Renault has released full details of its new Clio RS 200 EDC Turbo. With the local launch of the standard Renault Clio just a month or so away, we wonder if hidden behind that mass of letters and numbers is perhaps one of the coolest and most hi-tech hot supermini hatchbacks money will soon be able to buy?
The new Clio RS 200 EDC Turbo certainly marks a significant departure from the old, rough and ready Clio RS III model. Think… five doors instead of three, a turbocharged engine, dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, and even launch control.
The Clio RS now has a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that produces 149 kW and 240 Nm. The torque figure is up by 25 Nm over the Clio III RS. The engine has DLC (Diamond-like-Carbon) cam followers, which Renault say it developed from its knowledge of F1 cars. The manual gearbox has been replaced by Renault’s EDC (Efficient Double Clutch) dual clutch, 6-speed transmission.
Renault say thanks to this new drivetrain, the Clio RS 200 EDC Turbo will go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 230 km/h. The previous Clio did the deed in 6.9 seconds and reached 225 km/h.
For the first time there is an ‘RS Drive’ button that modifies the mapping of both the transmission and engine sound, while also altering the ESC and ASR traction control systems, as well as the feel of the power steering. The three modes are: Normal, Sport and Race. As usual for the Clio RS, there are two chassis options. The optional and more sporting Cup version is 3 mm lower, 15% stiffer and benefits from a quicker steering rack.
Standard specification includes Renault’s R-Link system, which can be upgraded to include the RS Monitor: an on-board telemetry system which has a customisable display of engine parameters, performance data and a GPS-activated stopwatch for lap times (as you get in the Megane RS Cup and Trophy).
Other spec highlights include Bluetooth, Renaultsport seats and the RS Sound Pipe, which transmits the sound of the engine into the cabin. This can apparently be customised to sound like different cars too, including the old Alpine A110, R8 Gordini and the Nissan GT-R. Really?! This is something we’d have to hear to believe.
Renault are claiming fuel consumption of a staggering 6.3 L/100 km on the combined cycle, with 5.1 L/100 km extra urban and 8.1 L/100 km on the urban cycle with CO2 emissions pegged at 144 g per km. The new Renault Clio RS 200 Turbo EDC is slated to go on sale in March in its domestic French market, where it’s priced from just under €25 000 (R295 000). When it arrives in South Africa, expect it to fit below the Ford Focus ST, but a little above the Ford Fiesta ST and Peugeot 208 GTi.
