Renault Clio 3 RS test

CLIO 3 RS
The Clio RS is a reminder of the Gordini era. Many descendents have come down the road since those days. Renault Sport has pumped out high performance versions of generations of cars.





The Clio RS and all its strength reaffirm the tradition. You’d be hard pressed to miss the Renault Sport touch. The snout is very modern day F-1 like…it’s the same for the air extractor with its two chrome muffler pipes.

The bodywork seems as if it’s made trips to the gym with wider front and rear wheel wells that have been widened from 48 to 55mm, and air intakes placed above the front snout. They are there to evacuate hot air from the motor, while at the same time providing improved aerodynamics. The heart and soul of this RS is the 203 brake horsepower 16 valve, two-litre engine and its 215 Newton Metres of torque from 5,400 rpm.



The RS engine is linear, with a slight touch of the accelerator from 5000 rpm; the engine keeps delivering without the feeling of being pushed. The staging of the gearbox, especially in 2nd, 3rd and 4th is as close to perfect as it gets. The RS enters the corner nicely with just a slight whiff of under steer...the longer wheelbase assures no vicious surprises.



Even with all the driver aids switched off, it doesn’t get away from you. It proves just how fun and safe it is to drive. The open road is where the RS excels. However, the comfort level does diminish on a bumpier stretch of payment. The shocks are stiff but they continue do to the job, which means the rubber remains in contact with the ground.



But if you do want to have a bit more fun you can turn off the driver aids and then see for yourself that there’s plenty bite. There are two negatives though, caused by the over abundance of aids.






While the front axle holds up its end, the steering, especially at slower speeds, is far too soft; leaving the driver to cope with little feedback.
The brake assistance system isn’t nice and not easy to manage…Happily, these are minor issues. We like the Clio 3RS, because it is one of a dying breed that of a proper GTI.