2015 Renault Clio Sport Review: Elegance and Performance
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2015 Renault Clio Sport Review: Elegance and Performance
Renault is not widely recognized for its driving performance in the UAE. The Clio Sport has been around for a while, yet I seldom see it on the roads here. I believe that needs to change. The Clio has a legacy and a reputation stemming from the Clio Williams, and after my experience with it, I have to respect that. Here are its specifications and prices.
Elegance
At first glance, the RS appears fierce. From the rear exhausts and wide back to the hefty wheel arches and front brakes, everything about it screams sportiness. Add to that the aggressive alloy wheels, and you have a race-ready car that can comfortably seat five individuals.
Interior Materials
The interior of the Clio RS is quite basic, with plastic prevalent throughout. The sporty seats come with red seatbelts and "Renault Sport" badges.
Interior Space
This car can accommodate five people, but comfort is compromised as the rear legroom is insufficient. Its compact size is evident. The biggest disappointment, however, is the trunk space, which is taken up by a large spare tire. Sports hatchbacks are expected to be sporty yet practical, but it seems Renault overlooked the practicality aspect. I hope they consider this in future models.
Interior Features
The car includes all the expected features found in modern vehicles: navigation, Bluetooth, voice recognition, daytime running lights, automatic headlights, and climate control, among others. Given the price of the vehicle, no one would expect luxurious features. However, there is a nice feature that provides graphical feedback on your driving to help improve performance.
Power
The RS engine is a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit producing 200 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. While there might be a slight turbo lag, it is hardly noticeable, especially with the pleasant engine sound. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds when using "launch control." Fuel consumption is rated at 13.7 liters per 100 km, which is not great but acceptable. Overall, it’s a beautiful sports car.
Handling and Braking
Handling in this car is typical for a hatchback, with the front wheels doing most of the work to avoid slipping. However, sometimes you need to grip the steering wheel tightly, especially around corners. There is no "comfort" setting for the suspension, so you feel every bump in the road. The car has three driving modes, but the only noticeable differences are in acceleration and steering; the suspension feels the same. While we didn’t expect luxurious features at this price point of around 100,000 AED, the brakes are impressive, stopping the car from 100 to 0 in just 2.6 seconds.
Summary
After driving the Clio RS, I found it exhilarating on the track and wanted to take it on the streets. However, I now feel that its true place is on the track, and it’s better to have another car for everyday driving.
