Renault Clio 2.0 16V Sport

 Little French ego bruiser

 Whereas the little Renault Clio 1.4 hatch currently holds the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists Car of the Year 2000 title, the new Clio 2.0 16V Sport could well be set to earn the unofficial title of South Africa’s hottest hatch, and whereas the 1.4 is dressed up to be the petite little French lass, the 2.0 Sport is all dressed up to look the part of the aggressive little ego bruiser that simply invites street tussles. Both front and rear bumpers are wider and deeper, the former with integral fog lamps and air intakes for the up-rated front brakes. The front wings are also wider and more pronounced, side sills are enhanced and 15-inch bi-spoke OZ alloys, shod with 195/50 radial footwear complete the bad-boy outfit.

If Renaults performance claims of 0 -100km/h in 7.3 seconds and a top end of 220km/h are to be believed, and there is no reason to doubt them given the 124 kW at 6250 revs/min output and 200 Nm of torque at 5400 revs/min, it is clear that their new baby is not all show and no go.  Power is courtesy of Renault’s F4R 16 valve unit with tubular cams and two-stage variable valve timing.  The competition-style valves are made from Nimonic material (75 percent nickel, 25 percent chrome and titanium), and are actuated by roller cam followers.  A rev limiter kicks in at 7250 revs/min in first and second gear, and 7000 in the other three ratios.  A shift light in the instrument panel alerts the driver as to the optimum change point. Platinum electrode sparks plugs with a life expectancy of at least 120 000 km are used , and the tubular exhaust manifold feeds into twin catalytic converters to ensure optimum exhaust back pressure without undue gas flow restriction.

The Clio 2,0 suspension comprises MacPherson struts up front, with a flexible H-form torsion beam rear axle linked to trailing arms.  Spring- and damper rates, as well as anti-roll bar stiffness, are all tailored specifically to optimise handling and comfort for this model. The front and rear tracks have been widened by 27 mm and 17 mm respectively to enhance the car’s handling abilities, and the overall centre of gravity is lower by 15 mm than the standard Clio’s.

Increased demands on the braking system have been addressed by fitting 280mm discs to the front and 228mm at the rear. ABS is standard, along with Renault’s EBV electronic apportioning system.  Testing under AMS conditions has revealed stopping distances below 40 metres.

 The new Clio’s cabin is sumptuously appointed with seats and door panels upholstered in blue Alcantara with leather on the bolsters, steering wheel and gearshift gaiter.  Adding the finishing touch are splashes of aluminium on the console and armrests, while the pedals and gear-knob are crafted in entirety from the lightweight metal.

 Standard equipment includes air conditioning, tinted glass all round, power steering, remote central locking and immobiliser, electric windows, trip computer, white instrument dials and a six-speaker integrated audio system. A six-disc CD changer is optional.

 Safety equipment includes twin front and side airbags and SRP (System for Restraint and Protection), which programs the front airbags, the seatbelt pre-tensioners and 400 daN load limiters.  In the rear of the car are three headrests, three-point safety belts with 600 daN load limiters for the outer positions, and Isofix mountings for a child safety seat.

 The Clio 2,0is manufactured at a limited rate of 33 units per day at the Matra plant in Dieppe, Normandy.  And sells in South Africa at R159 316.