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The feisty new RS 18 F1 edition is Renault's hottest Clio yet in SA

Race technology, superlative performance and unique F1-inspired design… Renault enhances its local hot hatch range with the launch of its new Clio RS 18 F1 edition

The Renault Sport Clio is one of the most popular hot hatches, with its proven track record as one of the best handling and most rewarding cars on the market. In May 2018, the new Clio R.S.18 F1 arrives in South Africa.

Full prices and specifications at the end of this article.

Bringing F1 to the road

The RS 18 bears the same name as the Renault F1 race car competing in the 2018 F1 Grand Prix. It also features the same iconic colour scheme as the Renault Sport F1 Team car – black with yellow accents.

GALLERY: 2018 Renault Clio R.S 18

The new model’s exclusive styling is also reflected in the Renault Sport decals added to the door panels and the roof. 

The blacked out badging and rear diffuser contrasted by the yellow details on the side strips, front blade and wheel caps make the overall look even more radical. The doorsills on this limited edition model also reveal a unique number for that added acclaim.

Hot hatch performance

The feisty Clio R.S. 18 is powered by a 1.6L Turbo-charged engine, featuring a lowered and stiffened Trophy chassis – front suspension featuring hydraulic compression stops, and an Akrapovic exhaust system.

                                                                       Image: Renault SA

It uses a Launch Control feature enabling simulation of an experienced racing driver. This electronic intelligence allows the driver to experience the exhilaration of a standing start.

‘Launch Control’ is activated with paddles at hand, right foot on the accelerator and left foot on the brake. Once the left foot is raised from the aluminium pedal, the New Clio R.S. explodes off the line, with dynamic gear changes.

From track to road

The Clio RS18 displays the ultimate in Renault Sport technology with an impressive range of track oriented features that demonstrate the prowess of the direct F1 technology transfer to this exclusive model.

                                                                     Image: Renault SA

It offers three modes - Normal, Sport and Race. According to the mode, RS Drive alters the mapping of the gearbox, ESC behaviour, steering and the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal. Multifaceted and versatile.

The engine delivers 162kW/280Nm, is mated to a EDC 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox  and benefits from ground-breaking technology modelled on the DLC (Diamond-like carbon) derived from Formula 1. Fuel consumption is rated at a claimed 5.9 litres/ 100km. 

Features

Aside from the breath-taking design, sporty features and exclusive equipment devoted to racing, the functional interior is packed with additional innovative technology, synonymous with much of the Renault model range.Race technology, superlative performance and unique F1-inspired design… Renault enhances its local hot hatch range with the launch of its new Clio RS 18 F1 edition Onboard navigation on offer via the 7” touchscreen, with a range of other easy-to-use one touch functionalities - Multimedia, radio and telephone systems with Bluetooth connectivity.

 Image: Janine Van Der Post/Wheels24

Race technology, superlative performance and unique F1-inspired design… Renault enhances its local hot hatch range with the launch of its new Clio RS 18 F1 edition Cruise Control-speed limiter, whereby regulated cruising or maximum speed can be selected, with steering wheel mounted controls to allow for speed adjustment.Race technology, superlative performance and unique F1-inspired design…

Rain sensors, automatically regulating the frequency of your windscreen wipers according to how heavily it is raining, and light sensors, enabling the headlights when the sensors detect a certain level of darkness.

Race technology, superlative performance and unique F1-inspired design… Renault enhances its local hot hatch range with the launch of its new Clio RS 18 F1 edition The Renault Hands-free Card Key for convenient remote entry, and in support of the easy Stop/ Start functionality.

History of Renault RS

The latest addition to the Clio performance range, RS 18 F1, was preceded by numerous derivatives which were legendary in their own right, to name but a few - The first RS model, the Renault Clio Williams (1993) that was designed to celebrate the success of the Renault-powered F1 team at the time.

                                                                 Image: Renault SA

More powerful Renault Sport models emerged post the Clio Phase 2’s revamp, in the guise of the incredible Renault Sport Clio V6, with the 3.0-litre V6 engine housed in the rear of the vehicle, with increased power output (252bhp), making it the fastest model to this day.

The limited edition Renault Sport Clio 182 Trophy launched in 2005 was also deemed legendary amongst Renault Sport enthusiasts.

 Image: Janine Van Der Post/Wheels24

The long line of iconic Clio R.S. models was boosted with the local introduction of the Renault Sport Clio 200 & 200 Cup, which proved their worth in every road test entered.

The Clio 20th Anniversary model, which was launched in 2010 in celebration of Clio’s 20th year of being, was distinguished by its Pearl White paint, black alloys and black roof, a striking and extremely coveted limited edition indeed.

The much celebrated Clio RS model line-up was further complemented through the Clio R.S. Red Bull, another extremely admired limited edition, with its distinct colour scheme and much larger 18” wheels. 

Clio, a Renault success story

Having achieved in excess of 13 million sales since launching globally in 1990, the Renault Clio is undoubtedly the world’s all-time best-selling French car. A success story that has continued with the fourth-generation Clio. This iconic model is sold in more than 100 countries worldwide, and made its debut into South Africa back in 2000.

The Clio 4 model has gained strong on-road presence in South Africa with over 25 800 units sold since its introduction.

Prices

• New Clio 66kW Turbo Authentique 5dr -R211 900  

• New Clio 66kW Turbo Expression 5dr - R229 900 

• New Clio 66kW Turbo Dynamique 5dr - R246 900  

• New Clio 88kW Turbo EDC Expression 5dr - R269 900  

• New Clio 88kW Turbo GT-Line 5dr - R269 900

• New Clio R.S. 18 F1 (Incl. Metallic Paint) - R449 900

Optional extras

• 7” Touchscreen Navigation (MediaNAV) & leather steering wheel -  Authentique - R10 000 

•Fixed glass roof Dynamique - R 8 000

•Metallic paint - Range -R 2 500

Warranty

As with Renault’s entire range, the Clio models are sold standard with a three-year or 150 000km mechanical warranty and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.

The Clio range also offers a standard three-year or 45 000km service plan with the RS being three-year/ 30 000km. Service intervals are set at 15 000km, with RS models at 10 000km.

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