New Car Review Areas


General Car Topics

Renault Clio Sport 2.0 16V Review

March 2006
Filed under: RENAULT Car News | RENAULT Headlines

Latest RENAULT Headlines

The challenge faced by Renault Sport Technologies’ engineers when first penning New Clio Renault Sport was to respect the original personality of Clio III while at the same time highlighting the newcomer’s own intrinsic qualities and dynamism. The result is an outstanding car which puts the accent firmly on performance, passion and driving pleasure.

New Clio Renault Sport stands out as a worthy successor to Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16V and features a groundbreaking first in its segment in the form of a rear air diffuser which uses technology derived directly from Formula 1. In association with the extractor vents in the front wings, it ensures excellent aerodynamic performance.
Sportier than ever, New Clio Renault Sport is powered by an evolution of the normally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine, the power of which has been increased to 197hp. This is equivalent to 100hp/litre, making it the highest specific power output of its category. This has been achieved partly thanks to an increase in its volumetric efficiency which has not only improved engine power but has also taken torque to a best-in-class 215Nm at 5,550rpm. Coupled with the new six-speed gearbox, this powerful, responsive engine offers first-class sports performance and driving pleasure. The double-axis strut system guarantees rigorously precise handling. New Clio Renault Sport is built at Renault’s Dieppe plant, which specializes in the production of the brand’s sports models.

Designed for performance



Clio III’s distinctive, original lines have been further enhanced by the use of more athletic curves, while New Clio Renault Sport’s specific side design exudes extra power and energy. The wider front and rear wings, lowered stance, profiled side skirts and semirigid under-bumper splitter combine with the extractor vents and diffuser to assert the new car’s advanced aerodynamic engineering and sports heritage. New Clio Renault Sport comes with generouslydimensioned tyres (215/45) and 17-inch light alloy wheels which barely conceal the Brembo brake callipers and big discs that ensure powerful and durable stopping performance. Developed jointly by Renault Sport Technologies and Renault’s Powertrain Engineering Department, the powerful, normally-aspirated 2.0 16V calls on wide, bumper-mounted air intakes for additional engine cooling.

The front and rear bumpers, side protective mouldings and exterior mirrors are all body-coloured, while the door handles are in satin-finish chrome. New Clio Renault Sport will be available in five exclusive colours: two non-metallic colours (Toro Red and Dynamo Blue), plus three metallic colours (Monako Blue, Deep Black and Makaha Grey).

Sporty interior



New Clio Renault Sport’s interior trim echoes the car’s exterior styling. The “drive it” spirit is immediately apparent in details such as the aluminium pedals, footrest* and perforated-leather steering wheel with red centre-point stitching. For added comfort and efficiency, the design of the steering wheel itself assists perfect grip for the hands. Designed and positioned for optimal clarity, the instruments feature white data on a black background. The rev counter incorporates a gear-change indicator light, while the size of the figures increases as the needle gets closer to the red zone at 7,500rpm. The overriding dark charcoal colour scheme is offset by the chrome-zinc centre console and dashboard inserts which echo technology and sports performance.

Specially designed Renault Sport seats ensure outstanding comfort and effective lateral support which enable the driver to feel totally at one with his or her machine, while the metallic grey seatbelts are in perfect harmony with the new dark charcoal and metallic black “Entresol” upholstery.

As with all Renault Sport Technologies-developed models, the exclusive “Renault Sport” logo appears on the instrument backgrounds, on the door sill and on the front seats. “Renault Sport” badging is also visible on the outside; on the hatch and on the satinfinish chrome side moulding inserts.

Air diffuser: racing technology



Both visually and technologically, New Clio Renault Sport’s most striking technological innovation lies in the design of the rear bumper which incorporates an air diffuser. Derived from Formula 1, this feature has only ever previously been seen on range-topping, high-priced sports cars.

The diffuser’s purpose is to prevent rear-end lift and maintain stability at high speed by channelling air flow in such a way to increase the suction effect. The radius of the diffuser’s curve is engineered to create a zone of low pressure beneath the car. The downforce generated by the diffuser means there is no need for a rear spoiler to counter the phenomenon of lift. For optimal stability, the system reduces lift by a factor of three and produces the equivalent of 40kg of rear downforce at very high speeds (on track) without detracting from the car’s carefully honed aerodynamics designed to achieve a low CdA. To maximize the diffuser’s effectiveness, the flushfittd dual exhausts are housed within the outer channels. Positioned in this way, they do not interfere with the efficiency of the aerodynamics.

