2018 Renault Clio RS Review

We love:

• Heaps of Fun
• Stylish and sporty

Pain points:

• No manual transmission option
• Safety features like curtain airbags, AEB, and radar cruise control still absent

Style meets performance in the new Renault Clio RS

First released in Australia in 2014, this newest version of the Renault Clio RS has had a huge makeover, including a special edition Renault Clio RS 18 model, which will reach Australia later this year.

2018 Renault Clio RS 18 review

Image courtesy of Cars Guide

Exterior of the 2018 Renault Clio RS

The striking appearance of the 2018 Renault Clio RS is set off by new alloy wheels in silver or black, four metallic paint options, and chequered LED front fog lights. Tyres are either the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 or the stickier Michelin Pilot Super Sport depending on the specification level chosen.

The chassis sits lower than last year, by 20 millimetres at the front and 10 millimetres at the rear, giving it a fiercer appearance that's matched by the suspension that's 40 per cent stiffer, and a faster steering rack.

The fog lights work in concert with the RS VISION system that coordinates the fog, side and cornering lights with the main headlights to enhance night visibility. There's a rear body-coloured spoiler and gloss black heated and electric mirrors.

The Special Edition Renault Clio RS is all black, with a silver double diamond decal on the roof and a lightweight Akrapovic exhaust with a better sound.

Inside the 2018 Renault Clio RS

The cabin has been updated with softer materials, LED cabin lighting, tyre pressure monitor, and climate control air conditioning. Both front seats are heated and height adjustable, covered with red-highlighted carbon cloth in the base model. The rear windscreen is heated and windows are powered.

In the driver's seat - image courtesy of Cars Guide

The driver's pedals are aluminium sports pedals, complementing the leather wrapped steering wheel, gear stick and handbrake handle, to remind you that this car is sporty and special.

Upgrading to the leather interior adds dark leather seat coverings with RS badges, and keyless entry and start mean your keys can stay in your bag or your pocket.

Connectivity

The Renault Clio RS has a 7-inch touchscreen controlled by Bluetooth voice control, displaying the rearview camera and digital radio. A 12V socket for device charging sits in the front too.

You can choose to upgrade to the entertainment package for $1,500 which adds a four-speaker BOSE sound system, Android Auto and the Renault R-Link navigation. The sound is improved with two dashboard tweeters, a bass box and amplifier.

What's it like to drive a 2018 Renault Clio RS?

Running on premium unleaded 98 RON with direct sequential multipoint fuel injection turbo engine, the front-wheel drive Renault Clio RS uses launch control to reach 100 kilometres per hour in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 234 kilometres per hour.

You can control your comfort by choosing 'normal, sport, or race' modes to suit your driving location. While there's no manual transmission, the paddle shifters allow you extra control.

This potent pocket rocket gives 10% more power than the previous car.

The extra power has been achieved by improving air intake, giving it a new upper rev limit of 6,800 RPM. At just 1,204 kilograms, the car moves well, responding eagerly to the extra power in overboost of the fourth and fifth gears.

Image courtesy of Cars Guide

With a small turning circle of just 10.9 metres, and 2.67 turns to lock, the 2018 Renault Clio RS is easy to use in crowded city streets. There's a full size steel spare wheel, as well as a tyre inflation kit and tyre pressure gauges that will warn you of a slow leak early.

If you option the RS Monitor, the on-board telemetry system allows you to track real time driving performance data. You can upload this data to the Replay website to join a global community, create courses and local maps to help you master your driving skills on your local streets or the track.

Who's the 2018 Renault Clio RS for?

With a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and annual capped price servicing, the Renault offers good value for money as well as the sporty lifestyle.

Feature Summary

Price: $30,990

Engine: 1.6L turbo-charged four-cylinder (162kW/280Nm)

Transmission: six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission

Wheels: 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels

Safety: 5 star ANCAP

Fuel: 5.9L/100km

Emissions: 133g/km

AV and tech: Media navigation system with 7-inch touchscreen

Seats: 5

Doors: 5

You can finance a 2018 Renault Clio RS from $160/week*, get a quick quote to find out exactly what it will cost to embrace your true style.

No time to shop around for your car? Just tell us exactly what you want, including the features and colour. We will find the vehicle to match and negotiate the best price for you.

*Over a 5-year loan term.