01 Mar 06
The first Renaultsport Clio set a new benchmark for hot hatches and this one, the Mk III, has a lot to live up to when it goes on sale early this summer.
It's based around the latest Clio hatch, which isn't exactly an inspiring drive, but the Renaultsport team has increased its 2.0-litre engine's output to 197bhp - on a par with the larger Civic Type-R and all the better to lug along this new car's hefty 1,240kg. Acceleration 0-60 is 6.9 seconds and top speed 134mph, so it's pretty quick; it returns 31.7mpg and 209 g/km of carbon dioxide, however, so it won't be the most cost-effective supermini.
Renault says that the engine is well-suited for competition modifications and that although it is responsive below 5,000rpm, once it reaches that engine speed, it shows its 'true sports heritage'. The engine features continuously-variable valve timing and a modified crankshaft.
The close-ratio six-speed manual transmission is new and all aspects of the mainstream Clio's handling have been overhauled. With a wider track and longer wheelbase than the previous Renaultsport Clio, it has a lower centre of gravity and improved stability; Renault claims excellent frontal grip and an absence of torque-steer. A 300mm anti-roll bar stiffens up this model's rear suspension and the rear torsion beam has been strengthened. Its subframe is as used on the Megane Renaultsport 225, with transverse strengthening and stiffer front subframe bushes and rear suspension mounts. The brakes are also similar, with 312mm cross-drilled front discs and Brembo four-pot callipers at the rear. The electric power steering has been specifically tuned for more feedback and Continental Sport Contact 3 tyres fitted.
Keen to capitalise on its recent Formula One success, Renault is emphasising F1-derived aerodynamic touches. These include a rear bumper with air diffuser, which means no need for a spoiler to create downforce, flush-fitted dual exhausts, extractor vents in the front wings, a splitter on the front air dam and a specific bumper and grille design. All these details, of course, go a long way to giving the car a sporty exterior character, helped by its wider wings, lower-set suspension, side skirts, fat tyres and 17" alloys.
The Clio 192 is finished off with satin-finish chrome door handles and body-coloured bumpers, side mouldings and mirrors, in a choice of Toro Red, Dynamo Blue or metallic Monako Blue, Deep Black or Makaha Grey.
A few interior changes have been made: there's no spare wheel, making space for the twin rear tailpipes and silencer (you get two aerosol kits and have to hope you don't get a puncture) and there's a suitably sporty-feeling interior, with aluminium pedals, red-stitched steering wheel, white-on-black instruments, rev counter with gear-change indicator and redline warning (towards 7,500rpm), logoed Renaultsport seats and a dark grey colour scheme. Recaro bucket seats will be optional.
And if it all gets just too exciting, you can rest assured that the Clio 197 is as safe a car as its less powerful Clio relatives: it's got that five-star Euro NCAP rating and kit including stability control and traction control, though the ESP is tuned to kick in later than in the other Clios and can be switched off; Brake Assist has been removed, however. It comes with up to eight airbags - including four side airbags and two in the base of the front seats to prevent 'submarining' under the seatbelts - and energy-absorbing head restraints and front seats to protect against whiplash injuries.
Production of this model will take place at the Renaultsport factory in Dieppe (the former Alpine plant), where the Megane 225 is made. Renault plans to make around 10,000 197s a year, with the three-door bodyshells transported from Flins to Dieppe for final assembly. Nearly 75% of Clio 172 and 182 sales have been in the UK, and Renault expects the 197 to be similarly popular over here; it hasn't yet announced prices for right-hand-drive variants, however.
