Currently reading: 2013 Renault Clio Renaultsport spied testing
The new Renault Clio RS is expected to carry a 1.6-litre turbocharged motor when it launches next year

The 2013 Renault Clio Renaultsport has been spied testing on the streets around the Nürburgring.

Although no official announcement has been made, it is expected the Clio RS will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, producing more than 200bhp. This means an end to the high-revving 2.0-litre motor fitted to the current Clio Renaultsport 200.

The engine is expected to be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with the option of a dual-clutch automatic.

Unlike the previous hot Clios, the new Renaultsport will be offered as a five-door model only, mirroring the single configuration of the standard car. Renault design boss, Laurens van den Acker promised the car will have the look of a three door. Our largely undisguised spy shots show the door handles hidden in the C-pillars.

Renault has remained tight-lipped on performance, revealing only that it will offer more power than the outgoing car. 

The Clio Renaultsport will be joined by a warm variant, likely to be badged Clio GT. It is expected to be powered by the same 133bhp 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine as the Twingo Renaultsport. A 1.5 dCi diesel unit could also be offered. The styling is likely to closely mirror that of the Renaultsport.

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

New Renaultsport hot hatch has sophistication, but can it excite when direct rivals like the Ford Fiesta ST have perfected the formula?

Join the debate

Comments
13
Add a comment…
Bluemoon2462012 16 September 2012

Not that bad?

C'mon guys, it isn't that bad, I mean, I drive a Clio so it might sound biased but I love where Renault is going with the styling of their new vehicles, it will be amazing to drive and I don't think the criticism it's initially getting will be remembered when it's finally test driven.

vava1 16 September 2012

Audi in the background

How bland does that Audi in the background look by comparison? Renault just might be on to something here...

Peter Cavellini 16 September 2012

Eh, nope.

Sorry , looks like a French Toyota Yaris,maybe it's the color (why is White so popular!!!???)

marj 16 September 2012

Peter Cavellini wrote: Sorry

Peter Cavellini wrote:

Sorry , looks like a French Toyota Yaris,maybe it's the color (why is White so popular!!!???)

 

My car Is white, but have to say white is getting rather passé. It was a backlash against grey that was so popular in noughties. 70s colours are now the big trend, so start expecting all of those BL colours returning. Probably due to the people who are buying grew up in 70s.