Extractor vents for optimized performance



The front wing extractor vents also have an aerodynamic function by reducing turbulence to optimize the car’s drag coefficient. The extractor vents facilitate both the flow and hot air from under the bonnet. At the same time, the vents direct air flow along the sides of the car to further enhance performance. New Clio Renault Sport also comes with a specific bumper and grille, as well as a semi-rigid aerodynamic splitter which restricts the amount of air that passes underneath the car.

For enhanced stability, the wheelbase of New Clio Renault Sport has been extended by 10mm compared with Clio III to 2,585mm. At the same time, grip and cornering performance have been optimied thanks to the new car’s wider front and rear track which have been extended by 48 and 50mm respectively in comparison with Clio III.


Innovative front suspension, strengthened rear suspension



New Clio Renault Sport comes with a double-axis strut system, a technology which guarantees precision and optimal traction in all situations. Driving pleasure is further enhanced by the car’s frontal grip and an absence of torque-steer, whether in the middle of a tight turn or when travelling in a straight line. New Clio Renault Sport benefits from a new type of double-axis strut system which comprises aluminium components for reduced weight compared to the standard Clio III which was MacPherson strut architecture.

Derived from Clio III, the programmed deflection, torsion beam rear suspension has been strengthened to match the potential of the double-axis strut system and to ensure precise, immediate response when turning into corners. The stiffness of the sports version’s rear suspension has been uprated by 25% thanks to a 30mm anti-roll bar. The new concept, single-piece stub axles feature reinforced bearings and have been lengthened in order to widen the rear track. Their diameter has also been increased by 5mm to 30mm (instead of 25mm in the case of Clio III). Glued to the road The suspension of New Clio Renault Sport ensures a first-class compromise between efficiency and filtering performance. Front and rear shock absorbers feature specific valving developed to optimize body control.

Meanwhile, the stiffness of the front and rear springs and the use of polyurethane bump stops favour positive car control on very rough roads.

The subframe is the same as that used for Mégane Renault Sport and includes transverse strengthening for improved front-end rigidity. The front subframe bushes and rear suspension mountings are also stiffer, as are the upper front shock absorber mountings.

All these features combine to favour feedback to the driver as well as a heightened sense of precision at the wheel. The calibration parameters of the electric power steering are specific to New Clio Renault Sport, while the model’s Continental Sport Contact 3 tyres (215/45 R17) also contribute to the suspension’s excellent directional stability. Uprated braking

Derived from that of Mégane Renault Sport, New Clio Renault Sport’s braking system ensures effective, durable stopping power, plus progressive, easy-todose pedal travel. The system comprises 312mmdiameter cross-drilled front discs with Brembo four-pot callipers and 300mm diameter discs at the rear.

A sporty, responsive normally-aspirated engine



New Clio Renault Sport is powered by the F4R RS normally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine which delivers 197hp at 7,250rpm and maximum torque of 215Nm at 5,550rpm. Based on the engine which forged the reputation of Clio Renault Sport 182 2.0 16V, it boasts a specific power output of 100hp per litre which ensures exceptional performance for New Clio Renault Sport in the hot hatch segment. The normally-aspirated engine combines performance, dynamism, flexibility, immediate response and excellent re-acceleration from all engine speeds. It is also easier to adapt for competition use in derivatives such as the Clio Group N and Clio Cup onemake race versions.

At low revs and at engine speeds below 5,000rpm, New Clio Renault Sport ensures a level of response and driving pleasure adapted to day-to-day motoring. At higher revs (more than 5,000rpm), the performance and “bark” of New Clio Renault Sport’s engine are unleashed to reveal the car’s true sports heritage.

The uprated power and torque figures stem from a number of modifications and optimizations to the powertrain:


- as in Formula 1, the inlet acoustics have evolved to take volumetric efficiency to more than 100% thanks to the optimization of the sections and lengths of the intake tracts.

