The Clio Renault Sport (RS) has been revered as one of the most exhilarating and dynamic compact hatchbacks since the first version was launched internationally in 1999, followed by its debut in South Africa in 2001.
In honour of the Clio's landmark 20th anniversary, Renault is bolstering the top-flight RS range with a Special Edition model that boasts a unique colour combination, revised trim and badging, as well as a higher level of specification.
"The Clio has enjoyed phenomenal success since it was launched 20 years ago, and it's appropriate that we celebrate this momentous occasion with an even more exclusive and desirable version of the acclaimed Clio Renault Sport," states Xavier Gobille, managing director of Renault South Africa.
"This special-edition model takes all that is great about the RS in terms of class-leading performance, handling and driving involvement, and combines it with a unique colour scheme and specification level that will make it a true, highly-prized collector's item," he says.
All the powerful, bold hallmarks of the Clio RS remain in the '20th' Special Edition, including the distinctive and highly effective Formula 1-style rear diffuser, as well as that assertive front grille.
Yet this superlative performer is given greater crowd-stopping appeal with its unique two-tone colour scheme. It features a Deep Black roof, upper hatch rail and front lip spoiler. This contrasts dramatically with the rest of the body’s sophisticated Pearlescent White.
Even greater race-inspired visual drama is provided by the gloss black treatment for the front bumper moulding and distinctive rear diffuser, along with anthracite for the exterior mirrors and F1-style front splitter.
Additionally, the Clio RS Special Edition features striking black 17-inch 12-spoke 'Speedline' alloy wheels that lend this scintillating model an even more inspiring sense of poise and purpose. They are further accentuated by eye-catching, red-hued Brembo brake callipers.
Reaffirming its exclusive status, special '20th' badging is found on the door pillars, while the superbly crafted interior stands out by virtue of the satin-finish chrome air vents and specially selected two-tone grey and silver cloth upholstery.
The RS '20th' retains the familiar form-hugging Renault Sport seats that provide outstanding levels of lateral support, as well as the aluminium pedals, perforated leather steering wheel with centre point marker and the bold yellow rev counter that incorporates a race-derived audible and visible gearshift indicator.
The highly praised integrated Carminat TomTom navigation system is standard on this version, along with cruise control with speed limiter, light and rain sensors, electric folding mirrors, cornering headlamps, fully automatic climate control and the Renault hands-free card for locking, unlocking and starting.
As has become the Renault norm, a high-end audio system is standard fare, boasting an 80 watt CD receiver with MP3 playback, as well as Bluetooth and Plug & Music connectivity.
Passive and active driving safety is suitably catered for with the provision of dual front, side and anti-sliding airbags in the front seats, complemented by curtain airbags. Similarly, the RS boasts ABS brakes with EBD, fully disconnectable Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Traction Control.
In terms of performance, the limited edition RS retains the praised 2.0-litre 16-valve engine that produces 147.5 kW of power at 7100rpm and 215Nm of torque at 5400rpm.
Combined with a price-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, this enables it to scorch from 0 - 100 km/h in just 6.9 sec and attain a top speed of 225 km/h. Yet it's also capable of returning a combined cycle fuel consumption of just 8.2 l/100 km.
Outstanding braking performance is assured with the large-diameter Brembo brake callipers and Bosch ABS system, while the Clio Cup chassis and suspension delivers precise body control for high performance driving matched to impressive compliance for everyday use.
Renault Clio RS 20th Special Edition Pricing
Clio 2.0 RS '20th' Special Edition (R279 900)
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