This is the updated Renault Clio RS, available in two versions

We recently presented the brief update that the diamond brand has introduced to its B-segment model, the Renault Clio. This update was shown on the “standard” Clio range, but now it reaches the sporty variants, namely the Clio RS with 200 hp and the RS Trophy with 220.

As with the more conventional versions of the Clio, the restyling feels rather modest in terms of looks on these two sporty versions, but we should remember that it is simply a slight update to keep it fresh now that it has reached the midpoint of its lifecycle.

At the front we see new headlights that the French brand presented a few weeks ago with the Clio R.S. 16 concept car, during the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. At the lower ends we see three rectangles shaped like a checkered flag, which house the fog lights and the cornering interior light. Meanwhile, the main headlights now sport new shapes that stand out even more with the LED strip for the daytime running lights.

On the rest of the bodywork we find the typical sporty add-ons, such as the specific bumpers, side skirts, 17 or 18-inch wheels, roof spoiler, diffuser and twin exhaust outlets. The R.S badges on the exterior, as well as “Renault Sport”, naturally feature too.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Renault Clio RS is that it offers two power outputs and three different chassis. As for engines, both use the turbocharged 1.6 unit working together with the six-speed EDC dual-clutch robotised gearbox, although in one variant it delivers 200 hp and in the more powerful one, the Clio RS Trophy reaches 220 hp.

The sporty variants of the French bestseller debut the Launch Control system, the R.S. Drive with three driving modes (Normal, Sport and Race) and an app called R.S. Monitor.

The 200 hp version is offered with the Sport and Cup chassis. The first, while quite firm, is geared towards everyday use and is available with 17 and 18-inch wheels, and is not as hard as the Cup. As we said, the Cup is firmer and, according to Renault, offers an intermediate compromise between everyday use and the track. In this case the wheels can only be 18 inches.

The more performance-oriented variant is the Trophy. It lowers the bodywork by 20 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear. Its wheels are 18 inches and it can optionally be fitted with an exhaust system developed by Akrapovič. Dynamically it is focused on very sporty track use, and its performance confirms it, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h.

Source | Renault

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackRenault Clio20 versions · from 16,390 €