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New Renault Clio GT Scooped: Has 1.2 tCe 120 Turbo and EDC

Late last year, we contacted Renault to see why the Clio wasn't yet available with an automatic gearbox. In an autoevolution exclusive, they told us that the EDC would become available in the first half of 2013 only in combination with the 1.2 tCe petrol and 1.5 dCi 90 engines.
Renault Clio GT 14 photos
Photo: Renault via autoevolution
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Now, we've secured screenshots of a new type of Clio which answers all our questions. It's called the Clio GT, a halfway point between the regular hatchback and the Clio RS.

Getting strainght to the point, it's powered by a fresh 1.2-liter turbo engine producing 120 PS. This replaces the old 1.6-liter engine offered with the old Clio GT, the 133 PS unit shared with the Twingo RS.

According to our sources, the 1.2 tCe model is actually actually faster tan the older model partially due to the increased torque (190 Nm) and also due to the fact that it comes with a snippy six-speed EDC gearbox, Renault's answer to the DSG. Just like the Clio RS, the gearbox is controlled via paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

The warm hatch is a direct rival to cars like the Suzuki Swift Sport, Polo BlueGT and the 125 PS version Ford Fiesta.

The Clio GT comes as standard with a set of 17-inch wheels and 205/45 R17 tires, ventilated front disk brakes. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.6 l/100km in the city and 4.4 on the highway.

Cosmetically, the GT is better looking than a regular Clio, offering a rear diffuser, twin exhaust pipes and redesigned front bumper with daytime runner borrowed from a Megane by the looks of it.

Renault should announce the Clio GT shortly, since it's expected at the Geneva Motor Show. Production should begin in about a month to two months with prices in France starting at €20,000. The only performance figure we have at the moment is the top speed: 199 km/h. We expect 0 to 100 km/h to be dealt with in about 8.6 seconds.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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