2018 Renault Clio RS Australian range detailed

One of Australia’s most well known hot hatchbacks, the Renault Clio RS, has been updated for the 2018 model year, sporting a new look, added equipment and tweaks to the car’s mechanical package.

The 2018 Renault Clio RS is on sale and in Australian dealers now, and closely follows the regular Clio hatchback and its midlife facelift. The 2018 Clio RS will be the last product launched by Renaultsport until the larger Megane RS launches sometime next year.

“The Renault Sport badge has a long and successful history here in Australia,” said Renault Australia’s Managing Director, Mr Justin Hocevar. “Australia consistently appears in the top five for global Renault Sport sales and we expect this to continue with this new-look model.

“One of the exciting new features is the innovative chequered flag-shaped RS VISION lighting system, exclusive to Renault Sport vehicles. This highly-efficient lighting signature enhances night-time visibility, by co-ordinating the fog lights, cornering lights and side lights as well as the long-range headlights.

“Of course, the Clio RS benefits from Renault’s five year unlimited kilometre warranty and Capped Price Servicing, providing our customers with outstanding value and peace of mind.” Mr Hocevar said.

Priced from $30,990 (plus on-road costs) for the Clio RS Sport, the 2018 Clio RS range starts $2,200 higher than when it was launched in Australia in 2014. Renault Australia is quick to point out, however, that the additional standard equipment more than makes up for that, with the likes of front parking sensors, auto stop/start, climate control air conditioning, a digital radio, front foglamps in the shape of a chequered flag, LED cabin lighting and a tyre pressure monitor now standard equipment.

While not a full generational change, the 2018 Clio RS sports more aggressive styling, including the full-LED headlights from lesser Clio models. The bumpers have also been redesigned, with redesigned black blades in the grille for added sporting styling. There’s also redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels for the Clio RS Cup.

The inside of the Clio RS has also been updated with higher-quality dashboard materials with more soft touch dotted around the cabin, as well as the latest update to its R-Link infotainment system. Smaller details such as the window and mirror switches have been redesigned for greater ease of use and a more premium feel.

The Renault Clio RS’ drivetrain is unchanged, with the 1.6-litre turbo four still producing 147kW of power and 260Nm of torque. As with the pre-updated Clio RS, the car sends its power to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with steering-column mounted paddle shifters.

Unlike the 2017 Clio RS, there are only two different models to choose from with the Clio RS Trophy being removed from the lineup. The $30,990 Clio RS Sport is well equipped, with 17-inch alloy wheels, four airbags, launch control, LED headlights, RS Drive driving mode selection, climate control air conditioning, a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

Choosing the $32,490 Clio RS Cup adds the Renaultsport cup chassis, with 15mm lower suspension and larger 18-inch alloy wheels.

Disappointingly however, there are still no curtain airbags available on any Clio, neither are any form of active safety equipment such as autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring or radar cruise control.

For 2018, the Clio RS offers three different option packages for buyers to choose from, including the $500 Black Pack with black blades on the front bumper, a black boot lid and Renault Sport badge, rear diffuser, black 17-inch alloy wheels and black trim inserts on the doors.

For buyers after a little more luxury from their Clio RS, the $1,500 Leather Package adds dark leather upholstery with red highlights, RS badges on the front headrests, heated front seats and a height adjustable front passenger seat.

Finally, the $1,500 Entertainment Package adds Renault’s R-Link navigation system with voice control, Android Auto smartphone mirroring, the RS Monitor and a Bose sound system with four speakers, two dashboard tweeters, a bass box and amplifier.

The Clio RS represents a strong product year for Renault Australia, who has continues its recent product assault after the launch of the all-new Megane wagon and sedan variants earlier in the year. Following the Clio RS will be the diesel-powered Koleos medium SUV, the new Megane R.S. and possibly the Alpine A110 sports car. Like the rest of the Renault range, the Clio RS is covered by the brand’s five-year/unlimited warranty, and offers three years capped price servicing for $299 per once-yearly/20,000km service.

2018 Renault Clio RS pricing (plus on-road costs):
Clio RS Sport – $30,990
Clio RS Cup – $32,490