Hot Clio to satisfy racy Brits

Newswheel staff :: 14 May 2005 :: Filed under Hatchback, Renault, Renault Clio, Europe & UK

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More sex-appeal, please. We're British

Due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motorshow in September, the new Renault Clio range will be topped by an aggressively-styled 200bhp RS model. The best news is that the flagship’s 2-litre powerplant will be naturally aspirated. Turbocharged engines are all very well, but we reckon natural breathing suits a powerful, compact front-driver best. Of course, it’s unlikely the new car will be much quicker - the extra power over the existing 180bhp Clio RenaultSport model will be offset by the inevitable increase in weight.

Interestingly, a story in UK mag AutoExpress suggests the car’s more extreme design, including the requisite flared wheels arches, fat alloys and deep front bumper, is a result of the popularity of hot Renaults in the UK. Until now, sporty Clios have been styled to suit European markets which allegedly are more conservative when it comes to hot hatch styling than Britain. In the light of the atrocities many urban-dwelling Europeans commit on their cars with ill-advised alloy wheel upgrades, we find that a little hard to swallow. Whatever, although the new car will be shown before the end of the year, deliveries aren’t expected until well into 2006. Unfortunately, unlike the conspicuously affordable current hot Clio, the aforementioned RenaultSport 182, the RS won’t be cheap. Expect to pay at least £17,000.

Linkage:
AutoExpress story and pic (via the Autocar forum, crazy, eh?)