Sales have begun on a new version of the Renault Clio. The Renault Clio S, revived from the early 1990s, is meant to "bring the sporty look and feel to the core Clio range," according to a press release.
Although actually a three-door, the Clio S is based on the 5-door Expression trim. This adds electric windows, heated electric mirrors, CD radio with auxiliary jack, and foglights. Instead of the "Far Away" 15-inch wheels on the Expression, the S uses whited-out 16-inch "Polar" alloys.
Seen here in Capsicum Red, the new model adds four color choices to the palette. Buyers may also get the car in Extreme Blue, Glacier White, or Pearl Black.
All of the other changes to the car are to increase the visual appeal of the Clio S. Windows and rear glass are tinted darker. At the front they used a new white insert in the front bumper, matching that with white racing stripes along the sides and on the roof. Even bolder stripes are on offer as an option. In back, a "GT" rear spoiler is added on, and also painted in white.
Inside, the white console and dashboard inserts are a very nice touch, especially with the matching pattern as seen on the stripes. Whited-out instrument dials were also added. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is included. As expected, the "S" mark has been tattooed on the upholsery.
Three engines are available on the car, including the 75- and 100- horsepower 1.2-liter units, and the 86-horsepower 1.5-liter dCi. The Renault Clio S carries an on-the-road starting price in the UK between £11,209 to £13,458.
RENAULT LAUNCHES SPORTY NEW CLIO ‘S'
- New Clio ‘S' designed to give sport-look and accessible style with affordable prices and frugal engines
- Clio S range priced from £11,209 to £13,458 on-the-road
- Available to order now and in showrooms from March
While its flagship Renaultsport models continue to raise the hot hatch bar and obliterate their rivals in equal measure, Renault is also seeking to bring the sporty look and feel to the core Clio range with the launch of a new ‘S' version.
Resurrecting the successful Clio S formula from the early 90s, the new three-door versions hark back to the original through their trademark white 16-inch ‘Polar' alloy wheels. Among the other cosmetic changes, are a white front bumper insert and white ‘GT' rear spoiler, while to the sides and roof, some optional slightly less subtle white racing stripes catch the eye with an ‘S' incorporated into each band. Completing the package, are extra tinted rear windows and tailgate for a truly contemporary look.
The sporty theme continues on the inside, with a bespoke interior including ‘S' embossed upholstery, leather steering wheel and striking white centre console, dashboard inserts and instrument dials.
The new entrants are based on the Expression specification, currently only available on five-door. They come with a choice of three responsive and frugal engines, 1.2 16V 75, 1.2 TCe 100 and 1.5 dCi 86, all of which meet Renault's eco2 criteria.
Pricing for the new Clio S versions starts at £11,209 on-the-road for the 1.2 16V 75, rising to £13,458 for the 1.5 dCi 86 A/C. Buyers have a choice of four colours for the latest addition to Renault's ever-popular supermini range: Glacier White, Pearl Black, Capsicum Red and Extreme Blue.
