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2017 Renault Clio RS
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
FiestaST
Honorary Master
2017 Renault Clio RS Lux: HOW FAST IS IT? - Curb Culture
[video=youtube;pgr91btO2aY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgr91btO2aY[/video]
[video=youtube;pgr91btO2aY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgr91btO2aY[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Renault Clio RS Lux delivers mixed emotions
The previous Clio RS, from 2009, was a memorable car. Not only because the test unit we drove was finished in a scorching yellow, but because it was sprung like a shopping trolley, its transmission was a rushable, snickity manual, and its 2-litre engine revved like a dentist’s drill. It felt naughty. Like you were driving a legit race car illegally on the road.
The new one, which launched around three years ago but was facelifted in May, is nothing like its predecessor. For starters it’s a five door now, instead of three. Its screamy naturally-aspirated engine has made way for a quieter 1.6 turbo, the manual box has been replaced with a dual-clutch auto, and the ride is much easier on the spine. Not necessarily bad things, especially if you like a less high strung variety of hot hatches.
As with the pre-facelifted version, the Clio RS comes in two flavours - Lux and Trophy (the latter replaces the Cup). The Lux, as given away by its name, is the more liveable of the two. It rides on higher profile 17” rubber, its suspension is tuned a little more pliantly and it’s a bit more hushed because it doesn’t get the Trophy’s free-flow Akropovic exhaust system.
Besides the exhaust, the racier Trophy sits on firmer springs (20mm lower at the front and 10mm lower at the rear), tyres are less forgiving 18-inchers and, strangely, it gets heated leather seats which in our opinion would be better suited to the Lux. The Trophy’s also quite a bit more powerful at 162kW and 280Nm versus the Lux’s 147/260, but even with its extra oomph it’s only marginally quicker with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 6.6 seconds to the Lux’s 6.7.
On test here is the Lux, which besides being the more realistic daily driver, is also 40 grand cheaper at R379 900.
It might be the plusher option but you’d never guess by the seats. The side bolstering of the front buckets is borderline absurdity, and though my smallish frame tucked neatly between them, I wonder if anyone north of 90kg would even be able to sit in there. Clearly Renault Sport isn’t playing around when it comes to holding bodies in place when roads get twisty, but perhaps they forgot not everyone’s built like Nico Hulkenberg.
If the seats suggest a sense of hardcore hedonism, the rest of the car doesn’t really follow through. There’s just not enough of a differentiation between this and the far less expensive Clio GT-Line, especially in handling. Remember, I’m speaking for the softer Lux model only, and to be fair the tauter Trophy might rectify some issues; but it’s hardly playful enough at full tilt in corners to justify an RS badge.
In a bumpy mountain pass the car delivered a good mix of handling sharpness and suspension compliance. But driving in real anger around a smooth test track revealed a tendency for the nose to wash away from apexes, rather than tuck into them. An electronic front diff-lock tries to correct some understeer, and it works to an extent, but because it’s essentially just braking the spinning inside wheel the sensation is more deceleration than added traction. There’s gobs of torque steer when hard on the throttle, and while this is often considered a complaint in high-performance front-wheel drives, it’s a compliment in this case because working the wheel distracts from otherwise dull handling.
Renault’s six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) gearbox is also a let down. In normal drive mode it falls asleep, defaulting to the highest possible gear, presumably to optimise fuel consumption. Wake it up with a kick of the gas pedal, and it stutters, yawns, has a stretch, clears some sand from its eyes, and then drops a cog or two when it’s ready.
Opposite problem in sport mode. Push the RS-labelled button just ahead of the handbrake, and the transmission tosses a double espresso shot, rages on a caffeine high, and becomes reluctant to let the tacho’s needle leave the red zone. Some happy middle ground would be nice, Renault.
It’s often best to take control and change manually with the steering paddles, if anything just to avoid frustration. On the plus side, there’s a cool (albeit unnecessary) throttle blip feature on each downshift when in RS mode.
The car’s quick, I’ll give it that. Deceptively quick. Besides the ubiquitous series of blurps from the tailpipes between gears, it accelerates rapidly but without much fanfare. Its impressive figures are mostly down to an effective launch control system, activated by tugging both shift paddles simultaneously before bolting off the line. You’ll know it’s working, not only by a bright orange light in the instrument cluster, but by the hilarious fart noises it makes as the revs rise and the turbo spools before takeoff.
