RE: Clio RS updates

[Butter Face]

I think the issue with adding those arches is that they would have to widen the track significantly to get the wheels flush. That's not a cheap or simple job.

[Alanok]

Butter Face said:

I think the issue with adding those arches is that they would have to widen the track significantly to get the wheels flush. That's not a cheap or simple job.

Easily solved with a set of wheels with the appropriate offset or spaced hubs, no?

[1Addicted]

An optional Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, that will cost the world...on a Renault Clio. I bet it'll be one of these electronically valved things.

Akrapovic systems make some cars sound good but generally only if they have over five cylinders and are toward the more exotic end. Then again others sound awful, but dare I say it the Clio will just sound like another inline four with a fart cannon and an un-characterful engine, unlike the I-4cyl cars of old.

Hopefully it won't sound like an MB A45, which sounds pretty naff or the Abarth 500 which sounds like a tractor.

[Butter Face]

Alanok said:

Butter Face said:

I think the issue with adding those arches is that they would have to widen the track significantly to get the wheels flush. That's not a cheap or simple job.

Easily solved with a set of wheels with the appropriate offset or spaced hubs, no?

The wheel arch extensions were pretty big. I'd imagine just spacing them out or a different offset would have an impact on the cars handling.

[Butter Face]

1Addicted said:

An optional Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, that will cost the world...on a Renault Clio. I bet it'll be one of these electronically valved things.

Akrapovic systems make some cars sound good but generally only if they have over five cylinders and are toward the more exotic end. Then again others sound awful, but dare I say it the Clio will just sound like another inline four with a fart cannon and an un-characterful engine, unlike the I-4cyl cars of old.

Hopefully it won't sound like an MB A45, which sounds pretty naff or the Abarth 500 which sounds like a tractor.

The Akrapovic on the Megane is 2k, it does sound fantastic though. I can't see the Clio being much cheaper!

[Mike1990]

I do like the DRL's, but I was expecting a Manual 'Box, as that's probably the only main criticism the Mk4 Clio receives, but still from what I've read and watched the 220T Trophy is still a great, great Hot Hatch, and still worthy of the Renaultsport badge IMO, and the option to have an Akra Exhaust will add the package.

The looks are marmite, but what Hot Hatch isn't in this day and age ?

[j_s14a]

Mike1990 said:

I do like the DRL's, but I was expecting a Manual 'Box, as that's probably the only main criticism the Mk4 Clio receives, but still from what I've read and watched the 220T Trophy is still a great, great Hot Hatch, and still worthy of the Renaultsport badge IMO, and the option to have an Akra Exhaust will add the package.

The looks are marmite, but what Hot Hatch isn't in this day and age ?

I think "great" is too strong a term. The problem with this generation of Clios is that Renault seemed to forget what people loved about hot hatches. I don't doubt it is a good car, but it is not a great Hot Hatch. I bet I could name 50 hot hatches I'd consider over a current Clio.

[Butter Face]

j_s14a said:

Mike1990 said:

I do like the DRL's, but I was expecting a Manual 'Box, as that's probably the only main criticism the Mk4 Clio receives, but still from what I've read and watched the 220T Trophy is still a great, great Hot Hatch, and still worthy of the Renaultsport badge IMO, and the option to have an Akra Exhaust will add the package.

The looks are marmite, but what Hot Hatch isn't in this day and age ?

I think "great" is too strong a term. The problem with this generation of Clios is that Renault seemed to forget what people loved about hot hatches. I don't doubt it is a good car, but it is not a great Hot Hatch. I bet I could name 50 hot hatches I'd consider over a current Clio.

Have you driven a 220 Trophy? I'd say great is a fair word.

Renault looked at what people actually buy (normal Golf GTI with a DSG box ) and decided to head that way, rightly or wrongly it's the call they made and they're sticking to their guns. Globally they have sold more of this RS Clio than previous generations (confirmed to me by a high up bod @ Renault)