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John Mahoney14 Jun 2015
NEWS

Official pics: Renault Clio RS 220 Trophy

More power, more torque, tweaked suspension and quicker gearshifts -- still no manual

Renault has released pics of a hotter version of its Clio RS.

Called the Clio RS Trophy, the new French hot hatch has received a boost in power from 147kW to a more muscular 162kW. Torque also increases, by 20Nm to a peak figure of 260Nm from 2000rpm. A further 20Nm is available, says Renault, as part of an overboost function -- but only in fourth and fifth gear when torque increases briefly to 280Nm.

Thanks to the extra power and torque, plus a dual-clutch auto’s that’s 50 per cent faster to shift, the new Trophy is quicker to 100km/h, taking 6.6 seconds compared to 6.7 for the regular RS 200.

The power gains come from a revised air intake system and a new exhaust that produces less back pressure. This helps the engine rev higher than the standard RS 200, with the Trophy’s cut-out raised to 6800rpm — up from the 6500rpm of the regular car.

To help cope with the added power, Renaultsport engineers lowered the Clio RS 220 suspension by 20mm at the front and 10mm at the rear. The springs themselves are also a significant 40 per cent stiffer.

Engineers have also quickened the Clio RS’ steering ‘box too and even gone as far as reducing the steering wheel paddle’s travel by 30 per cent for quicker responses.

Available in what Renault calls an exclusive Frost White paintwork that features a matte finish, the RS 220 Trophy also stands out from its less powerful RS brother with new 18-inch alloys and Trophy badging on the front splitter and door mouldings.

As well as the new RS 220 Trophy, the regular RS 220 has also been tweaked to reduce its fuel consumption and meet Euro 6 emissions regulations.

Curiously, this has also liberated more torque. Power remains pegged at 147kW, but torque for the RS 200 increases to 260Nm — the same as the Trophy — except the Clio RS 200 delivers it lower in the rev, range from just 1750rpm.

Both Clio RS 200 and RS 220 Trophy average the same 5.9L/100km.

Deliveries in Europe begin this August with the Trophy commanding a price premium of between 7-8 per cent in the UK — expect a similar charge here when the more powerful RS Trophy lands.

Renault Australia is expected to make an announcement on pricing and release timing soon.

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