Renault launches a raft of mega hot Clio's, so, you want the quickest and a great looking car, you better look here first.

• Two power outputs and three chassis: the new Clio R.S packs a host of technologies for immediate driving pleasure
• New Clio R.S. features R.S. VISION lighting as a standard feature – a world first
• New Clio R.S. Trophy gains an exclusive optional Akrapovič exhaust system
• The New GT-Line Look Pack provides Clio with a smart exterior sporty look

The New Clio R.S. 200 EDC, Clio R.S. 220 Trophy and new GT-Line look pack incorporate the advances offered by the New Clio and further enhance that package by drawing on Renault Sport’s wealth of knowledge and expertise.

“The new Clio R.S. offers the full spectrum of Renault Sport technology for immediate driving pleasure. At launch, each customer will be able to choose from three types of chassis and two power outputs. The model also inaugurates the highly efficient and innovative R.S. VISION lighting system, Renault Sport’s exclusive lighting signature,” announced Patrice Ratti, CEO, Renault Sport Cars.

Exhaust line, power output, chassis: a unique package in its segment

The New Clio R.S. is available with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a choice of two power outputs (200hp and 220hp on the Trophy version), mated to six-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts.

It is the only car in its class to offer three different types of chassis, giving customers the opportunity to ‘tailor-build’ their own Clio R.S. The options available are:

• Sport chassis with 17- or 18-inch wheels, emphasising versatility and everyday use
• A strengthened Cup chassis with 18-inch wheels, providing the perfect blend of road and circuit driving characteristics
• Trophy chassis with 18-inch wheels, lowered by 20mm at the front and 10mm at the rear to place the focus firmly on driving pleasure. 

Uniquely in its segment, the Trophy version can be specified with an exclusive exhaust system inspired by the Clio R.S.16 concept car and developed in tandem with industry specialist Akrapovič which imbues the engine with an instantly recognisable sound and ensures sprightly acceleration. Patrice Ratti, commented: “We are working with renowned suppliers committed to motorsport such as Akrapovič to forge ever stronger links between the track and the road.”

The 200hp powerplant is available with the Sport and Cup chassis, while the 220hp unit can be selected for the Trophy variants. The 220hp Trophy version is capable of out-performing all other sporty vehicles in its class, taking just 6.6 seconds to sprint from 0-62mph, 14.5 seconds to cover 400m from a standing start and going on to reach a top speed of 146mph.

The Clio R.S. also innovates with an unprecedented equipment package for the segment, including Launch Control, the R.S. Drive system which enables a choice of three driving modes (Normal, Sport and Race), the R.S. Monitor application and hydraulic compression bump stops developed by Renault Sport for rallying.

R.S. VISION: a world first for additional multi-faceted LED lighting technology

The front end of the new CLIO R.S. is visually broader by virtue of a specific front bumper, and the car is completed by LED multi-faceted lighting in the form of a chequered flag called R.S. Vision, for a distinctive look and outstanding lighting performance. This exclusive technology, initially seen on the Clio R.S.16 concept car, co-ordinates the vehicle’s fog lights, cornering lights, side lights and dipped and main beams to enhance night-time visibility.

The new Clio R.S. also offers new 18-inch wheels and specific sills. At the rear there is a spoiler, functional diffuser and twin exhaust tail pipes, while the rear lights carry over the C-shaped lighting signature. The Renault Sport (R.S.) logo appears underneath the Renault badge at the front of the car, on the wheels and at the rear.

GT Line look pack, a distinct style

With the GT Line look pack, the new Clio takes on a sporty look with forceful features that immediately set it apart. The New Clio with the GT Line look pack is equipped with Dark Metal air scoops in the front bumper along with lateral sills (like the Clio R.S.), uniquely designed 16- or 17-inch wheels, as well as an exclusive exhaust with a chrome tail pipe and a Dark Metal rear bumper panel.  

The New Clio and New Clio R.S. are available to order sale in the UK from September with customer deliveries from the autumn.

Clio and Captur adds new Dual Clutch auto for improved driving dynamics.

