Having achieved in excess of 13 million sales since launching globally in 1990, the Renault Clio is undoubtedly the world’s all-time best-selling French car. A success story that has continued with the fourth-generation Clio. This iconic model is sold in more than 100 countries worldwide, and made its debut into South Africa back in 2000.

The Clio 4 model has gained strong on-road presence in South Africa with over 25,800 units sold since its introduction. Right from its roots, the Clio has stood out as a genuine small car boasting big car refinement, with the fourth-generation Clio capitalizing on this vehicle’s timeless appeal but with even more soul.

The new Clio marks one of the first Renault models to sport the brand’s new visual identity through its distinctive front-end styling featuring a bolder version of its trademark diamond-shaped logo, instantly expressing passion and seduction, while continuing to offer a comprehensive range of equipment – notably efficient engines, innovation and on-board technologies that far outrivals competitor offerings. With this winning combination, Renault South Africa is set to re-affirm the model as one of the top performers in the extremely competitive AB New Hatch segment.

This iconic ‘small car with the big attitude’ has demonstrated its infinite popularity through consistently achieving Top 5 performer in the extremely competitive AB New Hatch segment. Compact and affordable yet oozing style and class, the Clio has won over the hearts of an ever-increasing customer base, thanks to its style and versatility as well as through its substantial equipment package.

STRIKING BY DESIGN The striking design of the Renault Clio model is undeniably irresistible. Not only do its sensuous curves make a statement, but its re-proportioned grille and iconic C-shaped signature lighting are pleasing to the eye, giving the Clio heightened character. The distinctive styling of the Renault Clio is further enhanced by the low the new Pure Vision LED headlights on the flagship models, as well as the stylish alloy wheels underlining its dynamic silhouette.

With the Clio, every detail counts.
F1 TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER Renowned for its dynamic capabilities, the Clio offers access to highly efficient and technologicallyadvanced engines. Renault’s new generation F1-inspired 66kW and 88kW Turbo petrol engines optimize power, performance and driving pleasure, while controlling fuel consumption levels and CO2 emissions. In line with consumer demand, an 88kW Auto (EDC) engine is also available in the Expression derivative. The 66kW Turbo engine has an output of 135Nm, with impressive fuel consumption from only 5.5 Litres/ 100km and 126g/km CO2 emissions, whilst the 88kW 1.2 Turbo engine delivers 190Nm torque with great fuel efficiency from 5.2 Litres/ 100km and CO2 emissions of 120g/km.

SAFETY COMES FIRST The Renault Clio Model offers the best of Renault’s know-how in Active and Passive Safety. Clio achieved a five star EuroNCAP rating, with an unparalleled level of on-board safety and protection features and equipment, such as ESP,ABS, EBD + Brake Assist, D+P+S airbags and Electric Windows as standard across the entire range. The Clio proudly ranks as one of the 5 safest cars in South Africa.

The Renault Sport Clio is undeniably one of the most popular hot hatches, with its proven track record as one of the best handling and most rewarding cars on the market. The latest addition to the Clio R.S. Range – Clio R.S. 18 F1 was preceded by numerous derivatives which were legendary in their own right, to name but a few – The 1st R.S. model, the Renault Clio Williams (1993) that was designed to celebrate the success of the Renault-powered F1 team at the time. More powerful Renault Sport models emerged post the Clio Phase 2’s revamp, in the guise of the incredible Renault Sport Clio V6, with the 3.0-litre V6 engine housed in the rear of the vehicle, with increased power output (252bhp), making it the fastest model to this day. The limited edition Renault Sport Clio 182 Trophy launched in 2005 was also deemed legendary amongst Renault Sport enthusiasts.

The long line of iconic Clio R.S. models was boosted with the local introduction of the Renault Sport Clio 200 & 200 Cup, which proved their worth in every road test entered. The Clio 20th Anniversary model, which was launched in 2010 in celebration of Clio’s 20th year of being, was distinguished by its Pearl White paint, black alloys and black roof, a striking and extremely coveted limited edition indeed. The much celebrated Clio R.S. model line-up was further complemented through the Clio R.S. Red Bull, another extremely admired limited edition, with its distinct colour scheme and much larger 18” wheels.