We couldn’t match Renault’s 6.7 second claim, but we came close with a best 0-100km/h of 6.99 seconds, and the quarter mile came in 15.1. These times slot it smack in between the slightly quicker Polo GTI and slightly slower (manual) Fiesta ST, according to our Vbox test equipment. (See it in action in the video below).
The Playstation generation will go knees weak for the Clio’s RS Monitor, a function housed within the 17.8cm touchscreen where drivers can scroll through numerous so-called telemetry displays.
Most are useless to be honest. Who needs to see steering angles or individual wheel spin in real time, and who has time to glance at these while driving? But, it is possible to store all recorded data from a track session, and upload it to a USB stick for later review.
Gimmicky, yes. Useful, perhaps ... if you’re Nico Hulkenberg.
One RS Monitor screen records acceleration performance figures, which, by the way, were way off what our satellite-based Vbox registered. Unless you believe the Lux can beat claimed acceleration times by half a second or so.
VERDICT
An RS badge, regardless of brand, is accompanied by high expectations. In Lux guise the Renault Clio RS disappoints somewhat. It’d be easier to forgive its mediocre on-the-limits handling and schizo gearbox if it were labelled as a Sport and positioned between the GT-Line and the RS Trophy.
Renault Clio RS 200 Lux
Engine:1.6-litre, four-cyl, turbopetrol
Gearbox:6-speed automated dual clutch
Power:147kW @ 6050rpm
Torque:260Nm @ 2000rpm
0-100km/h (tested, Gauteng):6.99 seconds
Top speed (claimed):230km/h
Price:R379 900
Warranty:5-year/150 000km
Service plan: 3-year/30 000km
http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/renault-clio-rs-lux-delivers-mixed-emotions-10397908
The previous Clio RS, from 2009, was a memorable car. Not only because the test unit we drove was finished in a scorching yellow, but because it was sprung like a shopping trolley, its transmission was a rushable, snickity manual, and its 2-litre engine revved like a dentist’s drill. It felt naughty. Like you were driving a legit race car illegally on the road.
The new one, which launched around three years ago but was facelifted in May, is nothing like its predecessor. For starters it’s a five door now, instead of three. Its screamy naturally-aspirated engine has made way for a quieter 1.6 turbo, the manual box has been replaced with a dual-clutch auto, and the ride is much easier on the spine. Not necessarily bad things, especially if you like a less high strung variety of hot hatches.
As with the pre-facelifted version, the Clio RS comes in two flavours - Lux and Trophy (the latter replaces the Cup). The Lux, as given away by its name, is the more liveable of the two. It rides on higher profile 17” rubber, its suspension is tuned a little more pliantly and it’s a bit more hushed because it doesn’t get the Trophy’s free-flow Akropovic exhaust system.
Besides the exhaust, the racier Trophy sits on firmer springs (20mm lower at the front and 10mm lower at the rear), tyres are less forgiving 18-inchers and, strangely, it gets heated leather seats which in our opinion would be better suited to the Lux. The Trophy’s also quite a bit more powerful at 162kW and 280Nm versus the Lux’s 147/260, but even with its extra oomph it’s only marginally quicker with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 6.6 seconds to the Lux’s 6.7.
On test here is the Lux, which besides being the more realistic daily driver, is also 40 grand cheaper at R379 900.
It might be the plusher option but you’d never guess by the seats. The side bolstering of the front buckets is borderline absurdity, and though my smallish frame tucked neatly between them, I wonder if anyone north of 90kg would even be able to sit in there. Clearly Renault Sport isn’t playing around when it comes to holding bodies in place when roads get twisty, but perhaps they forgot not everyone’s built like Nico Hulkenberg.
If the seats suggest a sense of hardcore hedonism, the rest of the car doesn’t really follow through. There’s just not enough of a differentiation between this and the far less expensive Clio GT-Line, especially in handling. Remember, I’m speaking for the softer Lux model only, and to be fair the tauter Trophy might rectify some issues; but it’s hardly playful enough at full tilt in corners to justify an RS badge.
In a bumpy mountain pass the car delivered a good mix of handling sharpness and suspension compliance. But driving in real anger around a smooth test track revealed a tendency for the nose to wash away from apexes, rather than tuck into them. An electronic front diff-lock tries to correct some understeer, and it works to an extent, but because it’s essentially just braking the spinning inside wheel the sensation is more deceleration than added traction. There’s gobs of torque steer when hard on the throttle, and while this is often considered a complaint in high-performance front-wheel drives, it’s a compliment in this case because working the wheel distracts from otherwise dull handling.
