Clio GT here in April

Renault Australia has confirmed it will broaden its latest light-car line-up with the addition of the Clio GT in April.

Pricing will not be revealed until launch, but expect the Clio ‘warm-hatch’ to be positioned mid-way between the mainstream Clio range ($16,790-$23,290) and the RS200 hot-hatch line-up, which opens at $28,790.

Similarly, the appearance of the Clio GT is aimed at “customers who want a sporty look, but who are not in the market for the performance of an RS model”.

As such, the Clio GT 120 EDC comes with a sports bodykit comprising a unique front bumper incorporating wide-set LED lights, a specific rear bumper design, twin exhaust outlets, body-coloured side protective mouldings with a dark metal insert, dark metal door mirror housings, extra-tinted rear glass and special 17-inch wheels, plus GT badging beneath the Renault logo at the front and rear.

The GT will be available in an exclusive Malta Blue finish and its interior features bolstered sport seats with unique upholstery and GT-branded head restraints. The upper dash wears a speckled grey finish, in addition to grey trim highlights, and the leather-clad sports steering wheel has two fixed EDC gearshift paddles.

Climate-control air-conditioning and aluminium-capped pedals should also be fitted, and the Clio GT is also likely to come standard with Renault’s new R-Link infotainment system, which includes satellite-navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and a reversing camera.

Despite the sportier look (and unlike the 162kW Megane GT220), engine performance is in line with the mainstream Clio TCe 120 hatch (priced from $19,790), with which the GT shares its 88kW/190Nm turbocharged 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

Matched with a six-speed dual-clutch EDC transmission as standard, the Clio GT consumes 5.2L/100 km on the combined cycle and emits 120g/km of CO2 – the same as the standard Clio TCe 120.

The Clio does, however, offer a more focussed chassis than lesser Clios. Developed by Renault Sport Technologies, it scores 40 per cent stiffer front springs and30 per cent stiffer front dampers, plus beefier bump stops.

The GT’s multi-mode RS Drive function also offers a number of drive modes, including a Sport setting that alters power steering calibration, accelerator pedal mapping and dual-clutch automatic transmission performance.

Like the remainder of the range, Clio GT also achieves a maximum possible five-star EuroNCAP safety rating.

“We have been delighted by the successful launch of the award-winning Clio in Australia and we are confident the Clio GT will add a new and very appealing dimension to the range,” said Renault Australia Managing Director Justin Hocevar.

“The Megane range was the first in Australia to introduce the Renault Sport-created GT versions in mid-2013, and they have already developed a loyal following. 

“Australia is a strong market for sporty models and the new Clio GT is aimed at a customer looking for a slightly sportier driving experience than the standard Clio.”

Like the rest of the Australian Clio range, the mid-step Clio GT will be available only in five-door hatchback form. Renault Australia had hoped to offer the new Clio Estate, including the GT version, but insufficient demand from other right-hand drive markets has negated production of any RHD Clio wagons.

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