The announcement of a new performance version of Clio is always an eagerly anticipated event among the model’s fanbase and those who appreciate beautiful cars. Powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine mated to EDC dual clutch transmission, New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo is an innovative response to the highly sophisticated expectations of the compact sports hatchback customer. In addition to being thrilling to drive, it has distinctive style and is poised to be a favourite with the connoisseurs. There can be no doubt about it: New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo is a Renault Sport model through and through. Its F1-style front blade recalls Renault’s success in Formula One, while its diffuser and spoiler generate 80 per cent and 20 per cent extra downforce respectively. Also exclusive to New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo are the unique grille and spoiler, front and rear bumper, wide-set LED daytime running lights, sill extensions and 17-inch wheels, with 18- inch rims available as an option. All these elements combine to make it a genuine attention grabber. A dual-tailpipe exhaust system and a sporty sound signature round off this exclusive package. Inside, the ambience is sporting, with red the dominant colour. A steering wheel flanked by two gearshift paddles, a dedicated instrument pack and aluminium-capped pedals all spell performance and passion. Yet, Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo also pays particular attention to the comfort of its occupants. The bucket seats, with leather upholstery optional, provide extra lateral support and it goes without saying that Renaultsport’s latest comes with all the equipment expected of a flagship model: multimedia system, touchscreen navigation, Bluetooth® radio with USB connectivity, hands-free entry and starting, driver aids. Climate control and parking sensors are also available as options. New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo will be offered with a specific Renault Sport exterior personalisation programme. The starting point for it is the choice of four themes which can be combined with different motifs, plus upgrade elements and trim packs, with clearly differentiated characters. Now everyone can configure the precise type of sportiness that suits them best. Coupled with the EDC gearbox, the new 1.6 Turbo Renaultsport 200 engine is exclusive to the New Clio flagship – an indication of another step forward by Renault Sport Technologies in its quest for performance. The aim is to offer even more everyday driving enjoyment thanks to extra verve, but also to reconcile enjoyment and performance improvements with the realistic requirement for improved energy efficiency. This approach, driven by motorsport and particularly by Formula One where Renault Sport enjoys recognised expertise, has now directly benefited the sporty version of New Clio. The new 16-valve four-cylinder develops 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Its high torque of 240 Nm (up 25 Nm compared with Clio III Renaultsport) is developed from just 1,750 rpm for instantaneous driving enjoyment. This maximum torque is then consistently available at higher revs – up to 5,600 rpm – thanks to the turbocharger. Sprinkled with the magic dust of Renault Sport, this Alliance engine includes cutting edge technologies, demonstrated by the DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) cam followers developed from Formula One and Variable Valve Timing (VVT). As always with Renault Sport, the exhaust note has been the object of particular attention. The other new feature in the sporty philosophy is that the 1.6 Turbo Renault Sport 200 engine is available exclusively with the EDC dual clutch, six-speed transmission. The comfort and efficiency of the dual clutch EDC gearbox allows drivers to adopt the driving style they want. The EDC transmission is docile in daily driving and particularly effective in sporty driving, with three different modes including a ‘race’ option. Inspired by motorsport, the steering column-mounted gear shift paddles – a first for Renault – offer better comfort and speed than a manual gearbox. In ‘race’ mode, gear changes can be made in just 150 milliseconds. From Motorin  news