If you were waiting for the new Renault Clio RS 200 to have a normally-aspirated engine and a manual gearbox, you are out of luck as the new model is a more focused hot hatch than its predecessor. It will be sold only with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine linked to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It has the same amount of power as the model it replaces – 197 bhp (147 kW) – but at 6,000 rpm as opposed to the outgoing version which provides the entire horsepower at 7,200 rpm.
2013 Renault Clio RS 200
2013 Renault Clio RS 200
2013 Renault Clio RS 200
2013 Renault Clio RS 200
2013 Renault Clio RS 200
2013 Renault Clio RS 200
2013 Renault Clio RS 200
2013 Renault Clio RS 200
The torque figure is also up by 19 lb-ft (26 Nm) to 177 lb-ft (234 Nm). It reaches this peak torque at 1,750 rpm, considerably less than the old model’s 5,400 rpm. That dual-clutch transmission that we mentioned it’s called EDC – Efficient Dual Clutch and can either be left alone working on its own or it can be manually controlled with the help of the shifters mounted on the steering wheel. When in Race mode, changing a gear takes a mere 150 milliseconds.
There’s also the Normal and Sport model which are selectable with the help of an RS button. The changes made have to do with the engine parameters and gearbox mapping, as wheel as the response of the throttle pedal and the steering feel.
Unfortunately the French automaker did not release any performance figures, but when Race mode is activated it’s safe to assume that the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is achieved in less than 6.5 seconds. We should also mention that the Renault Clio RS 200 will be offered with an optional Launch Control system so the sprint will be achieved even quicker.
As standard, the hot hatch comes with 17-inch alloy wheels but for more money 18-inch alloys are available. The stopping power comes from the 320mm discs at the front which are 8mm bigger than the ones on the outgoing Clio RS.
The design is what you’d expect from an RS model, looking more aggressive than the standard fourth-gen Clio, with a front F1-style blade, a spoiler and rear diffuser, LED DRLs, sill extensions and redesigned bumpers. The cabin is red-trimmed and includes sports bucket seats that for additional money can be wrapped around in leather. Standard goodies include starter button, hands free entry, Bluetooth and USB support, touchscreen navigation and the company’s new R-Link infotainment system. Parking sensors and automatic climate control are on the options list.