Renault’s six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) gearbox is also a let down. In normal drive mode it falls asleep, defaulting to the highest possible gear, presumably to optimise fuel consumption. Wake it up with a kick of the gas pedal, and it stutters, yawns, has a stretch, clears some sand from its eyes, and then drops a cog or two when it’s ready.
Opposite problem in sport mode. Push the RS-labelled button just ahead of the handbrake, and the transmission tosses a double espresso shot, rages on a caffeine high, and becomes reluctant to let the tacho’s needle leave the red zone. Some happy middle ground would be nice, Renault.
It’s often best to take control and change manually with the steering paddles, if anything just to avoid frustration. On the plus side, there’s a cool (albeit unnecessary) throttle blip feature on each downshift when in RS mode.
The car’s quick, I’ll give it that. Deceptively quick. Besides the ubiquitous series of blurps from the tailpipes between gears, it accelerates rapidly but without much fanfare. Its impressive figures are mostly down to an effective launch control system, activated by tugging both shift paddles simultaneously before bolting off the line. You’ll know it’s working, not only by a bright orange light in the instrument cluster, but by the hilarious fart noises it makes as the revs rise and the turbo spools before takeoff.
We couldn’t match Renault’s 6.7 second claim, but we came close with a best 0-100km/h of 6.99 seconds, and the quarter mile came in 15.1. These times slot it smack in between the slightly quicker Polo GTI and slightly slower (manual) Fiesta ST, according to our Vbox test equipment. (See it in action in the video below).
The Playstation generation will go knees weak for the Clio’s RS Monitor, a function housed within the 17.8cm touchscreen where drivers can scroll through numerous so-called telemetry displays.
Most are useless to be honest. Who needs to see steering angles or individual wheel spin in real time, and who has time to glance at these while driving? But, it is possible to store all recorded data from a track session, and upload it to a USB stick for later review.
Gimmicky, yes. Useful, perhaps ... if you’re Nico Hulkenberg.
One RS Monitor screen records acceleration performance figures, which, by the way, were way off what our satellite-based Vbox registered. Unless you believe the Lux can beat claimed acceleration times by half a second or so.
VERDICT
An RS badge, regardless of brand, is accompanied by high expectations. In Lux guise the Renault Clio RS disappoints somewhat. It’d be easier to forgive its mediocre on-the-limits handling and schizo gearbox if it were labelled as a Sport and positioned between the GT-Line and the RS Trophy.
Renault Clio RS 200 Lux
Engine:1.6-litre, four-cyl, turbopetrol
Gearbox:6-speed automated dual clutch
Power:147kW @ 6050rpm
Torque:260Nm @ 2000rpm
0-100km/h (tested, Gauteng):6.99 seconds
Top speed (claimed):230km/h
Price:R379 900
Warranty:5-year/150 000km
Service plan: 3-year/30 000km
http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/road-tests/renault-clio-rs-lux-delivers-mixed-emotions-10397908
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Dan C
Honorary Master
Lekker tekkies 
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Driven: Renault Clio RS Trophy
The Clio RS in its current form is a departure from the model that made the hot hatch famous among petrolheads.
The Clio RS has grown up and while some may sneer at that, the fourth-generation French hatchback is much easier to live with. It has four doors, an automatic gearbox and a decent size boot.
A 1.6-litre engine powers the hot hatch and in Trophy form churns out a massive 162kW/280Nm thanks to help from Renault's Formula 1 team. The automaker claims a 6.6 second 0-100km/h time.
Is it quick off the line?
Yes, the dual-clutch gearbox with massive paddles attached to the steering column allow for quick changes in RS mode (which is prompted via a button on the lower fascia).
The RS also features an electronic differential and a bespoke Akaprovic exhaust. If you fiddle through the RS menu it's possible to change the 'exhaust' note to a few other cars including an old Clio RS race car.
30 second walk around of @Renault_SA's latest Clio RS, this one's in Trophy ?? spec which has 162kW/290Nm. Akrapovic exhaust is standard. pic.twitter.com/k5GnzAcmCV
— Sean Parker ?? (@Sean_ParkerSA) July 22, 2017
Another cool feature is the monitor that allows you to check everything from a lap-timer to throttle positions, brake pedal applications, gearbox oil temperature and even how much G-force you're generating.
The data is there if you're into track days and that sort of thing, oh and you can store it on an SD card. Nice one Renault.
A late Saturday afternoon drive covering Ou Kaapse weg, over Red Hill in Simonstown and then eventually making a u-turn at Cape Point showed off the Trophy's good and bad traits. It's grippy handling and involving ride come at a price - a rock-hard ride.
