Next-gen Renault Clio RS could pack Megane RS power

Renault is set to do some serious shoehorning for its upcoming Clio RS performance hatch, with reports suggesting it will receive the grunty 1.8-litre turbo-four from the bigger new Megane RS that arrives here around July.

Using the Clio RS 16 concept that debuted at Monaco a couple of years ago as a rough base, Renault officials are said to be considering the idea for the next-generation Clio that will debut later this year.

The information was said to be disclosed by Philippe Brunet, Renault’s general manager of powertrain software and calibration, during an interview with L'Automobile Magazine.

According to reports, the turbocharged 1.8-litre will be detuned to about 170kW so as not to let the Clio step on its older brother’s more-than-capable toes.

The same engine also does service in the Alpine A110, and is currently capable of 225kW in full-whack form. The regular Megane RS 280 that employs the same 1.8-litre will produce a credible 205kW when it lands in the third quarter of this year.

Naturally, the fitment of a larger, understressed engine will also give Renault scope to produce a more ferocious Trophy version of the Clio. Whatever the case, the future looks good.

The current Clio RS develops a still-hearty 147kW, but takes on revamped competition later this year in the form of the hotly-anticipated Volkswagen Polo GTI.