Renault Clio GT-Line fills the gap
With passenger car sales up by 0.9% in an ailing market, and Renault’s volume up 13.4%, the French manufacturers compact passenger cars haven’t been doing too badly. Add to that the high demand for the entry level Kwid and it makes sense that Renault would add another car to there compact lineup. This week sees the launch of the sporty Clio GT-Line, a car that fits snugly between the Clio Expression and Clio RS. We take a fitting drive to Parys to experience the new French firecracker.
Since its launch in SA, the award winning Clio has slowly built a reputation as the compact car to have if you’re not looking to buy Japanese. Stylish, reliable and now with a solid after-sales network it’s hard to look past Clio as a feasible buy in this segment. With the rising popularity of the RS models, Renault have closed the gap between the “regular” Clio and RS by inserting the Clio GT-Line. Featuring various bits from the RS, it’s suited to younger buyers who want the look and feel of the RS, without the cost, maintenance bills and some of the speed.
Interior
Inside GT-Line is all RS with leather RS Gear knob, RS Steering wheel and RS handbrake. This creates a proper RS driving experience. The otherwise comfortable seats are RS units with massive side bolsters. Interesting at first and very supportive, but in my mind a little too aggressive. Something I’m sure boy racers will appreciate. GT Line is exceptionally specced with 7”Touchscreen Media Nav system, Renault hands free key card, automatic locking plus folding mirror functionality. The rest of the interior is finished in soft touches and piano black shiny bits here and there. And just like the other Clios, features 300 litres of boot space.
Exterior
First launched in 1990, Clio has undergone gone many changes over the years, the last of which came last November. Clio GT-Line looks modern and fresh, even though not much has changed, at least not at first glance. The 3 door design features concealed rear door handles, integrated C shape LED lights and 17” Grey wheels match the folding door mirrors, fog lights and diffuser. The bumpers have been updated front and rear as well as the boot lid.
Engine and gearbox
GT-line comes with the 1.2 TCE engine which is featured in Sandero and Kadjar. In this iteration pushing out 88kW the car produces 90% of its torque from a low 1500 rpm. And one can feel it. We did an impromptu test by flooring the car from 1500 rpm in 4th gear and the results were impressive. The engine runs out of steam before 6000 rpm but we suspect the thin Parys air might have something to do with that as the slightly more powerful Kadjar XP we had on test recently revved right up to the red line at the coast. GT-Line comes with a nippy short throw 6 speed gear box which suited the engine well. Fuel consumption is claimed at an impressive 5.3 litres per 100km.
On the road
The final leg of our journey along the sweeping roads to Parys were littered with potholes and we didn’t want to test the low profile Michelin’s abilities to withstand punishment, so avoiding the potholes at speed saw GT-Line hunker down willingly on the relatively firm, but pliant suspension. With not too many twisty roads on the route, we cannot comment to much on the handling but for what it is, GT-Line’s suspension is well mated to the package. We did notice that on sudden large bumps the rebound may be a little harsh when full compression is reached abruptly.
Verdict
For those not wanting the compromise and cost associated with the Clio RS, GT-Line is a fantastic option, especially since it comes from the factory with all the right bits and bobs, to at least, make it look and feel the part. With 88kW on tap some might find GT line lacking in out and out accelerative performance, but for that there’s the RS, or a naughty visit to a tuning shop.
GT line retails for R264 900 and comes with a 3 year 45 000 km service plan and a 5 year 150 000 km warranty.
