Renault reveals new Clio

French firm Renault has earned a reputation for making some of the world's best hot hatches and the latest addition has just been unveiled. The new Clio Renault Sport not only packs more power under the bonnet but a Formula One-inspired bodykit to keep it stuck to the road.

Based on the new-look Clio also revealed in Europe this week, the Clio Sport features a new front end that includes restyled headlights and upper grille. But the biggest difference is the bumper that incorporates a front splitter and front wing air extractors for improved handling.

At the rear, there are redesigned tail lights, a large rear diffuser and twin chrome exhaust pipes. Renault claims the front wing and rear diffuser are a first for the segment.

Instead of trying to find a compromise between blending sporty performance with comfort the company has decided to develop two different versions of the car -- the Sport and Cup chassis.

The Sport chassis uses an hydraulic double-effect damper system that provides 15 per cent softer damping than the out-going Clio Sport but retains the car's sharper handling. Bigger front and rear anti-roll bars help increase the Clio's stability and specially developed Continental tyres maintain road holding.

In contrast, the Cup chassis's dampers are 15 per cent stiffer than the old model's and the car runs on stiffer springs than those of the Sport. Weight has been reduced by 36kg over the Sport, thanks to bespoke wheels, seat frames and changes to the transmission. The ride height is 7mm lower too, and the steering ratio is closer.

Both cars share the same suspension set-up. The track is wider both front and rear (45mm and 50mm respectively), and the wheelbase has been extended by 10mm for improved handling and stability.

Power comes from the latest iteration of the company's 2.0-litre 16-valve four-cylinder petrol engine. Although power has only increased by 2.5kW to 147.5kW, a new cylinder head, variable valve timing and remapped CPU ensure significant improvements to low end performance.

Torque below 3000rpm is now 20 per cent improved over the old model's and the first three gear ratios have also been shortened to add more impact on take-off. The result is a 0-100km/h time of 6.9secs and a top speed of 225km/h. Despite the increased performance, the engineers have also found a fuel consumption improvement of 0.7L/100km to 8.2L/100km.

Stopping power comes from Brembo brakes with 312mm discs at the front and 300mm discs at the rear, clamped by single-piston callipers.

Along with the restyled exterior and upgraded mechanicals the new Clio Sport also benefits from a new interior design. Although a lesser upgrade than the exterior changes, the makeover includes a new range of seats that includes the choice of both leather sports seats or Recaro-designed racing-inspired seats.

Unfortunately there is no word yet on timing for the Clio Renault Sport to reach Australia from the local arm of the operation.

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