Inspired by the recent Clio R.S.16 concept, Renaultsport’s newly facelifted Clio is unveiled ahead of its Autumn release date.
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Renault has unveiled a kick ass new facelift for its Clio R.S. ahead of the hot hatches arrival in showrooms in Autumn.
Power options remain pretty much unchanged, the R.S. standing firm with the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (as we tested in the old R.S. HERE) remains intact as well, albeit with two power options available. Opt for the Sport or Cup trim and your French super mini will chuck out 197bhp. Go for the slightly more lairy ‘Track’ option though – including bespoke 18in alloys and a reduced ride height – and you’ll have 217bhp to contend with, plus stiffer suspension springs and a quicker steering rack. Top speed is a not unreasonable 235kph, while 0-100kph is in the books after 6.6 seconds. Expect that to drop though when RenaultSport’s brand new generation arrives, possibly as early as 2018.
The main changes though have been reserved for the looks and bodywork, to striking effect we might add. At the front there’s new distinctive LED headlights first seen on the recent R.S.16 concept, mounted in what Renault calls ‘R.S. Vision’ for a more aggressive look. Take a closer look, and you’ll also see a revised front grille, front bumper and fog lights. At the rear meanwhile, there’s some new C-shape taillights, new alloys, diffuser and twin-exit exhausts, plus the obligatory ‘RS’ badges. Though prices have yet to be announced for the facelifted Clio R.S., expect that $27,150 figure to go up.
Again, there’s no official video (sorry), but just in case you were wondering how the Renault Clio R.S. stacks up against two of its principal rivals – the Ford Fiesta ST and the MINI John Cooper Works – you might want to check out the below group test from our old mates over at Carfection, formerly XCAR
