Renault South Africa has launched the facelifted Clio RS in South Africa! Take a look at specificationand pricing for this performance derivative of the Clio hatchback…

Renault's Renault Sport (RS) division has a formidable track record when it comes to exciting hot hatchbacks and all versions of the Clio RS and Megane RS have been popular over the years. Now, an updated Clio RS is available in South Africa!

From launch, there will be two derivatives: Clio RS Lux and Clio RS Trophy. Visually, there'll be a few cues to differentiate these RS models from lesser Clios. Big alloy wheels (17-inch on the Lux, 18-inch on the Trophy)with sporty bumpers, prominent exhaust tips and the RS logo-styled lights are key differentiators. The Lux has a sports chassis, while the Trophy sits lower and has a racing trophy chassis.

The Renault Clio RS Trophy: 162 kW of fast yellow French hatchback.

Engineand Outputs

There's one engine with two states of tune available. The Renault Clio RS Lux features a 1.6-litre turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine with 147 kW and 250 Nm, while the Trophy boasts 162 kW and 250Nm, but with anoverboostfunction that takes the torque output to 280 Nm.Both vehicles feature a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with power going to the front wheels. No need for a manual gearbox as this dual-clutch transmission features launch control. With these numbers, we think the Clio RS Trophy will be able to scare and possibly embarrassbigger machinery.

Performance is brisk, with the Trophy being the quicker of the two with a zeroto 100 kph time of6.6 seconds. It'll top out at 235 kph and if you're not racing around, it's claimed to consume 5.9 L/100 km.

Specifications

The cabin of the Renault Clio RS is sporty and generously equipped.

This is the first time a Trophy-badged Clio RS is available in South Africa and it'll offer the closest experience to a race car. It features high-performance Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, a hardcore sporty chassis, Akrapovic exhaust and 320 mm ventilated disc brakes.

Both vehicles have the following features as standard:

Onboard navigation via the 7-inch touchscreenMultimedia, radio and telephone systems with Bluetooth connectivityCruise control with speed limiterRain sensorsLight sensorsHands-free card keyABS, EBD andemergency brake assist (EBA)New generation ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) active traction control, ensuring the vehicle remains stable even in difficult road conditionsHSA (Hill Start Assist) effectively preventing the vehicle from rolling when trying to pull away, or on an up or down gradientDriver and passengerhead & chest front and side airbagsHeight adjustable driver and passenger seat belts with pretensions and load limiters and 3 front and rear ISOFIXseat attachments

A rear diffuser, twin exhaust and LED taillightsdominate the rear of the Renault Clio RS.

Renault Clio RS – Price in South Africa (May 2017)

The Renault Clio RS is sold witha 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. A 3-year/30 000 km service plan applies, with service intervals at 10 000 km. Metallic paint is an option at R2 500, and you might want the limited edition colours such as Sirius Yellow and Frost Pearl White for an additional R10 000.

New Clio RS200 EDC Lux– R379900

New Clio RS220 EDC Trophy – R419 900

Further Reading

Check out a first drive impression of the Renault Clio GT-Line

Watch the BMW i3 take on a Volkswagen Polo GTI

Read a review of the Ford Fiesta ST

Which is the best car in this segment?

Want to buy a Clio RS?

Browse through stock now