- Free-revving 2.0-litre F4R petrol engine
- Refined manual transmission
- Beautifully balanced chassis makes for impressive dynamics
- Direct, precise steering has excellent feel
- Effective brakes
- Engine has peaky power delivery
- Cabin lacks sound insulation
- Short ratio gearing makes for high rpm at highway speeds (3000 rpm at 100 km/h)
Review: Renault X85.I Clio RS (2008-10)
Overview
Released in August 2008, the Renault X85 Phase I (X85.I) Clio RS was a three-door, hot hatch. Manufactured in Flins, France, the Clio range consisted solely of the 197 variant, which was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – producing peak power of 197 brake horsepower – and mated to a six-speed manual transmission. In February 2009, the F1 Team R27 edition was released.
F4R engine
For the Clio RS 197, the 2.0-litre F4R engine had a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 11.5:1. Compared to the F4R engine in the Clio RS 182, changes included increased valve lift (from 9 mm to 11.5 mm) for a longer and wider valve aperture, a redesigned combustion chamber and piston heads, a higher compression ratio (previously 11.0:1) and improved air intake and gas flow.
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to its X65 predecessor, the front-wheel drive X85 Clio RS was 218 mm longer (at 3991 mm), 129 mm wider (1768 mm), 75 mm taller (1484 mm) and had a 100 mm longer wheelbase (2585 mm).
The X85 Clio RS had double-axis front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.
| Variant | Editions | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 197 | N/A | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 6sp man. | 145 kW at 7250 rpm | 215 Nm at 5550 rpm |
| F1 Team R27 |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Clio RS 197 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags (but not for the Recaro seats in the F1 Team R27), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, electronic stability control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Brakes
The Clio RS 197 had with 312 mm cross-drilled front brake discs with Brembo callipers and 300 mm solid rear discs.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , 2005 three-door Clio hatchback – fitted with a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine – achieved a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 32.67 out of 37. In the frontal offset test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver, while passenger leg protection was marginal. In the side impact test, some loads were transferred unrealistically up the driver’s spine such that maximum points were not awarded.
Features: Clio RS 197
Standard features for the Clio RS 197 included 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 tyres, a two speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser. From April 2009, the 197 was fitted with a four speaker sound system.
Features: Clio RS 197 F1 Team R27
The F1 Team R27 edition was distinguished by its 17-inch charcoal colour alloy wheels, four speaker sound system with CD player, Recaro front seats, ‘Cup chassis’ suspension settings and red painted brake calipers.
Related links
- Specifications: Renault X85.I Clio RS 197 (April 2009)
- Specifications: Renault X85.I Clio RS 197 F1 Team R27 (April 2009)
Review: Renault X85.II Clio RS (2010-13)
Overview
Released in March 2010, the X85 Phase II (X85.II) Clio RS range consisted of the 200 variant, reflecting its slightly higher engine outputs. The X85.II Clio RS 200 also had improved low-rev response and improved equipment levels, while the ‘Cup’ suspension settings – with stiffer springs and shock absorbers – were standard across the range.
| Variant | Editions | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | N/A, Cup Trophee, Gordini, Australian GP, Red Bull |
2.0-litre petrol I4 | 6sp man. | 147 kW at 7100 rpm | 215 Nm at 5400 rpm |
| Angel and Demon | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 6sp man. | 151 kW at 7100 rpm | 215 Nm at 5400 rpm |
Features
Compared to its X85.I predecessor, the Clio RS 200 added auxiliary USB and iPod inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control with speed limiter, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated door mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel and rear privacy glass.
Beyond this, the Cup Trophee added Recaro front seats, keyless entry and start (with Renault card), power folding door mirrors and ‘carbon fibre effect’ trim.
From May 2012, the Clio RS was fitted with leather seats, while the speedometer face was changed to white (previously yellow) and the steering wheel received red stitching (also previously yellow).
2010 Clio RS Gordini edition
In September 2010, a Gordini edition was released. Compared to the standard RS 200, the Gordini edition was distinguished by its 17-inch ‘BeBop’ alloy wheels, Malta Blue metallic paint with white racing stripes, Gordini-embossed black leather seats, black leather-trimmed steering wheel, floor mats and Gordini build plate.
2011 Clio RS 200 Australian Grand Prix edition
In March 2011, an Australian Grand Prix edition of the RS 200 was released; it was distinguished by its black-gloss ‘Speedline’ alloy wheels, Recaro sports seats, Renault Sport monitor, yellow and black exterior paint finish, rear spoiler and commemorative plaque signed by Mark Webber.
2012 Clio RS 200 Angel and Demon edition
In February 2012, a limited-run Angel and Demon edition was released. Compared to the standard RS 200, the Angel and Demon edition was fitted with gloss-black 18-inch wheels with Bridgestone RE050A tyres and Brembo brake calipers; inside, there were leather Recaro sports seats and a commemorative plaque. Furthermore, the Angel and Demon edition was available in two matte colour finishes: Toro Red and Hologramme Grey.
2012 Clio RS 200 Red Bull edition
In October 2012, a limited-run Red Bull edition was released. Compared to the standard RS 200, the Red Bull editions had the Cup chassis and were fitted with 18-inch black Interlagos alloy wheels with Bridgestone RE050A tyres. Inside, the Red Bull editions featured Recaro seats, an RS Monitor, cloth seats, an individually-numbered commemorative plaque and hands-free entry.
Visually, the Red Bull editions were distinguished by their ‘Star’ black metallic paint finishes with contrasting liquid yellow highlights on the F1-style front blade, door mirror housings and diffuser, contrasting red brake calipers, black chequered flag rooftop decals and Red Bull Racing logos.
Brochures
- Brochure: Renault X85.II Clio RS 200 Cup (March 2010)
- Brochure: Renault X85.II Clio RS 200 Gordini (February 2011)
- Brochure: Renault X85.II Clio RS 200 Australian GP (March 2011)
Specifications
- Specifications: Renault X85.II Clio RS 200 Cup (March 2010)
- Specifications: Renault X85.II Clio RS 200 Gordini (September 2010)
Related links
