Photo: CarPix
The Renault Clio RS has been in production as a hot hatchling ever since 1999, built on the popular supermini platform by the go-fast specialists at Renaultsport. They’ve always produced cars in the three-door configuration, powered by a 1998cc engine, which has evolved over the years, from 169 PS in the first generation to 200 PS in the facelifted model we see today.
But with the arrival of he Clio IV, all that’s about to change. The Clio IV RS we’re showing you ahead of its official debut in Paris is a five-door and is not powered by the same 2-liter unit. That’s because the car is using a 1.6 TCe as Renault calls it, a brand new four-cylinder 1.6-liter engine, turbocharged to produce what is widely expected to be 210 horsepower.
The normal Clio IV will go on sale in October, after being shown at the Paris Motor Show 2012 at the end of the month. A concept version of the new Clio IV RS will also be shown in Paris, previewing the production model that’s expected in the first half of next year.
The Clio RS 200 was the best looking version of the car ever made, and we’re glad to report that this one might be even better. Changes over the standard hatchback include new headlights, a F1-style front bumper with a fake blade, flared wheelarches, a new rear bumper with integrated diffuser and two rectangular exhaust tips.
The lightweight alloy wheels look amazingly sporty, and the rear doors are hidden by the handles that are mounted in the C-pullar.
If they get this one right, the Clio RS could finally become the mainstream hit it deserves to be. The practicality is improved, it has as much power as a Golf GTI and the interior should no longer be painful to look at. Our only concern: the price.
The normal Clio IV will go on sale in October, after being shown at the Paris Motor Show 2012 at the end of the month. A concept version of the new Clio IV RS will also be shown in Paris, previewing the production model that’s expected in the first half of next year.
The Clio RS 200 was the best looking version of the car ever made, and we’re glad to report that this one might be even better. Changes over the standard hatchback include new headlights, a F1-style front bumper with a fake blade, flared wheelarches, a new rear bumper with integrated diffuser and two rectangular exhaust tips.
The lightweight alloy wheels look amazingly sporty, and the rear doors are hidden by the handles that are mounted in the C-pullar.
If they get this one right, the Clio RS could finally become the mainstream hit it deserves to be. The practicality is improved, it has as much power as a Golf GTI and the interior should no longer be painful to look at. Our only concern: the price.
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