More Gordini, more fun

Renault Sport’s launch of the compact, giant-killing pocket rocket – the Twingo Gordini Renault Sport – is being followed by the the new Clio Gordini Renault Sport, which made its debut at the 2011 Knysna Hillclimb in May 2011.

“The Clio Gordini Renault Sport combines the award-winning credentials of the Clio Renault Sport with the proud heritage of the Gordini name to produce a truly segment-defining hot hatch,” said Renault South Africa managing director Xavier Gobille.

“Accordingly, it will appeal to a growing number of drivers seeking an exclusive yet affordable performance car with a distinctive character and a race-inspired legacy to match.”

The Clio Gordini Renault Sport benefits from Renault Sport Technologies’ expertise in producing a class-leading and extremely successful hot hatchback, backed by the Gordini name and its racing heritage.

Head-turning style

The Clio Gordini RS packs the performance and styling punch  and is set apart from the regular Clio RS through the use of a rich colour scheme that is unique to the Gordini.

All Gordini variants are also distinguished by the trademark twin white stripes extending from the bonnet, over the roof to the tailgate – a design that pays tribute to Amedee Gordini’s legendary racing Renaults of the 50s to the 70s.

Gloss black highlights embellish the front bumper and rear diffuser, while white side mirror housings and a front splitter enhance the motorsport lineage.

Contrasting black and diamond-effect 12-spoke aluminium alloy wheels add a dynamic streak and the ‘Gordini Series’ badges are a final seal of approval.

The car’s racing DNA is equally obvious in the cabin. Renault Sport seats are trimmed in black leather with blue accents along the lower and upper side bolsters. The top section of the leather-trimmed three-spoke sports steering wheel is finished in blue leather, with two white stripes to indicate the ‘neutral’ position.

The gear lever is covered by a blue-leather gaiter and has a metallic knob, bolstered by a numbered Gordini plaque on the gearlever console, carpet mats with blue edging and Gordini branding.

The instrumentation includes a rev counter with white background, as well as the on-board Renault Sport Telemetry Display that made its debut on the Megane Renault Sport Cup.

The system provides the driver with real-time performance and vehicle data, as well as several options to tailor the throttle and engine response.

Dazzling performance

The Clio Gordini RS, like other Gordini models, has entertaining,  fun-to-drive characteristics that are achieved through the use of a superb chassis and suspension system, matched to a potent, high-revving naturally aspirated engine.

In this top-spec guise, the Clio Gordini RS features the bespoke Cup chassis as standard instead of the Sport chassis used in the standard Clio RS.This firmer set-up allows for the dynamic potential of the Gordini RS to be taken to the maximum.

It relies on an independent steering axis front suspension arrangement that guarantees a high degree of traction and steering accuracy in all driving conditions, complemented by wide, low-profile 215/45 R17 tyres for precise, sure-footed handling.

The braking system is also out of the top drawer, boasting four-piston Brembo callipers controlling large, ventilated 312mm front discs, along with 300mm solid discs at the rear. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution is standard.

An active, highly efficient safety net is provided by the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). The ESP system can be disconnected for track days, for which the Clio Gordini Renault Sport is particularly well suited.

Powering the car is a 1998cc four-cylinder high-performance fuel-injected engine, which generates an impressive output of 75kW per litre – a benchmark figure for this class.

With a peak power of 147.5kW at 7 100rpm, and a solid 215Nm of torque produced at 5400rpm, outright performance is nothing short of scintillating – evidenced by a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 6.9 sec and a top speed of 225km/h.

The slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox no doubt plays an important role in the Clio’s superb acceleration, allowing it to complete the 400m standing start in just 14.9 seconds, and the 1000m run in 27.3 seconds.

Despite this penchant for thrilling the senses and getting the heart racing – which has made the Clio Renault Sport one of the most enthralling and sought-after performance hatchbacks the world over – it remains remarkably fuel efficient.

The hot hatch is capable of a combined cycle fuel consumption of 8.2l/100 km, and achieves a CO2 emissions rating of 195g/km.

Premium spec

As the range-topping model, the Clio Gordini RS has a premium level of standard features that sets it apart from rivals.

This includes a rain sensor and automatic headlight activation, dedicated cornering lights and electrically folding exterior mirrors.

The cabin features cruise control with speed limiter,hands-free key and ignition card, automatic climate control and tinted rear windows.

The car has an 80-watt CD receiver with MP3 playback, a separate dashboard-mounted display and steering wheel controls, as well as Bluetooth and multimedia connectivity with USB and iPod connections.

Pricing

Clio Gordini Renault Sport – R279 900
Price include a five-year or 150 000 km warranty, a three-year or 60 000 km service plan and a Renault Confiance, all-encompassing care package.

The Clio Gordini Renault Sport.

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