New Clio is RS about face

It’s been a busy week for Renault. First it told us it’ll be bringing six new models to local shores before the clock strikes midnight on 2010, and then it unveiled its brilliant “Satisfied or Reimbursed” campaign. Before even giving us room to breathe and take all of this in, it announced the Clio S.

A torquey engine helps it on the uphills.

Good brakes keep it from rolling downhill.

Based on the normal Clio 1.6, the S is aimed at giving aspirational RenaultSport owners something to tide them over until they can get their hands on the bonkers 2.0-litre 3-door hatch. Overtly sporty detailing makes up the majority of the Clio S package. The exterior gains tasty white 16-inch wheels, a white lip on the front spoiler, white mirror caps, and white stickers. Inside we’re treated to seats with some white “S” embroidery, white dials and some white inserts. Damn, there’s a lot of white in this car – aren’t we the Rainbow Nation?

Motivation comes from a 1.6-litre 4-pot producing 83kW at 6000RPM and 161Nm a 4250RPM – decently tractable, if you ask us. Fuel consumption is ridiculously low. People might even get confused, considering this is a “sporty” variant. Renault’s claimed figures are 6.7-litres/100km in the combined cycle, dropping to 5.4-litres/100km on the open road. Oddly, despite the good economy, emissions are 160 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre. Come September 1, and that stupid green tax the government wants to enforce, it’ll add a good few rands to the asking price of R179 900.

The price is attractive – some R20 000 less than the Clio Dynamique. That comes with a few more bits, though, like integrated satnav, light and rain sensors, climate control, Bluetooth, folding rear seats and a couple of other things. Sadly, the S lacks real sporty additions like a more powerful engine, or even a stiffer ride. Still, looks are what count the most for the youth of today.

Check out the gallery below for more shots.