New Renault Clio 1.3 TCe 130 CV RS Line: sporty for everyone

A powerful, economical engine, dual-clutch gearbox, sporty finish and a well-tuned chassis, a spacious and comfortable interior… the Clio 1.3 TCe 130 CV in this RS Line trim has it all.

When we attended the international presentation of the new Renault Clio 2020, we were able to test in greater depth the version with the most recent engine, the three-cylinder 1.0 with 100 CV. Here is the road test of the new Renault Clio range, where we analyse everything that changes in the French city car, the engine lineup, the versions coming in the future and, especially, the intermediate 100 CV engine. And here we tell you about the prices and the configuration of the Clio 2020 range.

On this occasion, and as part of the national presentation of the car, we are going to focus on the variant we were least able to drive in the new Clio at the international presentation: the 1.3 TCe of 130 CV, for which we have chosen the appealing RS Line finish.

An engine that goes a lot and uses very little

The 1.3 TCe of 130 CV is an engine already known in Renault. It is used in the Mégane, Captur, Scénic and Kadjar, to name just a few.

For the Clio, it comes in a power configuration of 130 CV, with 240 Nm of torque, and it already features a particulate filter for petrol. It is paired exclusively with the EDC dual-clutch gearbox with 7 speeds, which includes paddle shifters on the steering wheel as standard. It is by no means a bad idea, given how good this gearbox is. Although some may miss a manual gearbox.

But that will be more to access a lower starting price than for any other reason, because the EDC gearbox will never make you think about the clutch pedal or moving the lever “by hand”.

The figures of the Clio 1.3 TCe allow us to speak of a car with a certain character, which can easily live up to the sporty appearance of the RS Line finish, also available for the 100 CV engine. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 seconds, and claims a top speed of 200 km/h.

Once on the move, this engine shows smooth responsiveness and a great range of usable power. It pulls well from low revs, and climbs in rpm very linearly and without complaint. The Multi-Sense system, standard, lets you choose between four programmes which, although not very differentiated from one another in terms of steering response, automatic gearbox or accelerator, are noticeable enough to decide whether you want to save fuel or enjoy your favourite twisty road.

In addition, Multi-Sense also changes how the air conditioning works, the engine sound (it is not an active exhaust, it is synthesised sound through the speakers), the display of the digital instrument cluster and the interior lighting. But it does one more thing that does affect dynamic behaviour: it selectively brakes the inside wheel in corners to induce a turning effect that positions the car on its line and improves agility.

The Clio 1.3 TCe RS Line is also a good companion for long journeys. The sensation of a safe, stable and composed car on fast roads or motorways is reminiscent of cars from a higher segment. And since this RS Line finish does not include a firmer suspension setting, which is already firm in itself, ride comfort is not compromised either.

The fact is that for the new Clio, Renault have chosen to set up the suspension according to each engine, not the trim. For this reason, when driving the Clio 1.3 TCe RS Line you will hardly notice any difference from a Zen trim, beyond those that may come from the wheel and tyre package each one carries.

Finally, a first note on fuel consumption, pending a more in-depth test. It is worth highlighting how little this Clio 1.3 uses when you drive it in “ECO” mode and go easy on the right foot. I can tell you that even on certain routes and uses, it ends up consuming less than the less powerful 1.0, with which the gearbox may need to be worked harder, as it has only 5 speeds and far less thrust than the 1.3.

The figure you are waiting for: 6.5 l/100 km on average on a route where we were able to measure partial figures approaching 6 litres (cruising at 110-120 km/h), although we barely drove in town. On winding roads, and if you ask it for “performance”, it is not among the thirstiest engines in its category either.

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Standard equipment of the Renault Clio RS Line

1,675 euros more is what the Clio with RS Line trim costs compared with the previous step in the range, the Zen versions. And it is available both for the 3-cylinder 100 CV engine and for the 1.3 TCe of 130 CV.

If you are looking for a sporty image, it is fully recommended even for the “small” engine. Bear in mind that this price includes everything related to the sportier RS Line decoration, both exterior and interior, including the 17-inch RS Line alloy wheels, as well as the sports seats and pedals.

But there is more. The RS Line adds front and rear parking assist, tinted rear windows, rear view camera, the Multi-Sense system with four driving modes and the Easy-Link multimedia system, with 9.3-inch screen, navigation compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and high-quality audio system with 6 speakers.

Optional equipment: how to improve the Clio RS Line?

Among the optional equipment, the most interesting way to improve the Clio RS Line is the spare wheel instead of the puncture repair kit (82 euros), the wireless charger for mobile phones (82 euros) and the Driver pack (165 euros), which includes an electric handbrake and a centre console adjustable lengthwise with a cup holder.

Not so necessary, but there they are, two other additional packs exist. The premium parking assistance pack costs 455 euros, and includes blind spot warning, 360-degree camera and assisted front and rear parking. And the Bose RS Line Premium navigation pack costs 250 euros, here including the Easy Link system with 9.3-inch screen.

Whereas in the Intens or Zen trims of the new Clio you can personalise the car with the Look exterior packs (290 euros), or the interiors in orange or grey in the case of the Zen (125 and 165 euros, respectively), the RS Line comes “fully loaded”.

You will only have to spend 41 euros if you want LED interior lighting in the front and rear seats. Or what the special paint finishes for the bodywork cost, which range between 413 and 495 euros. The standard paint at no extra cost is glacier white. You can choose from the appealing mink brown, platinum grey, Valencia orange, gloss black and two shades of blue.

The price and rivals of the Renault Clio 1.3 TCe RS Line

The recommended retail price of the Clio 1.3 TCe RS Line of 130 CV with EDC gearbox dual-clutch is 21,394 euros, including the discounts currently offered by the brand.

Within its range, the difference with the 100 CV petrol engine and manual gearbox is 2,697 euros, which we find reasonable for the difference in performance and driving sensations that each one offers. Although that does not mean that, considering its power, the 3-cylinder 1.0 surprised us more than this 1.3, offering much more than we expected.

As for possible alternatives, we already covered in the road test of the Suzuki Swift Sport that it is one of the sporty city cars with the best balance between price and driving fun on the market. Its price is slightly above 19,000 euros with current discounts, remember, with a manual gearbox.

Other options would be an Seat Ibiza 1.0 TFSI DSG of 115 CV with FR trim, which costs 21,140 euros. It has a DSG gearbox, but the engine is not as powerful as the Clio’s. Much more affordable, and no less fun, watch out for the Ford Fiesta ST, in its 1.0 140 CV version, which with discounts does not even reach 18,000 euros.

Image gallery Renault Clio 1.3 R.S. Line

Technical specifications of this car

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