Renault Clio RS 18 confirmed for Oz

The Renault Clio RS hot hatch has always had a cheery, jovial look about it but it's finally embraced its darker side with the introduction of the Clio RS 18 limited-edition.

Just 10 versions of this limited-edition Renault Clio RS will make the journey from France to Australia, priced at $39,990 plus on-road costs apiece.

That's $1000 more than the Renault Clio RS 220 Trophy on which it's based, and for that you get angry wasp-like Deep Black exterior paint with contrasting yellow highlights on the side skirts, wheel caps and front air splitter.

The dark theme extends to the wheels and there are unique RS 18 badges on its flanks. High-riding SUV drivers will also get a glimpse at the decal on the roof of the Renault Clio RS 18 -- a double diamond -- which Renault says is a hat tip to the Renault Sport F1 Team.

Although the new car gets no extra power from its 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, its unchanged 164kW/280Nm outputs are enough spice to see the car rip to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.

It manages this rapid time thanks to a launch control system that takes advantage of the car's six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

According to the French company, the Renault Clio RS Trophy chassis has been tweaked for the 18, to provide better handling response.

Lower, stiffer suspension is the main change for the Renault Clio RS 18, along with hydraulic compression stops for the front dampers and modifications to the steering for a more direct feel.

An Akrapovic exhaust is claimed to deliver a more prominent exhaust note that owners will hear from the driver's seat. The interior has also been tizzied up slightly with faux carbon-fibre highlights around the air vents, an Alcantara and leather steering wheel and special RS carpet floor mats.