• New 1.5 dCi 90 EDC automatic available for Renault Clio and Captur - impressive fuel economy and CO2emissions in both town and motorway use
• Other recent changes to the ranges include: debut of on-board telemetry and performance tracking system - Renaultsport Monitor 2.0 £295 and rear parking camera £350 (Clio)

Renault’s striking Clio and Captur line-ups have just welcomed the availability of the EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) gearbox option with the fuel-sipping 1.5-litre dCi 90 engine, to give them even greater appeal.

The smooth six-speed transmission, offers both fully automatic and manual gear selection, while its CO2 emissions figure among the lowest for any automatic gearbox in either class – just 95g/km for French favourite Clio, which also boasts 76.0 mpg combined cycle fuel economy. The fresh-faced Renault best-seller, Clio, has already clocked-up more than 12,000 orders so far this year, and the latest engine looks set to boost sales further.

The new addition represents a genuine shift from traditional automatic gearboxes by offering the same sturdiness and running costs as a manual, but with the significant benefits of controlled fuel consumption and emissions, as well as improved performance.  It is the perfect choice for urban motorists, eliminating the need for frustrating repeat gear changes in stop-start traffic, as well as long motorway runs, as anyone who has sat gridlocked in summer holiday jams to the coast would no doubt testify.

Already a hit in the Mégane and Scénic ranges, it has just been made available for both the Dynamique MediaNav and Dynamique MediaNav S in Clio and Captur. Prices start from £16,595 in the former, and from £17,395 in the latter bold newcomer.

The French marque’s stylish new model boasts the expressive style and driving position of a SUV, is as practical as an MPV and has the handling and driving pleasure of a hatchback.

EDC TECHNOLOGY

The EDC system uses two clutches. One looks after the odd-number gears (1st, 3rd and 5th) and the second covers the even-number gears (2nd, 4th and 6th), as well as reverse.

The intelligent set-up instantaneously adapts to the driver's demands by selecting the gear, which delivers the right amount of power the instant it is required. It also benefits from an ‘up/down’ flick-shift mode which allows the driver to recover control of the gear changes on demand.

Additional features include an optimised “creep” function which provides better fluidity especially while sitting in traffic jams and during manoeuvres such as parking, and   reassuring assisted hill start support which prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards.

Renaultsport Monitor 2.0 and rear parking camera

Other recent changes to the Clio range include the debut of the on-board telemetry and performance tracking system, Renaultsport Monitor 2.0, now available as an option on the GT Line TCe 120 as well as the Renaultsport 200 EDC Turbo and the appearance of a rear parking camera option on the standard Clio range.

The Renaultsport Monitor, still a ground-breaking feature in its class since it was introduced in the Renaultsport Clio 200, is a competition-style telemetry system that displays and logs essential performance parameters to help drivers record and hone their skills available as an option at £295.

Integrated with Renault’s MediaNav multimedia and navigation system, it collects data through a series of sensors and presents it in real time, using a customisable display of dials, histograms and graphics on the dashboard. Among the elements it keeps tabs on are engine speed, power and torque, intake air, EDC clutches and transmission oil temperatures, turbo and brake pressures, throttle valve aperture, wheel torque and steering wheel angle. It can also store performance data, including acceleration times and braking time from 60 mph to standstill, plus G-force diagrams, showing longitudinal and lateral acceleration. Screenshots can then be saved to a USB stick for sharing and further analysis.  The monitor also provides a stopwatch function that can be operated manually, or automatically using GPS.

The Renaultsport Monitor 2.0 has an advanced data logging function which can record all the information gathered during a circuit session and match it to corresponding GPS coordinates, so they can be viewed on a computer. The car’s position can be displayed on a satellite-view map, along with a dynamic display of all the associated driving parameters. All data can be recorded – an hour’s driving can be stored in a single 3MB file.

Rounding off the changes is the wider availability of a rear parking camera. Formerly only available as an option on the range-topping 200 Turbo EDC Renaultsport Lux, it can now be specified on all MediaNav-equipped Clios for £350.