The third-generation Renault Clio RS 200 was at all times a automotive that intrigued me however I need to admit, it was by no means a automotive I really lusted after. Nevertheless, after each day driving one for the previous 9 months, I’m dissatisfied I didn’t chunk the bullet and purchase one sooner.
Renault Sport has lengthy led the way in which on the planet of sizzling hatches and been chargeable for extra all-time nice hatches than some other automaker (that features Volkswagen and Honda). The efficiency division of the French automaker first reduce its retailers on the planet of rallying and has dipped its toe into Components 1 on a variety of events via its racing division. However it’s Renault Sport’s highway automobiles that made it nice.
Do a fast search on-line for the best sizzling hatches ever produced and don’t be stunned if Renault Sport fashions make up greater than half of them. From the enduring Clio Williams launched in 1993 via to the bizarre and wacky Clio V6, in addition to all-time greats just like the second-generation Clio II 182 Trophy and Mk3 Megane RS, there’s no denying that the French know the best way to create a sizzling hatch. The Mk3 Clio RS 200 is perhaps the best of all of them.
After transferring throughout Australia from Melbourne to Perth final 12 months, I discovered myself in want of a brand new set of wheels. I used to be searching for one thing small and enjoyable and did take into account a Megane RS 265 or RS 275 however couldn’t fairly justify the value. The Clio RS 200 got here throughout my radar purely by probability after I noticed one listed up on the market on Fb Market.
Whereas the third-generation Clio RS 197 and 200 fashions had been fairly well-liked all through Europe after they launched, it’s thought that only a couple hundred examples discovered their strategy to Australian shores. As such, they not often come up on the market so you’ll be able to think about my shock when I discovered this instance on the market with a AU$13,000 (US$9,248) asking worth. After exchanging a number of textual content messages with the proprietor, I organized to examine the automotive.
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To be utterly sincere, I wasn’t satisfied I might purchase it however I believed on the very least, I may have the possibility to check drive what I knew was an all-time sizzling hatch nice. Certainly, even after testing the automotive in particular person and assessing the stainless bodywork and the well-maintained inside, I wasn’t gained over. That modified the second I began to drive it. I instantly supplied the proprietor AU$10,000 ($7,114), considering that may be the tip of it. He referred to as me a few hours later accepting my provide.
My little Clio RS 200 isn’t simply a typical variant however the Australian Grand Prix version that was supplied completely in Australia and restricted to only 31 examples. All models of the AGP are completed in Renault Sport’s iconic shade of Trophy Yellow with a gloss black roof, making it the one model of the Mk3 Clio RS supplied on this configuration. It additionally got here normal with 17-inch matte black Speedline wheels, gloss black accents throughout the entrance bumper and diffuser, and maybe most vital of all, Recaro’s very good CS Sportster seats, later used within the 2015 Ford Focus RS, amongst others.
Funnily sufficient, my automotive is No. 31 of the 31 models produced and was previously owned by Renault Australia itself and used as a press and promo automotive again within the day. Mark Webber signed the bonnet when the automotive was unveiled on the 2011 Australian Grand Prix, though I think Renault Australia saved that bonnet for itself earlier than promoting the automotive.
The right mechanical recipe
Powering the Clio RS 200 is Renault’s F4R engine, a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder utilized in a handful of Renault fashions however upgraded to be used within the Mk3 RS 197 and later the 200. Because the mannequin identify implies, it pumps out 200 PS, the equal of 197 hp or 147 kW and 158 lb-ft (215 Nm) of torque. Coupled to this engine is a six-speed guide transmission driving the entrance wheels.
Very like a few of the 2.0 liter engines produced by Honda within the early and mid-2000s, the F4R is a firecracker. It revs via to a contact over 7,500 rpm and actually thrives when pushed past 3,000 rpm, although it isn’t fairly as characterful as Honda’s K20 engine.
The earlier proprietor of my Clio RS 200 AGP geared up it with an aftermarket air consumption and a Miltek non-resonated catback exhaust. It’s laborious to know if these elevated energy however they definitely add to the auditory expertise and whenever you pin the throttle, the automotive screams all over to the redline. As you strategy the rev limiter, the instrument cluster beeps, alerting you to the right time to shift whereas permitting you to maintain your eyes mounted on the highway forward.
Low-end torque within reason spectacular for an engine of this sort and was improved for the RS 200 over its predecessor, the RS 197. There’s a little lifeless spot within the energy band on the 2,500 rpm mark, a widely known quirk of the automotive, however if you happen to preserve the revs above that, it’s a non-issue.
