Renault has announced upgrades to its Clio RS range as well as adding a new GT Line trim. The brand is keen to stress that the Clio is the only car in its class to offer three chassis but will the new changes be enough to show up the new Ford Fiesta ST200? Probably not but it will certainly give a good try.
The Sport chassis can be fitted with either 17" or 18" alloy wheels is aimed everyday use, the Cup chassis features 18" alloy wheels and is aimed to give a mix of everyday use and track capability and the hardcore Trophy chassis also has 18" alloys and is aimed mainly at track use.
The Trophy version has been given an exhaust upgrade provided by industry specialist Akrapovič to give a new engine note and two power outputs are available - 200bhp and 220bhp. The latter is able to get the Clio to 62mph in just 6.6 seconds and to a top speed of 146mph.
R.S. Vision
The new Clio RS features a new LED multi-faceted lighting system on the front end which resembles a chequered flag. I saw the system in action on the Clio R.S.16 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and it looks rather snazzy - albeit a little gimmicky. The new system combines the fog lights, cornering lights, side lights, dipped and main beams to enhance night-time visibility.
New GT Line trim
Renault has added a new GT Line trim to the Clio which features dark metal air scoops in the front bumper, lateral sills, unique 16" and 17" alloy wheels, chrome exhaust pipe and dark metal rear bumper panel. It's a trim level designed to give the looks of the RS without the hardcore edge and the inside of the GT Line continues this theme with the same leather steering wheel as the RS and aluminium pedals.
The new Clio models will be available from September with deliveries coming soon after.