Following on these illustrious Renault Sport Clio models, it is with pride that the new Clio R.S.18 F1 is introduced to the market – a formidable hot hatch, further enriched thanks to Renault Sport expertise.
We had the pleasure of driving the Clio R.S.18F1 around the very fast Zwartkops track in Tswane. Boasts of track to road abound at Renault, and the Clio did acquit itself well on both on the day. Very zippy, with the addition of RS mode to give a better sound and more performance, the Clio, handled well around Zwartkops, which has tight corners and high speeds can be attained on the straights.

Personally, I did not have any hairy moments and the car was well planted on the track indeed. It has racing accents all over the car, with the deep cloak black colour, with liquid yellow, it pops well. The RS badging is attached to the door panels and roof, and the akrapovic exhaust looks great. The blacked out badging and rear diffuser contrasted by the yellow details on the side strips, front blade and wheel caps make the overall look even more radical. The doorsills on this limited edition model also reveal a unique number for that added acclaim.
The feisty Clio R.S. 18 is powered by a 1.6L Turbo-charged engine, featuring a lowered and stiffened Trophy chassis – front suspension featuring hydraulic compression stops, and an Akrapovic exhaust system, the New Clio R.S. 18 is a purebred sports car, destined to be highly collectible. Clio R.S. 18 boasts the Launch Control feature enabling simulation of an experienced racing driver.

The engine delivers 162kW at 6,050rpm and torque of 280Nm is reached from just 2,000 revs. This engine benefits from ground-breaking technology modelled on the DLC (Diamond-like carbon) derived from Formula 1. Its engine verve is complemented by tightly controlled fuel consumption *5.9L/ 100km. The sporty turbo engine is accentuated by the exclusive coupling with the EDC 6speed dual-clutch gearbox.
This electronic intelligence allows the driver to experience the exhilaration of a standing start. ‘Launch Control’ is activated with paddles at hand, right foot on the accelerator and left foot on the brake. Once the left foot is raised from the aluminium pedal, the New Clio R.S. explodes off the line, with breathtakingly dynamic gear changes.

The phenomenal Clio R.S.18 displays the ultimate in Renault Sport technology with an impressive range of track oriented features that demonstrate the prowess of the direct F1 technology transfer to this exclusive model. The innovative R.S. Drive button gives you access to three modes: Normal, Sport and Race. According to the mode, R.S. Drive alters the mapping of the gearbox, ESC behaviour, steering and the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal.

SMART TECHNOLOGY COMES STANDARD When it comes to passion, the New Clio R.S 18 is unbeatable. Aside from the breath-taking design, sporty features and exclusive equipment devoted to racing, the functional interior is packed with additional innovative technology, synonymous with much of the Renault model range –  Onboard navigation on offer via the 7” touchscreen, with a range of other easy-to-use one touch functionalities – Multimedia, radio and telephone systems with Bluetooth connectivity.  Cruise Control-speed limiter, whereby regulated cruising or maximum speed can be selected, with steering wheel mounted controls to allow for speed adjustment.

Rain sensors, automatically regulating the frequency of your windscreen wipers according to how heavily it is raining, and light sensors, enabling the headlights when the sensors detect a certain level of darkness.  The Renault Hands-free Card Key for convenient remote entry, and in support of the easy Stop/ Start functionality.

The Clio R.S. 18 F1 Model is in a league of its own, proudly bridging the gap between F1 technology and road-going performance cars.
WARRANTY + SERVICE PLAN As with Renault’s entire range, the Clio models come standard with a 5-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. The Clio range also offers a standard 3-year/45 000km service plan with the R.S. being 3-year/ 30 000km. Service intervals are set at 15 000km, with R.S. models at 10 000km.

RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICING CLIO Range-  New Clio 66kW Turbo Authentique 5dr- R211 900, New Clio 66kW Turbo Expression 5dr – R229 900, New Clio 66kW Turbo Dynamique 5dr – R246 900, New Clio 88kW Turbo EDC Expression 5dr – R269 900, New Clio 88kW Turbo GT-Line 5dr- R269 900, New Clio R.S. 18 F1 (Incl. Metallic Paint) – R449 900

To sum up we found the Clio RS 18F1 to be super sporty, handled well, with enough power to make it interesting on Zwartkops. It transferred well onto the road where it handled with aplomb as well.