2001 Renault Clio Renault Sport Photos, engines & full specs

Renault refreshed the Clio's second generation in 2001 and, along with the rest of the range, the sportiest version RS also has been upgraded.

The French automaker introduced the RS version as a sporty small-sized hatchback in 1998. That car surprised everyone since it was quicker off the line than many other, more powerful cars. Its high power and low weight were part of the package. When Renault decided to upgrade the entire Clio range and raise it to Euro 2 standards, the RS version went through some changes as well.

At the front, the most significant change was the introduction of larger, triangular-shaped headlights. The front fascia still sported the "bird beak" design element introduced by Patrick le Quement in the early '90s but with a sharper design that marked a slight departure from the bio-design trend. On the lower front bumper, Renault placed an additional grille to help cool the engine, flanked by two scoops for the fog lights. From its profile, the three-door-only RS sported body-colored door handles and mirrors and revealed its light-alloy wheels. Finally, at the back, a small roof spoiler adorned the top of the tailgate.

Inside, customers found Alcantara-wrapped sports seats at the front and a bench fit for two in the back. The instrument panel featrued white-faced dials with red needles, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel completed the sporty interior.

Under the hood, the Renault Sport department installed a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter engine that provided 174 PS (171 hp) to a five-speed manual gearbox.