2018 Renault Clio RS heats up

The 2018 Renault Clio RS Trophy isn't messing around. With a boost in torque from 260Nm to 280Nm, a revised air intake, exhaust manifold and Akrapovic tail pipe, not to mention lower, stiffer suspension, the track-ready pocket rocket is ready to rumble.

It comes with a subtle new look, too, via stylised "RS Vision" LED front fog lights, and comes in four colours: Pearl White, Deep Black, Flame Red or the signature Liquid Yellow.

Priced at $42,990 drive-away, the angry little Frenchy retains its front-drive layout and six-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission.

The modified chassis in the range-topping Renault Clio RS Trophy lowers the front end of the car by 20mm and rear by 10mm. But it's not just a more menacing stance that Renault Sport engineers were shooting for; 40 per cent stiffer springs, firmer dampers and a 10 per cent faster steering rack are all designed to improve traction and driver engagement.

On that topic, the tyres are about as sticky as they come: Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber (205/40R) wrapped around black alloy wheels measuring 18 inches in diameter.

The car has three drive modes (normal, sport, race) and its six-speed dual-clutch gearbox has a launch control system, too, dialling up the revs for rapid standing starts, the 0-100km/h dash taking 6.6 seconds.

There is no manual transmission available but the Renault Sport says the auto transmission shifts "up to 50 per cent faster" in angry mode and allow earlier down shifts, while the paddle shifters have 30 per cent shorter actuation travel.

Importantly, the Renault Sport boffins have tweaked the engine to deliver a higher rev limit, now 6800rpm -- up from 6500rpm.

The Trophy's 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine belts out 162kW at 6050rpm, while torque of 260Nm joins the party at 2500rpm. Turbo boost pressure has increased slightly (0.96 to 1.03 bar) allowing the car to generate more torque, 280Nm, in fourth and fifth gears.

Meantime, Sport and Cup models -- which come on line in the coming months -- feature carryover 147kW/240Nm outputs.

Like a rabid Chihuahua, the 2018 Renault Clio RS Trophy makes more noise now, thanks to new air intake and exhaust systems, capped off with titanium Akrapovic cans.

The cabin gets imitation carbon-fibre air-vents, door handles and a transmission garnish, juxtaposed with chrome accents. Heated leather sports seats are also standard, replete with red stitching and RS logo embroidery. A seven-speaker Bose stereo system is also part of the package on the compact hot hatch.

Fuel efficiency is claimed at 5.9L/100km and Renault Australia spokesperson Elena Woods said the new hero model in the Clio range will add even more appeal.

"With its lowered stance and more powerful engine, the Clio Renault Sport Trophy is a track-day champion you can use in the daily rat-race."

The 2018 Renault Clio RS range begins at $30,990 for the regular model, with prices rising for the Cup and Trophy variants. The range is on sale in showrooms immediately.

2018 Renault Clio RS pricing (plus ORCs):
Sport – $30,990
Cup – $32,490
Trophy – $42,990 (drive-away)