Renault Clio RS

There are a few cars that I am reluctant to return after a week of test driving and the latest Renault Clio RS is one of them.
The French car maker has had an uneven history in Australia, pulling out of the market and returning a few times over the past few decades, but the company is today hitting all the high notes with a range of desirable models.
Sporty cars and motor sport are in Renault's DNA, from the Gordini/ Alpine and 16TS models of the 1960s and 70s, to today's crop, Renault still has what it takes to satisfy drivers looking for a performance edge.
The Clio RS fits that bill perfectly.

The new car is slightly larger than before, and there's a good deal of space for four occupants.
Its powered by a one point six litre turbo charged engine producing147kw and 240 nm.
With a proud history of making championship winning engines in Formula 1, that know how is on full display in the Clio.
Renault so keen to show off the RS powerplant that it's deleted the obligatory plastic cover for the motor, choosing instead to leave all the mechanical gubbins in full view, and there's a lot in there to take in! 

Pleasingly, there's a gas strut to hold up the bonnet.. no cheapo do it yourself metal rod here folks.
Given its head on the open road, the RS slams you back in your seat and rockets along with an exhilarating  throaty growl from beneath the bonnet. With Sport selected, the swift acceleration is accompanied by rorty pops  from the exhaust with each change in the six speed dual clutch auto/manual transmission. It's a real hoot.
In fact it's just as much fun as the slightly larger 2 litre Golf Gti, but at less cost.
Average fuel consumption is just over 6 litres per 100 kilometres.

The steering is precise and pin sharp, and even though the RS rides on low profile 18 inch 40 series wheels and tyres, the ride is surprisingly compliant over most urban ruts and bumps. Yes folks, a hot hatch that's actually comfy to boot!

The heavily foam bolstered seats are among the most comfortable I have experienced, holding the driver perfectly in place along tight winding roads.
Highlights of red/orange stitching in the seats and colour accents elsewhere in the cabin including red seatbelts, let you know the Clio RS is a car that wants to play.
Finding the right driving position is easy, with the steering wheel adjustable for reach and rake. The dashboard is simple, and uncluttered, and there's keyless entry and push button start.
                               
The main dials consist of a large digital speedo, flanked by tachometer and fuel gauge.
Gear changes are effected using the prominent steering wheel paddles, or the console lever.
However the Clio could do with brighter headlights.
They are not powerful enough. A change to halogen or bi xenon globes would be one of the first things I would do as an owner.
There are a couple of French quirks in the Clio.

The button for Sport mode is buried in between the front seats, as is the switch for the cruise/speed limiter control, and the three console cup holders and too small and shallow to be really useful.
The RS certainly looks the part...the brilliant pearlescent yellow paint job on the test car drew many admiring glances, as did the black alloys and red disc calipers. This is one car that's anything but anonymous.

I liked the twin rectangular exhaust outlets, they added to the Clio's aggressive look.
The RS is a four door car, but the rear pair are somewhat disguised by virtue of hidden door handles in the C pillar.
The test car did not have a reversing camera nor warning beepers, but they are available.
The Clio RS is fun, stylish,exciting, and comfortable, a car you could easily live with every day.
You definitely won't be able to stop yourself constantly unleashing it along your favourite challenging road.
At around 37 K it undercuts several rivals in the hot hatch market including the VW Golf Gti, while delivering similar driving thrills.
Good work Renault! 
Peter Sellen