RENAULT CONFIRMS LATEST DETAILS FOR CLIO RENAULTSPORT 200 TURBO

• All-new direct injection 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, pushes out 200hp @ 6,000rpm
• 25Nm more torque than predecessor, and plenty of it mid-range. 240Nm from 1,750 to 5,500rpm
• Quicker from 0-62mph - now 6.7 seconds
• Tips scales at 1,204kg - 36 kilos lighter than previous Clio Renaultsport 200
• First Renaultsport Efficient Dual Clutch transmission. Six gears – all selectable via full-sized steering column-mounted paddle shifters. Includes first sub-supercar multi-change down function
• Host of technical upgrades to ensure it remains the ultimate “hot” supermini:
  • first production car with hydraulic compression stops in shock absorbers (usually preserve of rally cars)
  • new steering calibration, MacPherson front axle set-up, plus rear axle with 10% increased anti-roll bar stiffness, bigger brakes – 320mm v 312 before
  • R.S. Drive with three driving modes - alters settings for engine, accelerator pedal, steering and ESC mapping: Normal, Sport and entirely manual Race (shift time ratio of under 150 milliseconds in latter)
  • Launch Control and fully disconnectable ESC and ASR traction control (in Race mode) for the ultimate track car weapon
  • R.S. Diff enhances its cornering grip, standing start performance and understeer removal
• Optional Cup chassis gives 3mm lowered ride height, 15% stiffer chassis and quicker steering rack, Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres shod with gloss black 18” Renaultsport wheels with red brake calipers
• Lower running costs with fuel economy and emissions slashed by almost a quarter. Former up 10.3 mpg to 44.8 mpg (combined) and latter slashed to 144g/km (down 46g/km). VED only £135, £325 lower than before
• Coupé profile with five-door practicality. New look courtesy of 17” or 18” alloys, F1 blade front bumper, Renaultsport rear spoiler and diffuser, twin exhaust, DRLs and side sills
• High level of equipment – Bluetooth, USB connectivity, 4x35W 3D Sound Arkamys audio system, R-Link multimedia system with 7” touchscreen (Carminat TomTom Live navigation and App Store), keyless start and entry, R-Link integrated tablet with navigation, Renaultsport front seats. Standard tyre: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
• R.S. Sound Pipe sends engine soundwaves directly into cabin for heightened driving experience
• Evocative red touches for seatbelts, instrument needles, air vent surrounds, gearlever knob and gaiter
• Wide range of options: full leather upholstery, rear view camera, upgraded R.S. Monitor on-board telemetry system (displays real time torque, G-forces, lap times and standing starts among others - data downloadable to USB)
• Five body colours, including exclusive Liquid Yellow
• UK pricing to be confirmed on 28 February. Ordering opens in April with first deliveries in June

On the back of significant acclaim for New Clio, Renault’s now laying down the gauntlet to the “hot” supermini brigade with confirmation of the latest details for the New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo.

The new model takes things onto a whole new level, both in terms of overall driver appeal and being able to enjoy every day. Under its sleek five-door bodyshell, New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo packs the new Renaultsport-developed 200hp, 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, as well as its performance arm’s first EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) transmission.

Naturally, there is a liberal sprinkling of Renaultsport’s magic, including a few tricks learned from its motor sport success. Combine this with Renault’s very latest thinking when it comes to comfort and versatility, and you have a compelling car which is great to drive and easy to live with. But, when the mood takes them, drivers can also let it off its leash to become a genuine performance car, as well as a potent trackday car.

In addition to its sensuous styling, the new Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo combines class-leading dynamics with impressively reduced fuel consumption and emissions, down by almost a quarter, so that it’s even cheaper to own. Designed and engineered by Renaultsport, the latest in a long line of iconic hot Clios is made in Dieppe, France, and targets those who appreciate beautiful cars and exacting purists alike.

“New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo joins the Renault Clio line-up at the very top, not only because of its performance potential, but also because of its exclusive appointments and specification. In addition to being ideally suited to everyday motoring, It impresses by the fact that it is so easy to drive, as well as by its unprecedented comfort and low fuel consumption which make it a more versatile machine than any other sporting Clio that has gone before it.”
Ali Kassaï (Programme Vice-President – A/B Range, Renault)

It is obviously tempting to describe New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo as the ‘flagship’ Clio. Needless to say, our purist customers – who have always been uncompromising when it comes to performance – will discover a car that is not only extremely fast, but also a thrill to drive and packed with unrivalled technical innovations. Indeed, Renault Sport Technologies has succeeded in bringing to life all the know-how it has gained in motor sport during the last decades in the design of New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo. It is a genuine Renaultsport model.”

At the same time, our more pragmatic customers who are drawn by its look, but who tend to be wary of ‘radical’ cars, also promise to be won over very quickly. The settings of New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo can be adjusted to deliver exceptional performance when required, or a more rational ride the rest of the time. In this market, where the quest for ‘high-end’ motoring enjoyment goes hand-in-hand with the search for performance, proposing two cars in one is a highly innovative approach.”
Patrice Ratti (CEO, Renault Sport Technologies)