Having an awesome Saturday afternoon blast on some epic roads in the Clio RS ??. It packs 162kW from its fettled 1.6T engine. pic.twitter.com/UgMMZ1ZW91
— Sean Parker ?? (@Sean_ParkerSA) July 22, 2017
The Trophy was in its element as I twisted and turned the nimble front-wheel drive hatch up Red Hill with a massive grin on my face because it's incredibly exciting. It's possible to drive the Trophy on the edge, it's that type of car. A thrilling sensation.
On the straighter sections of my route, there was ample opportunity to stretch the little 1.6-litre turbo's legs. It felt stable on a couple on the b-roads, even when picking up speed.
In summary, the Trophy is a selfish choice in that it's let down by the super harsh ride and at R419 900 the Trophy is an expensive proposition.
Overall, it's a superb driving tool with a high build-quality. It offers an involving drive that doesn't guzzle too much fuel and is able to seat four adults. If you're looking for a hot hatch from folks who know how to make excellent front-wheel drive hot hatches, look no further.
The Clio RS needed to grow up (seat four, dual-clutch 'box and a turbocharged engine) to compete. And boy does it compete.
http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/driven-renault-clio-rs-trophy-20170814
The Clio RS in its current form is a departure from the model that made the hot hatch famous among petrolheads.
The Clio RS has grown up and while some may sneer at that, the fourth-generation French hatchback is much easier to live with. It has four doors, an automatic gearbox and a decent size boot.
A 1.6-litre engine powers the hot hatch and in Trophy form churns out a massive 162kW/280Nm thanks to help from Renault's Formula 1 team. The automaker claims a 6.6 second 0-100km/h time.
Is it quick off the line?
Yes, the dual-clutch gearbox with massive paddles attached to the steering column allow for quick changes in RS mode (which is prompted via a button on the lower fascia).
The RS also features an electronic differential and a bespoke Akaprovic exhaust. If you fiddle through the RS menu it's possible to change the 'exhaust' note to a few other cars including an old Clio RS race car.
30 second walk around of @Renault_SA's latest Clio RS, this one's in Trophy ?? spec which has 162kW/290Nm. Akrapovic exhaust is standard. pic.twitter.com/k5GnzAcmCV
— Sean Parker ?? (@Sean_ParkerSA) July 22, 2017
Another cool feature is the monitor that allows you to check everything from a lap-timer to throttle positions, brake pedal applications, gearbox oil temperature and even how much G-force you're generating.
The data is there if you're into track days and that sort of thing, oh and you can store it on an SD card. Nice one Renault.
A late Saturday afternoon drive covering Ou Kaapse weg, over Red Hill in Simonstown and then eventually making a u-turn at Cape Point showed off the Trophy's good and bad traits. It's grippy handling and involving ride come at a price - a rock-hard ride.
Having an awesome Saturday afternoon blast on some epic roads in the Clio RS ??. It packs 162kW from its fettled 1.6T engine. pic.twitter.com/UgMMZ1ZW91
— Sean Parker ?? (@Sean_ParkerSA) July 22, 2017
The Trophy was in its element as I twisted and turned the nimble front-wheel drive hatch up Red Hill with a massive grin on my face because it's incredibly exciting. It's possible to drive the Trophy on the edge, it's that type of car. A thrilling sensation.
On the straighter sections of my route, there was ample opportunity to stretch the little 1.6-litre turbo's legs. It felt stable on a couple on the b-roads, even when picking up speed.
In summary, the Trophy is a selfish choice in that it's let down by the super harsh ride and at R419 900 the Trophy is an expensive proposition.
Overall, it's a superb driving tool with a high build-quality. It offers an involving drive that doesn't guzzle too much fuel and is able to seat four adults. If you're looking for a hot hatch from folks who know how to make excellent front-wheel drive hot hatches, look no further.
The Clio RS needed to grow up (seat four, dual-clutch 'box and a turbocharged engine) to compete. And boy does it compete.
http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/driven-renault-clio-rs-trophy-20170814
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Car Keys review of the RS Trophy
[video=youtube_share;1QvUFmFb-9w]https://youtu.be/1QvUFmFb-9w[/video]
[video=youtube_share;1QvUFmFb-9w]https://youtu.be/1QvUFmFb-9w[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ignition GT Lapz
[video=youtube;q31Jk5LdDGs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q31Jk5LdDGs[/video]
[video=youtube;q31Jk5LdDGs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q31Jk5LdDGs[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Dan C
Honorary Master
Good vid 
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Which vid lol
Car Keys solid bloke so yes. Rather underated Youtuber.
