Renault Clio Renaultsport (2013 – 2019) Review

Renault Clio Renaultsport (2013 – 2019) At A Glance

3/5

+Impressive handling and grip. Improved refinement and ride compared to previous version. Vastly improved by 220 Trophy model on 18-inch Michelin Pilot SuperSports.

-Lost the raw edge of the old Clio Renaultsport. No manual gearbox option only twin-clutch EDC with paddleshifts.

Insurance Group 29
On average it achieves 63% of the official MPG figure

Popular with boy racers and track enthusiasts everywhere, the Clio Renaultsport has established a strong reputation as a fast and fun hot hatch. The latest 'hot' Clio incarnation comes in the form of the RS 200, which combines the Clio’s attractive lines with a new turbocharged engine that will cover 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds.

The Clio RS has the same 200PS power output as the old car, but now uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine in place of the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre unit. Not only is the new engine lighter and more efficient, but it also has more flexible performance thanks to a 25Nm increase in torque, with a maximum 240Nm available. On the downside, the new engine has lost its throaty character and the introduction of a turbo has made it whispery and quiet in comparison.

Another feature that will divide opinion is the transmission. Renault has ditched the manual gearbox in place of a EDC dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission, with aluminium shift paddles. The decision to remove the manual is a bold one, but the Clio is the worse for it as it never feels boisterous enough to warrant such a supercar style gearchange. 

On the plus side, the Clio RS 200 gets a new RS Drive system, with three modes: Normal, Sport and Race. Each mode adapts the engine timing, gear shift pattern, throttle response, steering weight and ESC operation to suit different driving scenarios.

Keen to give its hot hatch 'grown up' appeal, Renault has also revised the interior and diluted its racing overtones, with softer seats and trim. There an integrated touchscreen sat nav, keyless ignition and fully adjustable front seats. There’s no denying that the cabin is better than the old car, but it still lacks the quality and simplicity of its rivals, chiefly the Ford Fiesta ST.

On the road the Clio is entertaining to drive, with plenty of torque and impressive cornering ability. The car also has a better ride for long trips and doesn't crash over potholes and speed bumps like the old car use to. A cup chassis - with stiffer springs and dampers is available as a £650 option for those who want to sharpen the handling. However, even with this, the Clio still feels subdued.

Despite some improvements in the ride and interior, the Clio RS 200 was found to be seriously lacking when it comes to outright performance and enjoyment. On paper, having a hot hatch with supercar style gear changes sounds great, but in practise you get a flat experience of short ratios and too little power. 

This was later corrected in 2015 with the launch of the much improved Clio RenaultSport 220 Trophy EDC, itself improved again with new features as part of the 2016 Clio revamp.

Road and Track Test Clio RenaultSport 200 2013

Track Test Clio RenaultSport 220 Trophy EDC 2016

Real MPG average for a Renault Clio Renaultsport (2013 – 2019)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

63%

Real MPG

23–39 mpg

MPGs submitted

48

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

Satisfaction Index What is your car like to live with?

We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.

Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index now

Ask Honest John

What things should I check when buying a Renault Clio Renaultsport?

"What things should I check when buying a Renault Clio Renaultsport?"
Depends which age of Clio, but you'll find it all in the Renault Clio entries in http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar Good/Bad sections (the used cars are listed below the current models).
Answered by Honest John

Should I buy a Volkswagen Polo 1.4GTI?

"I am seriously thinking of buying a Volkswagen Polo 1.4GTI DSG and have read a number of articles, none of which have been very forthcoming or informative. However, I was very interested in your comments on Saturday's in which you express concerns about the Polo 1.4 DSG. I don't want to invest over £20,000 in a car that is somewhat outdated and where there are perhaps technical issues. Can you tell me more please. "
Don’t. The downsides of the Polo 1.4GTI DSG are contained in www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/skoda/fabia-vrs-2010/ which shares the same drivetrain. This engine appears to have a severe oil consumption problem and is about to be dropped as a result. The alternative is the RenaultSport Clio with a similar dual clutch transmission. But there have been complaints about second gear being too low and third too high. Best in the class is the cheaper Fiesta ST.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Renault Clio Renaultsport (2013 – 2019) cost?