RENAULT Clio RS 2009-2013 Photos, engines & full specs

Renault introduced the facelifted version for the third generation of the Clio, and, naturally, it also improved the sportiest version.

This small-sized hot-hatch was known as the king of its class. For Europeans, the Clio Renault Sport, or Clio RS as it was commonly known, was like the Honda Civic Type R in the small segment. And even though it shared its name and platform with the rest of the Clio range, there were more differences between this hot-hatch and its stablemates.

At first glance, the Clio RS sported wider front fenders and enlarged rear quarter panels. Also, the front fascia was different, with an ample black midsection of the bumper and a redesigned apron. The front splitter resembled the wing of an F1 race car as a reminder that Renault was involved in Formula 1. At the back, a double exhaust flanked the rear diffuser from the lower part of the bumper.

Inside, the dashboard was shared with the rest of the Clio range, sporting a similar layout. But it featured a different instrument cluster. In addition, the steering wheel had a 12 o'clock contrast stitching and was covered in Alcantara. The front high-bolstered seats were standard, while a set of Recaro sports seats with integrated headrests and pass-through holes for a six-point harness was offered as an option. The rear bench was fit for two and, apart from the upholstery, was just regular as in any other three-door Clio.

But the magic was under the skin. Renault Sport made the sportier, with stiffer suspension and lower ground clearance. Under the hood, Renault's sports department planted a naturally-aspirated two-liter engine that produced 197 hp (200 PS), which sent them to the front wheels via a six-speed manual. In addition, a hard-core Cup version was also offered, which was lighter and with an even stiffer suspension and thicker anti-roll bars.