2013 Clio Renaultsport vs. its rivals

Renault has confirmed UK market specifications and pricing for its Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo. Available only as a five-door hatchback, the new performance Clio will be offered in either standard or Lux guises.

Both versions are powered by a 1.6 litre direct-injection petrol engine which, as the car’s name implies, produces an impressive 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) thanks to its turbocharger.

The sole transmission option is an automatic six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch gearbox that features launch control, a multi change-down function and Normal, Sport and Race driving modes.

Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC (2013) Front SideRenault Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC (2013) Side

Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC (2013) InteriorRenault Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC (2013) Rear Side

Standard equipment includes sports seats, aluminium pedals, keyless entry and start, Bluetooth connectivity, a 7” touchscreen and cruise control. The Lux model seems like good value, as it adds climate control, rear electric windows, automatic lights and wipers, an upgraded audio system and satellite navigation for a fairly modest £1,000 premium.

As expected, buyers will be enticed with various cost options. The most popular is likely to be the £450 Cup chassis set-up, which consists of stiffer suspension, quicker steering, a lower ride height, red brake calipers and gloss black 18” alloys shod with Dunlop Sport Maxx TT tyres.

Given its output and pace, the Clio’s obvious hot hatch competitors are the Peugeot 208 GTi and the Mini John Cooper Works.

Based on the three rivals’ stats, there’s not much in it. The Mini is marginally the quickest, but it’s also considerably more expensive.

On price at least, that leaves the French pair. Their performance might appear identical, but in two respects - transmission type and number of doors - they are very different propositions.

Manufacturer Renault Mini Peugeot
Model Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC John Cooper Works Hatch 208 GTi
Price three-door N/A £22,455 £18,895
Price five-door £18,995 N/A N/A
Engine 1.6 litre turbo petrol 1.6 litre turbo petrol 1.6 litre turbo petrol
Power 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) 208 bhp (155 kW / 211 PS) 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS)
Torque 240 Nm (177 lb/ft) 260 Nm (191 lb/ft) 275 Nm (202 lb/ft)
Transmission 6-speed dual-clutch auto 6-speed manual 6-speed manual
0-62 mph (100 km/h) 6.7 secs 6.5 secs 6.8 secs
Top speed 143 mph (230 km/h) 148 mph (238 km/h) 143 mph (230 km/h)
Combined fuel consumption 44.8 mpg (6.3 l/100km) 42.8 mpg (6.6 l/100km) 47.9 mpg (5.9 l/100km)
CO2 emissions 144 g/km 153 g/km 139 g/km

The Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC is due to arrive at dealers in June.

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