Spyshots: New Renault Clio RS

We’re the sort of people who think that a hothatch should be first of all hot. There’s tons of diesels that are compliant and have excellent build quality, but the world will alway need good, honest, clean fun at the wheel.

As fans of the 2-liter screamer in the current Clio RS, we’re inclined to lament at the loss of this engine. However, the fact that it’s now a five-door with better economy will surely attract new customers.

This prototype Clio RS was caught by the lenses of our spy photographers as the car was undergoing hot weather testing in Spain. Hidden behind that camouflage is a larger car with five doors and a 1.6-liter turbo under the bonnet.

A stiffer suspension setup will provide the kicks we know and love in the bends, while a sports exhaust will thrill the eardrums with four-banger noises coming out of two trapezoidal tips sitting between a diffuser.

The new Clio RS should be ready for production by next year, and we’ll admit that we can’t wait to test it.

❐ Check out the 2013 Renault Clio RS Spyshots photo gallery