RE: Paris 2012: all new Clio Renaultsport

[russkyh]

I'll reserve total judgement until someone has driven it, however..

Having driven all the Renaultsport Clio's over the years their apeal was the fact that you had to drive it properly to get the best out of it. Anyone can put their foot down and flick a paddle!

I think I'd rather have an old Clio 182 Trophy or Clio 200 Cup and keep the change!

[AV12]

A point which may have not have been noticed - Renault are clearly gunning for the DSG Audi "S" models and Golf GTI. So obvious from the 5 door only configuration and what is an Automatic gearbox.

I don't like the sound of it - but it just might be good. The size of the badge is ridiculous.

[Butter Face]

Interesting.

I was all in, right up to the 'engine sounds from speakers' garb. I had heard this already on the standard Clio, but not for the RS. That's a travesty....

[Terminator X]

You're all being a tad rough on Renault, they have to change things to meet the daft Emissions Regs after all. Afaik the smaller engine an auto gearbox both help to lower CO2 ...

TX.

[jonm01]

I dont understand this hatred for paddle shift boxes. If its good enough for a 458 or McLaren or a bloody F1 car then why not on a hot hatch?

Currently have a Megane 250 but I will consider one of these.

[CliveM]

Simulated engine noise - just plain embarassing, even if you've disconnected the speakers. Auto only indicates Renault aren't actually interested in the sort of drivers who care about this though.

[Jimmy No Hands]

[AJ] said:

Yuck!

If you have a current RS Clio, keep it, it's about to become more valuable!

Oops, I think mines going this week.. hope I don't regret it!

[tommy vercetti]

rear looks good, Renault badge is way too big though

[matt1269]

I ordered one of the few remaining 200's yesterday and have been quite unsure whether this new one would be better.

After seeing this, I have made the right choice!

[crispyshark]

what a honker!

Was only a matter of time before renault screwed up this section of their manufacturing!

[pmr01]

I would be willing to wager - based on previous form from RS - that when it comes out it, it'll be magnificent and we will all laugh at our initial reactions :-)

[Butter Face]

pmr01 said:

I would be willing to wager - based on previous form from RS - that when it comes out it, it'll be magnificent and we will all laugh at our initial reactions :-)

I agree. It will be a very capable and agile drivers car I'm sure.

The simulated sounds through the speakers will always be utter gash though

[mharvey735]

Djw John said:

The turbo I understand, and blame legislation for.

The 5 door, I dont like but wouldnt be a dealbreaker for me.

The simulated noise, not a fan at all but nothing a quick disconnecting of a speaker wouldn't sort out I'm sure.

The auto only? Not a chance. Thats what will stop me ever having one. Which is a crying shame as I've had/have too many RenaultSports!

This is exactly what I was going to type almost word for word.

5 door - Not needed or wanted but it's disguised quite well.
Turbo - suprised renault held out as long as they did so expected it.
Noise - As above, 2 seconds to unplug it and then a decent exhaust system will hopefully give you the exhaust note of the Mini JCW editions with the turbo crackle

That gearbox destroys it for me though, I'll stick with my 172 Cup thank's, perfect blend of oldschool and modern enough to live with.

[Hub]

It's lost most (if not all) of the previous model's USPs, and looks hideous too. Oh dear!

[Gizmoish]

Looks a damn sight better than the last one I think, at least it's lost that stupid black cleft-palate bumper. Although anyone who thinks that it still looks like a 3-door has clearly missed the fact that 3-doors usually have nice long front doors!

Sad to see they've gone turbo, too.

[framerateuk]

jonm01 said:

Currently have a Megane 250 but I will consider one of these.

Same thoughts here. My PCP deal will end a year from now. Just after these are released.

[RichTBiscuit]

wow. What a monumental cock-up.

[cvega]

if you're getting this car to really drive it, not just to brag about having a renaultsport clio down the pub, the fake sound from the speakers will make no difference to you. The gearbox, however...

[SprintSpeciale]

This is what happens when you let employees drink wine at lunch.

[Ali_T]

Am I wrong to like the idea the engine noise simulation? Could be a complete laugh and the world needs more sillyness in the face of ever more boring German diesels.