Used Sports Cars - Renault Clio RS 197 - Sports Cars

The French have always been good at building compact sports cars, and Renault is no exception. The footprint that the manufacturer has left in motorsport says a lot about the quality of its vehicles, just think of Jean Ragnotti and the long road of victories with Renault vehicles.

La Renault Clio RS, in this case it is one of the most successful cars; beginning with Clio Williams until you get to RS 1.6 turbo today. However, there are interesting opportunities in the used car market, especially with regard to the previous version, the Clio III, the latest equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.0 engine. The prices are really good and the specimens, even if they have many kilometers behind them, are very reliable.

CLIO RS

La Renault Clio RS considered based on Renault XNUMX since 2006. Compared to the previous RS, the III is much larger and heavier (200 kg more for a total weight of 1.240 kg), but also slightly more powerful. 2.0 naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine based on RS 182 it develops 197 hp. at 7250 rpm and 215 Nm at 5550, this is enough to accelerate the Clio from 0 to 100 km / h in 6,9 seconds to a top speed of 215 km / h (gear ratios are very short).

If you are a couple in love, this car is not for you. The engine is dormant at the bottom and you need to keep it above 6.000 rpm to get the most out of it. Luckily, the six-speed manual transmission is a great ally, with short travel, precise shifting and a pleasant mechanical feel. This is a car that demands but pays off with engagement that grows with your commitment.

The driver's seat is a little weird and tall - even with the seats. Recaro But once you get used to it, it's not so bad. The steering is precise, direct and inspires immediate confidence, as is the chassis; while the pedals are positioned in such a way as to simplify the heel tip. Version CUP installs firmer dampers, but overall the Clio never feels soft. The nose of the car is precise on corner entry, and the car exhibits a natural tendency to oversteer downhill – it's a miracle.

There is no limited slip differential, but this is not necessary either. Grip is excellent even in low gears, and the Clio encourages you to take the same road harder each time.

Since 2009, the samples have undergone a rather noticeable restyling and several additional CVs (more precisely, 7), while there are two available versions: basic and light. The latter has a more direct steering, reduced equipment (without air conditioning and adjustable mirrors) and lowered by 7 mm.

There are some more examples of special models such as Clio R27 F1 commandequipped with Cup frame, anthracite wheels and Recaro seats, or RS Gordini in blue and white.

USED ​​EXAMPLES

With numbers ranging from 7.000 to 15.000 euros, there are indeed many possibilities, from models with very high mileage to cars with low mileage. The choice is really wide, just make sure, perhaps with the help of a specialist, that the mechanical parts are in good condition and that no oil is leaking from the cylinder head. Otherwise, the Clio RS is a reliable car and a great toy for fun on the road and on the track.