2014 RENAULT CLIO RS AUSTRALIA
Renault's hot new Clio RS 200 hatch has landed in Australia, joining the regular Clio range that hit local showrooms in September.
The Clio RS kicks off at $28,790 (plus on-road costs) for the Sport chassis model, topping out at $36,790 for the Cup Trophy.
The official launch this week also comes some months earlier than expected, thanks to huge demand and improved supply.
“We have been working very closely with our colleagues at Renault Sport and it is with great excitement that we have been able to bring forward the launch of the new Clio RS 200 EDC,” Renault Australia boss Justin Hocevar said.
Australia is the second highest-selling market for the Megane RS 265, and Hocevar expects the Clio RS 200 to maintain the RenaultSport reputation.
“We have a highly competitive entry price for the new Clio R.S. and have already received strong demand for the latest Renault Sport vehicle in the Australia market," he said.
On the point of pricing, the Clio RS faces off against Ford's more sharply priced $25,990 Fiesta ST (three-door only), along with the VW Polo GTI ($29,190 in five-door form) and Peugeot's new $29,990 208 GTI (three-door only).
2014 Clio RS 200: The Basics
Power in the new model is provided by a 1.6 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine - replacing the 2.0 litre NA mill of the current Australian-delivered model.
Output is around the same, at 147kW, but torque grows with the new engine from 215 to 240Nm.
Both numbers appear sooner, too, with maximum power developed at 6000rpm - down from 7200rpm - and top twist is now available between 1750rpm and 5600rpm.
Power is sent to the front wheels through Renault's EDC dual-clutch transmission.
Renault says the new RS 200 will hit 100km/h in 6.7 seconds, shaving a couple of hairs off the 6.9 second time of its predecessor.
Features on the new model include a new diffuser and spoiler that add 80 and 20 percent more downforce respectively. There's also larger 320mm front disc brakes, 8mm bigger than in the current model.
The familiar Sport and Cup chassis tunes will be offered with the new model, the latter packing a 5mm-lower suspension setup and 15 percent stiffer springs.
Compared to the regular 2013 Clio, the RS 200 gets unique bumpers at both ends, dual exhaust tips and 17-inch alloy wheels with 18-inch options.
All models come standard with a seven-inch touchscreen and satellite navigation, along with four speaker stereo with bluetooth, USB and SD.
The Trophy adds two speakers and something called "Bass Reflex", leather trim and an upgraded sat-nav with voice recognition and customisable home screen.
The Trophy spec also adds leather upholstery and upgrades the air-con to climate control (as well as 18-inch gloss black alloys).
For more on the Clio RS, catch our review, linked below.
MORE: 2014 Renault Clio RS 200 Review
Pricing (excludes on-road costs)
- Clio 200 RS EDC Sport 200: $28,790
- Clio RS 200 EDC Cup: $31,290
- Clio RS 200 EDC Sport Trophy: $34,290
- Clio RS 200 EDC Cup Trophy: $36,790
- Related News & Reviews at TMR ▼
- Clio RS | Renault | Hot Hatches | Performance
- Interested in buying RENAULT CLIO? Visit our RENAULT CLIO showroom for more information.
19 Comments
shoot out time TMR... hop to it.
Top Gear had this and the Fiesta ST and Peugeot 208 GTI on last night. They picked the Fiesta out of the three. Apparently the gearbox in this is a bit slow and there is no manual option
Yeah... most journos are giving the Nod to the ST. I'm yet to drive one (waiting for a call), but I hear the suspension tune might be too harsh for our piss poor roads. I have a WS and even with an upgrade to 50 series tires it's still crashy as all hell. Plus 4 buckled wheels within 12 months. So this on 17's with 40 series + stiffness I fear for my spine. Could sway me to the RS.
Wow that is an amazing price! If it does come here at that price they will sell very well. Many buyers (such as myself) will opt for this over the Peugeot and Ford thanks to it's 5 door practicality.
The old one was $41,000 drive away. This new one is priced VERY well and i wouldn't even consider the Fiesta over this.
What makes you think the ford is better. Drive it for yourself.
Why must we persist with this troll!?
Let's dissect that comment, shall we? Faster - the Clio does the 0-100 sprint in 6.7 sec vs 6.9 sec for the Fiesta ST. It also had a better lap time in the Top Gear shoot-out. Better - That's rather subjective. Better in what way? Looks like the Clio has superior performance, what looks like a nicer interior and similar equipment levels. Not to put the Fiesta ST down at all, it's the best bang for buck hot hatch on the market but faster and better than the Clio RS? I don't think so.
looks ok, think i'll wait for the updated megane [new face] in gt wagon trim...
Looks good on paper... I worry about reliability.
Why? Renault gave a much better warranty rate than virtually every other Euro manufacturer.
With 5 year warranty, its no contest.
I've been told its only 3 year warranty on all Renault Sport models, not 5 years. Not to worry it should still be more reliable than a Polo Gti. The driveline in the renault is all Nissan. Does anyone know where these are made? Do they come from the same Polish or Turkish (?) factory as the rest of the range?
great price & very good car if not better than ST
I much prefer the old rear lights. The new ones look like a Lancer.
My dad bags me for worrying about that sort of thing, but I won't - you've got to be happy with your choice. As for me, I rang a dealer yesterday trying to find out when they're getting one for a drive. I have to wait until December, it looks like.
I have lots of them around me at work and while I drive a WS Fiesta Zetec, which I am very happy with, the metalic yellow Clio RS with black wheels and red claipers is very nice. Go and look at one in the flesh. PS I work near Renault, not for them.
Great looking car.. too bad there is no manual option.