PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Renault Clio RS 200 EDC

Renault's all-new Clio RS 200 EDC hot hatch has puffed out its chest at the Paris Motor Show, appearing with a punchy new 1.6-litre turbo engine and rapid fire dual-clutch transmission.

Boasting more power, bigger brakes, a three-mode ‘sport’ button and an aggressive new look, the French pocket rocket looks set to shake up the increasingly competitive light car hot hatch segment.

The Clio RS 200 EDC (efficient dual clutch) will face off against rivals including the Peugeot 208 GTI, MINI Cooper S, Ford Fiesta ST and Volkswagen Polo GTI.

Sadly, Aussies will have to wait until early 2014 before getting their hands on the new model.

“We will see (Clio RS 200) in Australia about six months after we launch the core model range,” said Renault Australia's managing director, Justin Hocevar.

With the mainstream Clio range not due to launch in Australia July 2013, this puts the RS 200 EDC out into 2014.

The Clio RS 200 EDC is based on the same underpinnings as the new Clio 4 and ditches the current 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine in favour of a more efficient, but torquier 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder.

Despite its smaller capacity, the new engine punches out similar power – 147kW at 6000rpm – as the previous RS 200, but torque is boosted 25Nm to 240Nm at 1750rpm.

Renault is yet to release 0-100km/h sprint times but expect the more muscular bottom-end and quick shifting gearbox to improve the hot Clio’s drag strip performance.

The six-speed EDC gearbox can be left to shift automatically, but also features steering-wheel mounted shift paddles which, when switched to 'race' mode, can shift gears in a claimed 150 milliseconds.

"The introduction of a very high performance turbocharged engine, with plenty of torque at low revs and coupled to the EDC dual clutch transmission developed by Renault Sport engineers, results in a car that raises the sporting driving experience to a new level," said Patrice Ratti, managing director of Renault Sport Technologies.

Like all Renault Sport models, two chassis calibrations will be offered: the regular 'Sport' chassis, designed to offer "an optimum balance of sportiness and comfort in everyday motoring"; and the Cup chassis, for keener drivers.

The Cup tune lowers the RS 200 EDC’s ride height by 5mm and stiffens the suspension by 15 per cent for improved handling response.

Also new to the RS 200 EDC is the 'RS Drive' system, which allows push-button selection of Normal, Sport and Race modes. The different settings alter parameters including stability control, steering weight, throttle response, fuel injection mapping and gearbox aggressiveness.

The brakes have been upgraded, too, with 320mm diameter discs at the front, an increase of 8mm over the previous model.

Like regular fourth gen Clios, the RS 200 EDC has the R-Sound Effect system which, in conjunction with the R-Link infotainment system, can simulate the sounds of "a range of iconic engines through the car’s speakers, tuning it to the speed and acceleration of the car".

The cabin has been given a major overhaul, with red the dominant colour and leather sports bucket seats clearly signalling the car's intent.  Standard features include auto climate control, a hands-free key card, touch screen satellite navigation with R-Link and Bluetooth streaming.

Riding on 17-inch alloy wheels (18s are optional), the new Clio RS 200 EDC distinctive styling cues include an F1-inspired 'front blade', deep rear diffuser and spoiler, all of which are said to increase downforce over the previous model.

Other design features include a unique grille treatment, new front and rear bumpers, sill extensions, LED daytime running lights and dual exhaust system.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…