The six-speed guide is excellent. It’s higher weighted, extra notchy, and offers a extra participating expertise than the six-speed ‘field of the present Megane R.S. Trophy. It’s not as exact as a few of the best stick shifts from Honda and Porsche nevertheless it’s not far off. The clutch has a wonderful really feel and the engine and transmission mixture encourage you to drive the automotive at ten-tenths every time doable. The pedals have additionally been completely positioned to make hell-and-toe shifting and rev-matching a breeze.
Nevertheless, it’s not merely the engine nor the transmission that makes this Clio RS 200 AGP particular; it’s the means it performs when the roads get twisty.
The dealing with is really spectacular
Renault Sport first launched its Cup chassis to the Mk3 Clio 197 as an choice earlier than additionally being supplied as an choice for the 200, though all fashions offered in Australia had the Cup chassis as normal. Quite a lot of upgrades distinguish automobiles with the Cup chassis from these with out. For instance, the entrance springs are 23 per cent stiffer, the rear springs are 30 per cent stiffer, the anti-roll bar is 10 per cent stiffer, and the journey top has been dropped by 7 mm (0.2 inches). Renault Sport additionally made the steering rack ratio 7.5 per cent faster.
‘Instantaneous’ is maybe the very best phrase to make use of when describing how the Clio RS 200 AGP suggestions right into a nook. On condition that it weighs simply 1,240 kg (2,733 lbs), it shouldn’t come as a shock that the hatch handles effectively however little can put together you for simply how sharp it’s. In comparison with all modern-day sizzling hatches, the steering of the Clio is sort of heavy but extremely fast and responsive. Flip the wheel simply a few millimeters and the automotive will reply. Flip laborious right into a nook and the Clio bites into the apex with ferocity.
When the automotive initially rolled out of the manufacturing unit, it got here geared up with Continental Sport Contact 3 tires however mine has been fitted with a set of Nankang NS2R semi-slicks measuring 215/45R17 in any respect 4 corners. These tires produce tenacious ranges of grip when warmed up however they do produce numerous roar at freeway speeds. A set of Goodyear Eagle F1 Uneven 5s are on my purchasing checklist.
The adjustability of the Clio RS mid-corner is excellent. Within the very uncommon occasion the place you expertise a contact of understeer, it’s straightforward to regulate and the rear finish does its half to string the automotive via tight turns.
Braking can also be glorious, little doubt aided by the actual fact my automotive has braided traces along with the usual four-piston Brembo entrance and twin-piston rear calipers, clamping down on 312 mm (12.2 inches) entrance and 300 mm (11.8 inches) rear discs. Preliminary suggestions is exceptionally robust and I’ve by no means encountered any fade points, together with throughout a tricky day of Motorkhana. In just some weeks, we’ll be heading to the observe within the automotive to essentially put these brakes to the take a look at. Keep tuned.
Like all Renault fashions geared up with a Cup chassis, the journey of the Clio RS 200 AGP is certainly on the agency facet. Actually, for the overwhelming majority of motorists, we suspect that it could be far too harsh. At sluggish speeds, it bounces over the smallest of highway imperfections however when you construct up some pace, the suspension does a greater job of absorbing bumps. As talked about, that is my each day driver and I’m very happy to tolerate the agency journey for the wonderful dealing with and communication that it offers.
How about creature comforts?
The inside is fundamental, to place it calmly. The format of the media and local weather controls are a bit odd and there may be loads of black, scratchy plastic. Little doubt the spotlight of the cabin is the Recaro CS seats however they’re mounted means too excessive which is odd because the Mk3 Megane RS additionally presents the identical seats however has lower-profile mounting brackets. Different options that make the RS straightforward to reside with are normal Bluetooth connectivity, cruise management, and the flexibility to utterly flip off the traction management. One other nifty characteristic is the RS Monitor that may measure issues like lap occasions, acceleration runs, brake strain, reside horsepower and torque figures, and G-forces.
It’s French, certainly it’s going to interrupt, proper?
Whereas it’s true that French automobiles don’t have the very best repute for reliability, all Clio RS 200 house owners I’ve spoken with say it’s largely bulletproof. Essentially the most important upkeep value house owners will encounter is the timing belt and water pump which should be changed each 4 years. The gearbox can also be a bit finicky when chilly and the synchros are identified to put on prematurely, though I haven’t skilled this subject (fingers crossed…). The Recaro CS bolsters are additionally liable to put on like mine. There are additionally some oddities that you’d solely anticipate finding in a French automotive, resembling the lack to drag up the entrance wiper blades with out them fowling on the bonnet.
There are heaps of superior sizzling hatches in the marketplace in the intervening time and with new entrants just like the Hyundai i20 N and Toyota GR Yaris, the market is booming. For as spectacular as many fashionable sizzling hatches are, nonetheless, few can match the uncooked driving thrills offered by a Clio RS 200 Cup like ours. If you happen to reside in a market the place they’re accessible, we couldn’t advocate it sufficient.