In honour of the Renault Clio’s 20th anniversary, Renault is bolstering the top-flight RS range with a Special Edition model that boasts a unique colour combination, revised trim and badging, as well as a higher level of specification.
The Clio RS ’20th’ Special Edition has been given a unique two-tone colour scheme, featuring ‘Deep Black’ roof, upper hatch rail and front lip spoiler, which contrasts with the rest of the body’s Pearlescent White.
The visual appeal of the standard Clio RS remains, which means you’ll still find gloss black treatment for the front bumper moulding and distinctive rear diffuser, along with anthracite for the exterior mirrors and F1-style front splitter. Unique to the Clio RS 20th Special Edition however, are a set of black, 17-inch, 12-spoke ‘Speedline’ alloy wheels that mask red-hued Brembo brake callipers.
Special ’20th’ badging is found on the door pillars, while the interior has been enhanced with satin-finish chrome air vents and specially selected two-tone grey and silver cloth upholstery.
The RS ’20th’ retains the familiar form-hugging Renault Sport seats that provide outstanding levels of lateral support, as well as the aluminium pedals, perforated leather steering wheel with centrepoint marker and the bold yellow rev counter that incorporates a race-derived audible and visible gearshift indicator.
Specification remains unchanged, with equipment such as an integrated Carminat TomTom navigation system; cruise control with speed limiter; light and rain sensors; cornering headlamps; fully automatic climate control and the Renault hands-free card for locking, unlocking and starting, all part of the package.
Passive and active driving safety is suitably catered for with the provision of dual front, side and anti-sliding airbags in the front seats, complemented by curtain airbags. Similarly, the RS boasts ABS brakes with EBD, fully disconnectable Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Traction Control.
In terms of performance, the limited edition RS retains the 2,0-litre 16-valve engine that produces 147,5 kW of power at 7 100 r/min and 215 Nm of torque at 5 400 r/min. Combined with a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, this enables it to scorch from 0 – 100 km/h in just 6,9 seconds and on to a 225 km/h top speed. Yet it’s also capable of returning a combined cycle fuel consumption of just 8,2 l/100 km.
Outstanding braking performance is assured with the large-diameter Brembo brake callipers and Bosch ABS system, while the Clio Cup chassis and suspension delivers precise body control for high performance driving matched to impressive compliance for everyday use.
| Prices | |
| Renault Clio 1.6 S | R179 900 |
| Renault Clio Dynamique | R204 900 |
| Renault Clio 1.6 Dynamique Auto | R214 900 |
| Renault Clio RS | R259 900 |
| Renault Clio RS ’20th ‘Special Edition | R279 900 |