Car Keys solid bloke so yes. Rather underated Youtuber.
Its just a clio with a nismo engine
Its best on the bends over straight lines
You have a nice car. what is up with 2 posts in 6 years.
Read only
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
RPM TV review of the Lux
[video=youtube_share;xAE7bbdGhYw]https://youtu.be/xAE7bbdGhYw[/video]
[video=youtube_share;xAE7bbdGhYw]https://youtu.be/xAE7bbdGhYw[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
3 Reasons Why Renault Clio RS Trophy is #CarsAwards Finalist
What makes the Renault Clio RS220 Trophy a strong contender in the Fun Car category of the 2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank? We investigate…
Renault has been top of the hot hatches for some time when it comes to driver engagement and handling from a front-wheel-drive hatch. The Clio received an update in 2017 and the RS220 Trophy is the most potent offering in the range. Will the Clio RS220 Trophy snatch the Fun Car trophy in the 2017/18 #CarsAwards?
1. Engaging powertrain
The Clio RS220 Trophy is powered by a 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with peak outputs of 147 kW and 260 Nm of torque. Acceleration is lightning quick thanks to a built-in launch control system and a revised dual-clutch transmission. The exhaust has plenty of life as it rumbles at idle and crackles after every gear shift. The Akropovic upgrade for the Trophy model is a sweet addition for those that like a barky exhaust note.
2. Sharp handler
Thanks to a superb chassis, the grip levels that the Clio can provide are astounding and you’ll be surprised every time you throw it into a bend at just how much traction is available. The Trophy’s suspension is firm and agile and particularly balanced under braking. The Clio RS is a showcase of how to make a front-wheel-drive car go fast around bends.
3. A car for the senses
The Clio’s striking styling appeals to the senses and details such as the chequered flag LED fog lights and 18-inch wheels ensure that the RS220 has a purposeful stance. Inside the Trophy gets body-hugging Recaro sports seats, red seatbelts and a plethora of RS badges to remind you that this is no ordinary Clio. It also comes equipped with a track data readout system that measures everything from G-forces to lap times and acceleration and braking application, which you can be downloaded and analysed at your convenience.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_new...-clio-rs-trophy-is-carsawards-finalist/44156/
What makes the Renault Clio RS220 Trophy a strong contender in the Fun Car category of the 2017/18 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank? We investigate…
Renault has been top of the hot hatches for some time when it comes to driver engagement and handling from a front-wheel-drive hatch. The Clio received an update in 2017 and the RS220 Trophy is the most potent offering in the range. Will the Clio RS220 Trophy snatch the Fun Car trophy in the 2017/18 #CarsAwards?
1. Engaging powertrain
The Clio RS220 Trophy is powered by a 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with peak outputs of 147 kW and 260 Nm of torque. Acceleration is lightning quick thanks to a built-in launch control system and a revised dual-clutch transmission. The exhaust has plenty of life as it rumbles at idle and crackles after every gear shift. The Akropovic upgrade for the Trophy model is a sweet addition for those that like a barky exhaust note.
2. Sharp handler
Thanks to a superb chassis, the grip levels that the Clio can provide are astounding and you’ll be surprised every time you throw it into a bend at just how much traction is available. The Trophy’s suspension is firm and agile and particularly balanced under braking. The Clio RS is a showcase of how to make a front-wheel-drive car go fast around bends.
3. A car for the senses
The Clio’s striking styling appeals to the senses and details such as the chequered flag LED fog lights and 18-inch wheels ensure that the RS220 has a purposeful stance. Inside the Trophy gets body-hugging Recaro sports seats, red seatbelts and a plethora of RS badges to remind you that this is no ordinary Clio. It also comes equipped with a track data readout system that measures everything from G-forces to lap times and acceleration and braking application, which you can be downloaded and analysed at your convenience.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_new...-clio-rs-trophy-is-carsawards-finalist/44156/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
RPM TV review of the Clio RS 220 Trophy
[video=youtube_share;oehbjEDb1U0]https://youtu.be/oehbjEDb1U0[/video]
[video=youtube_share;oehbjEDb1U0]https://youtu.be/oehbjEDb1U0[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
AutoTrader review
[video=youtube_share;15pYqr0RAww]https://youtu.be/15pYqr0RAww[/video]
[video=youtube_share;15pYqr0RAww]https://youtu.be/15pYqr0RAww[/video]
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