Clio Renaultsport R3 Access Announced

Budding rally stars can now access a race-ready Clio, the new Renaultsport R3 Access which is the entry level version of the R3 Maxi. That car is the base for the R3 Access. Sharing componentry such as the 200hp 2.0-litre engine, a 6-speed sequential gearbox, ZF-type limited slip diff, steering rack, electrical system and the Magneti-Marelli ECU, Clio Renaultsport R3 Access is pedigreed even before you push the start button.

The car is also fitted with the same one-piece aluminium alloy 7x17-inch Speedline wheels and Michelin 19/62-17 tyres which are identical to those of Clio Renaultsport R3 Maxi. It's light on its feet – only 1080kg unladen – features a specific camshaft and exhaust manifold, while the flywheel is the same as that found in the Maxi version. You really aren’t shortchanged when racing this car especially since it comes in cheaper than the Maxi.

The car is front-wheel-driven which means it is only for tarmac rallying, so don’t try to chase down Loeb on this. Pricing for the Clio Renault Sport R3 Access with kit comes to €32,600 in France and the cost to compete is an estimated €17 per kilometer.