New Renault Clio RS from under $29K
Two versions of new Renault Clio RS due here in December as French brand fast-tracks its hottest ever light hatchRenault Australia has announced the local availability of its redesigned Clio RS from December, priced from $28,790 plus on-road costs for the Sport chassis variant.
That not only means fans of Renault’s smallest hot hatch will have access to the new Clio RS up to three months earlier than expected, but confirms that two variants will be available for the first time since 2010 – priced almost $8000 lower than the model it replaces.
While the outgoing Clio RS was last sold at $36,490 plus ORCs, its replacement will top the fourth-generation Clio hatchback line-up (priced from $16,790) with a starting price that undercuts Peugeot’s 208 GTi (from $29,990).
However, the new Clio RS will still be more expensive than Volkswagen’s class-leading Polo GTI (from $27,990 as a three-door) and Ford’s keen new Fiesta ST from $25,990), and the full-house Cup chassis version will be priced closer to $35,000.
For the money, the five-door Clio RS does away with its predecessor’s naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine for a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 147kW and 240Nm and drives its front wheels exclusively via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, making it the first Clio RS unavailable as a manual.
That hasn’t held back its performance, however, with claimed 0-100km/h acceleration listed at 6.7 seconds with the help of launch control and a top speed of 230km/h. Fuel consumption is also improved, at 6.3L/100km.
Both new Clio RS models ride on MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension, but Cup chassis versions offer a 3mm-lower ride height, 15 per cent stiffer springs and a quicker steering rack than Sport chassis models.
“We have been working very closely with our colleagues at Renault Sport and it is with great excitement that we have been able to bring forward the launch of the new Clio RS 200 EDC,” said Renault Australia Managing Director Justin Hocevar.
“Australia is currently the second highest selling country in the world for the award-winning Megane RS 265 and we are confident that the new Clio RS 200 EDC will bring more people to the Renault Sport family than ever before.
“We have a highly competitive entry price for the new Clio RS and have already received strong demand for the latest Renault Sport vehicle in the Australia market.”
Full Australian pricing and details will be announced closer to the Clio RS EDC’s official launch on December 9.
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