There are many types of cars on the market, and one group is made up of sports cars. A sports car is specifically designed for sporty driving, preferably even on the track.

Renault offers an exciting Clio RS model from Renault Sport in this category.

Unfortunately, you can’t really enjoy this car on the road, but you can get some idea of its characteristics. The best way to get a feel for the car is on the track.

The car has been developed with the help of Renault Sport, Renault’s racing division. The car is equipped with technology that Renault says has been developed for racing cars.

Sportiness has been an important part of the Renault Clio’s DNA for a quarter of a century, ever since the first generation was introduced in 1991. Back then, the sportiest model was the Clio 16V.

The second generation of the Renault Clio saw the introduction of the first Clio RS in 2000. Since then, the Clio RS has been an essential member of the model range.

It was introduced for the third generation Clio in 2009 and the current fourth generation Clio has also had an RS model for a couple of years.

Technology developed by Renault Sport

The 1.6-litre engine, finished by Renault Sport, develops 147 kW (200 hp) with a maximum torque of 260 Nm. The car accelerates from zero to 60 km/h in 6.7 seconds. Top speed is 235 km/h.

Despite this power, Renault promises fuel consumption of just 5.9 l/100 km. Carbon dioxide emissions are 133 g/km.

For the gearbox, Renault has opted for a dual-clutch transmission.

Renault Sport has modified the gearbox to ensure very short shift times. The driver can also operate the gearbox manually from the wings behind the steering wheel.

Compared with the standard models, the new model features a much stiffer Renault Sport chassis and 17-inch wheels. The changes compared with the standard suspension include a double stiffening of the rollover damper in the Clio RS.

The Cup package, with a slightly stiffer chassis, 18-inch black wheels and red brake calipers, is available at an extra cost of €755.

To ensure that all power is always transmitted to the road, the Clio RS is equipped with an electronic differential lock.

This is linked to the stability sensors and can deliver the right amount of power to a wheel with better grip in slippery conditions and when cornering.

Launch Control helps you accelerate from a standstill really quickly. The electronics give the wheels just enough power to transmit to the road, and the gearbox works extremely quickly, reducing acceleration time.

The Clio RS has hydraulic shock absorbers with bottom-loading systems. Developed in rally cars, the system allows the damper to return to the top position more quickly and the function allows the wheels to grip the road more firmly.

The optional RS Monitor, which costs €190 and is designed to record telemetry data during track racing, is available as an option. It brings a long list of special meters to the R-Link screen.

Data is collected on as many as 14 things, including engine power, torque, brake pressure and steering wheel angle.

The monitor can also be used to monitor G-forces, for example, and can measure both acceleration and lap times. All the data collected can be transferred to your own computer via a usb stick if you wish.

Performance is enough

The equipment includes a versatile RS Drive driving mode selector, which allows the driver to choose between Normal, Sport or Race driving modes.

Driving modes affect the engine, gearbox, stability control and traction control, among other things.

In Normal mode, the car runs more smoothly, with various functions designed to reduce fuel consumption.

In Sport mode, neither start-stop nor cruise control are active.

In Sport and Race modes, the steering is sportier, the gearbox is faster and the engine is more responsive to accelerator pedal movements.

Race mode only works when shifting manually. Traction control and traction control are fully disengaged for faster shifting. The adjustments are for efficient driving.

In Race mode, performance is quite adequate. The engine has plenty of kick and the gearbox is snappy. In everyday use, however, this is rarely something you can enjoy.

It’s also suitable for use as a car

Although the Renault Clio RS is primarily a sports car, it is equipped for everyday use.

The latest Clio RS takes its cues from the Clio RS 16 concept car. The LED RS Vision lights with chequered flags at the bottom of the bumper add to the visual impact and safety.

The light units have three functions, as their brightness can be adjusted and they function as fog, corner, side and auxiliary lights. The actual headlamps in the flagship Clio model range are LED lights.

A navigation system and rear parking sensors are standard.

The Cup package on the test car makes the chassis a little stiffer, but it’s not too stiff for daily driving either.

Although the car is aimed at a clientele that likes a sporty car, this car is also an option for a small family as a first car. However, many people will prefer to invest their money in a larger space.

The back seat can accommodate a couple of adults, but legroom can get tight if there’s a tall driver in the front seat.

The boot space is the same as in the base Clio, but it’s not big enough for a large family’s summer holiday gear.

However, this is a car that’s meant to be enjoyed, and that’s what it’s good at.

The basic Renault Clio RS is priced at €33,790, while the test drive with options costs just over €36,000.

The car comes with a four-year or 100 000 km warranty.