated R-Link multimedia system with seven-inch touchscreen, and tinted windows.
As a £95 option, the Lux can be fitted with the second-generation RenaultSport Monitor (v2) on-board telemetry system that displays real time torque, G-forces, lap times and standing starts, among others.
One new feature that grabbed our attention on the new Clio RS is a free, built-in app that reproduces the sound of several high-performance engines and plays them back through the car’s own speakers. There are seven engine sounds to choose from, including the Alpine A110, R8 Gordini and, surprise, surprise, the Nissan GT-R.
The order books for the new Clio RS flagship open on 8 April 2013, with first deliveries set for this June.
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