- to permit the intake of additional air and to optimize gas flow, extensive work has also gone into the valve seat aerodynamics. The calibration of the camshaft has also been modified with a view to producing a longer and bigger aperture of the valves (11.5mm of valve lift instead of an average 9mm). - the design of the combustion chamber and the piston has resulted in a high compression ratio of 11.5:1 for enhanced combustion and performance, plus lower emissions. - continuously variable valve timing improves performance at all engine speeds by varying the camshaft angle to optimize the opening and closing of the valves.


Driving pleasure and acoustic comfort



Renault Sport Technologies’ engineers have sought to achieve a signature engine sound in keeping with New Clio Renault Sport’s sports pedigree. From a discreet pitch at low revs, the engine begins to give a glimpse of its promise at mid engine speeds before producing a hallmark bark when pushed to the limit. Meanwhile, the reinforced subframe and specific floor minimize boom thanks to special surface soundproofing treatment that reduces the radiation of noise from the exhaust. The 3Y-type exhaust manifold also offers an excellent compromise between acoustic performance, power and low emissions. To prevent boom at certain engine speeds, the crankshaft has evolved too. Made from steel, it features eight counterweights which improve its rigidity and balance in a bid to reduce parasitic vibrations and friction in the camshafts.

A six-speed gearbox engineered for performance



New Clio Renault Sport comes with an evolution of the TL4 six-speed gearbox, the first Alliance-developed manual transmission which is capable of handling up to 240Nm (24.5mkg). This precision, close-ratio gearbox favours acceleration from all intermediate engine speeds.

Acceleration from standstill to 100kph requires a mere 6.9 seconds, while the kilometre standing start is covered in just 27.5 seconds. Top speed is 215kph. With a combined cycle fuel consumption of 8.9l/100km (209g of CO2/km), New Clio Renault Sport's fuel consumption is amongst the lowest of the hot hatch

Active safety: a development priority



Like design and sports performance, active safety played a central role in the development of New Clio Renault Sport. In addition to featuring the latestevolution driver aids, it is equipped as standard with Generation 8 Bosch ABS complete with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Recognizing that the New Clio Renault Sport will be driven enthusiastically – possibly on circuit track days – Brake Assist has been removed.

New Clio Renault Sport also comes with ESP which has been reprogrammed to higher limits and can be disconnected. Its operation is adapted to the sort of dynamic driving style associated with this type of car, while at the same time contributing to a high degree of active safety. The ESP system comes complete with ASR traction control to assist starting and accelerating when grip is at a premium

Passive safety: uncompromising protection for all passengers



New Clio Renault Sport features the third-generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection which guarantees optimal protection for all occupants wherever they are sitting. The extremely rigid cabin acts as a survival cell for passengers and combats against the intrusion of front-end components.

These, in turn, are designed to stack up under impact. Both front seatbelts of New Clio Renault Sport are equipped with pyrotechnic pretensioners for optimal body restraint under impact, plus built-in load limiters calibrated at 400daN for enhanced thorax protection. To protect the pelvic region and to combat submarining, the front seat cushions come with built-in antisubmarining airbags. According to country, New Clio Renault Sport is equipped with up to eight airbags as standard: two controlled-deflation adaptive front airbags, four lateral airbags and two anti-submarining airbags (fitted in the base of the front seats).

In the event of side impact, and in addition to the lateral airbags (thorax airbags built into the front seats, plus curtain airbags to protect the heads of front and rear passengers), New Clio Renault Sport comes with spacers and padding in the door panels. It also features an aluminium bar (a first inaugurated on Clio III) that adapts the load exerted upon impact to ensure that occupants are afforded the most effective protection possible.

In the event of rear impact, New Clio Renault Sport is equipped with rear impact energy-absorbing front seats and headrests. This new technology marks a significant breakthrough when it comes to protecting the neck against the effects of whiplash. When adjusting its height, it’s the headrest itself which slides inside the seat back and not the rods. Since the latter no longer form a rigid element inside the seatback, the occupant’s back can, under impact, push further back into the seat until his or her head comes into contact with the headrest. The rear bench seat comes with three integrated headrests, while the seat itself and its anchorage points are reinforced with a view to limiting reclining of the seat back under impact.

Latest Car News

All images courtesy of and copyright their respective manufacturers, unless otherwise indicated. They may not be reproduced or retransmitted in any way without the express written permission of their respective owners. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Model news and specifications are presented as provided by manufacturer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DIGIADS. No warranty is made by DIGIADS with respect to the accuracy or timeliness of the information contained herein.