The Renault Kadjar SUV is the main event for the French brand in Geneva, but there's a sporty sideshow in the form of the Renault Clio RS 220 Trophy. As expected, the more outlandish of the two leaked pics we saw earlier (multi-spoke red alloys, R livery) is fake, while the more modest looking rear shot is of the actual car.
To go on sale in Europe this June, the Clio RS Trophy boasts increased power and torque, stop-start and reduced CO2 emissions. A refined EDC transmission, quicker steering, a lower and stiffer chassis and upgraded tyres up the temperature.
Thanks to revised engine mapping, the Clio RS' 1.6 litre turbo engine packs 10% more power and up to 40 Nm more torque here, with 220 hp at 6,250 rpm and 260 Nm of twist. A 'Torque Boost' feature in fourth and fifth gears raises peak torque to 280 Nm. Redline is up from 6,500 to 6,800 rpm.
The hottest Clio also benefits from a larger turbo, an air intake designed to minimise pressure losses and a revised exhaust system to accommodate the latest Euro 6 catalytic converter and minimise back pressure losses. Despite the increased performance, CO2 output is down by 6 g/km to 138 g/km.
The EDC dual-clutch gearbox was also enhanced for the Trophy. Gear shifts are now up to 40% faster in 'Normal' and 'Sport' modes and 50% faster in 'Race' mode thanks to software recalibration. To go along with that, there's a 30% reduction in steering paddle travel for more immediate manual changes.
In addition, earlier downshifts - under heavy braking on track, for instance - are permitted by optimised software calibration and the raised rev limit. RS says that 'Sport' mode is now more flexible with gearshift change patterns more reactive to the current driving style. Stop-start works in 'Normal' mode but is deactivated in 'Sport' and 'Race' modes.
In the chassis department, the Clio Trophy is lower by 20 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear compared to the standard RS. Firmer shocks and revised springs (40% stiffer at the rear) are coupled to the existing "motorsport-derived" hydraulic bump stops. A faster rack (ratio reduced from 14.5:1 to 13.2:1) makes the Clio's steering more direct. The helm controls top-shelf Michelin Pilot Super Sport 205/40 R18 rubber.
The numbered special-edition car gets some exclusive kit as well. Matte Frost White with a gloss black roof and rear spoiler has been added to the colour list, matched with 18-inch 'Radical' alloys. 'Trophy' badging is found on the front blade, door mouldings and door sills.
Inside, the 'Trophy' interior pack includes heated leather sports seats with integral head rests plus carbon-look air vent surrounds, door handles and gear lever base plate. The RenaultSport Monitor on-board telemetry system is optional.
After Europe, the Clio RS Trophy will be made available in Australia, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. Malaysia is not mentioned, but since all the above are right-hand-drive markets, there's no reason why TC Euro Cars can't sneak in a few units if there's demand. Want one? Tell them!
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