Renault announced earlier this year that it would be making a Clio Trophy and details were scarce. Now the car has been fully unveiled and we’ve got all the info surrounding this halo product. Renault South Africa recently launched the Renault Megane Sport 275 Trophy, which is the brand’s flagship performance vehicle.

Clio 220 Trophy gets more power

It features a larger turbocharger and revised mapping compared with the 200 models, boosting the outputs of the 1.6-litre turbo engine by 15 kW and 20 Nm to 163 kW and 260 Nm, with a further 20 Nm available through the ‘Torque Boost’ feature in fourth and fifth gears.

There is also a revised air intake and exhaust system to minimise back-pressure losses. The rev limit has been raised to 6 800rpm from 6 500rpm in the 200 versions. Boost pressure has been increased from 0.96 bar to 1.03 bar. This all translates into a 0-100kph time of 6.6 seconds on the way to a top speed of 235kph.

Dual clutch update

Most complaints about the current generation Clio Sport are about the gearbox. Renault says it has addressed these issues by substantially recalibrating the unit found in the Clio 220 Trophy. It now delivers up to 50 per cent faster shifts and permits greater flexibility in Sport mode for more comfortable driving in built-up areas.The paddles have been revised with 30 per cent shorter travel in order to provide a more immediate and responsive feeling. The higher rev limit along with new software calibration allows earlier down changes under heavy braking during track use.

Stiffer setup

The Clio 220 Trophyis lowered by 20mm at the front and 10mm at the rear. To put that into perspective, the Cup chassis on the regular Clio RS is only 3mm lower than the standard set-up. The dampers of the 220 Trophy are firmer and there are 40 per cent stiffer rear springs.

Special white matte colour

The Clio 220 Trophy is available with exclusive Frost White paintwork, a new and distinctive matte body colour. This colour also comes with an optional gloss black roof and rear spoiler. Glacier White, Deep Black, Flame Red and Liquid Yellow are also available.

Numbers are limited globally so SA is unlikely to make the short list, but if Renaultplans to extend the limited run then we could see it in South Africa.