Car Design News: New Clio Renault Sport the most efficient hot hatch of its category

Thursday, April 23, 2009

New Clio Renault Sport the most efficient hot hatch of its category

Since 2000, the successive variants of Clio Renault Sport have led to it becoming the most popular hatchback of its class, with worldwide sales totalling more than 70,000 cars. The Renault Sport version of the brand�s best-selling model has been unanimously praised by exacting owners as one of the market�s best hot hatches, and also one of the most fun to drive. The challenge faced by the engineers from Renault Sport Technologies was to build on the existing qualities of Clio Renault Sport and take its inherent strengths and dynamism to a new level.

New Clio Renault Sport�s sporty calling is evident both inside and outside the car. Its exterior styling includes aerodynamic features which take their inspiration from the world of Formula 1:

a front splitter
front-wing air-extractors and a rear diffuser, two technologies which form a package that is unique on the hot hatch market.

The interior is given over to driving enjoyment and can be adapted to suit the owner�s personal tastes thanks to a range of finishes and upholsteries.

New Clio Renault Sport features all the ingredients that have long forged the success of Renault Sport models:

available with either the �Sport� or �Cup� chassis, plus an independent steering axis front suspension arrangement which ensures outstanding precision and traction in all conditions,
Brembo callipers and large brake discs deliver powerful, durable stopping power,
a high performance engine: specific output of more than 100hp / litre, with peak power raised to 147.5kW (203hp), plus extra torque at engine speeds of less than 3,000rpm compared with its predecessor.

To meet customer demand even more closely, the Clio Renault Sport range takes two distinct lines:

the �chic and sporty� line, for customers looking for a comfortable, well-equipped, status-enhancing car.
and the �outright performance� line, for exacting connoisseurs who are passionate about their driving.

This version is 36 kg lighter and boasts the best weight-to-power ratio of its class (6kg / hp). Renault�s latest hot hatch shares its genes with the other members of the New Clio family, and is versatile, safe and extensively-equipped: an integrated Carminat TomTom� satnav system is available either as standard equipment or as an option for �490.

2009 CLIO Renault Sport