Why not a Clio RS with turbo engine?

With all the previous Renault Clio RS generations being naturally-breathing high-rev engines, the first (previous) Mégane RS had the performance credence brought by a hot 2-litre engine, thanks to turbo boosting.  Why not a Clio RS with turbo engine?

As the new generation Clio 4 arrived, Renault exchanged the previous traditional 1.4 / 1.6 for a 66kW 3-cylinder engine of tiny 898cc (nearly halved in size).  Prediction was accurate in saying the next Clio RS, as performance model, would be turbo too.  So here we have it – the Clio RS 200.  Not 200 for engine size, but 200 horsepower (147kW) and 240Nm from a not-so-high revving 1.6 4-cylinder turbo.  Yes, with turbo.  Power output peak drops from screaming 7100 from the al naturelle 2.0, to a more usual 6000 r/min.  Will it spoil the hard-edged thrash-it nature of the Clio RS, which had built up a respected reputation as a proper driver’s compact hot hatch? 

Development went into marrying the 200 engine with EDC gearbox, with the result of 6.7 seconds for the 0 to 100 sprint thanks to the computer-aided launch control.  In terms of torque performance it is improved, and this engine also has big gains in economy/emissions compared to its predecessor. 

Have another good two looks at the latest Clio RS.  It has grown 2 more doors (out with the boy-racer 3-door) so has grown up… sadly.  The previous close-ratio short-shift manual grab (it gave an urgent race-car upshift feel) replaced by a computerised twin-clutch auto gearshift, shifting up to keep pace with the latest buying patterns and technology.  This EDC transmission uses 6 forward gears, and benefits from quick automatic gear selection, with driver’s shift paddles on the steering wheel to sequential-shift by hand.  Delightful manual shifter, gone.

The sporting cues championed by Renault Sport (RS) are both forceful and simple, with specific bumpers and sills, twin exhaust, and larger-diameter wheels.  The styling details also play a technical role – the F1-style blade, diffuser and rear lip spoiler are there for visual effect and serve a down-force aerodynamic purpose.

Renault Sport expertise had a goal to limit the onset of understeer, and optimise handling and road holding.  For new Clio RS, an electronic diff improves accelerative performance and cornering grip – this system is progressive and barely perceptible when operational, with the benefit of not frustrating the driver by suddenly cutting engine power/torque when tyres lose traction.

The RS Drive modifies mapping of transmission behaviour (gear shift programming and shift time), engine (pedal position and engine pitch), intervention of traction and stability control, and power steering feel.  Choose a mode to match your mood:  Normal, Sport or Race.

Just like big RS brother Mégane, you can make your choice of Clio RS in Lux or Cup spec.  Lux is the softer one with 17-inch grey wheels on sports suspension while Cup brings the harder Cup pack containing Cup chassis/suspension attached to 18-inch gloss-black wheels, red brake calipers, and Sirius Yellow (aka Liquid Yellow) is the identifying Renault Sport colour, exclusively available on Cup.  Both have the same performance, so it is your choice.

On the Cup one can also option the RS Monitor to display graphics of “race” data such as engine and wheel torque, engine power, brake pressure, various temperature readouts… combined with R-Link featuring “real-world” assistance of real-time traffic optimisation, high-definition maps and audio connectivity.

The topic for the debate team is whether the turbo and EDC auto-shifter make Clio RS less of a Renault Sport car – there are arguments against and in favour of this: if you like your hot hatch more mature, you’ll like this car – if you don’t (missing the grab&drive feeling) you won’t.


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