Renault launches new sporty Clio ‘S’

Take a pinch of retro styling, a dash of young love and combine it with a handful of new innovative features and you’ve got an instant hit on your hands. It seems almost every manufacturer has gone back through the history books to resurrect an old classic… the VW Beetle… the Fiat 500 and now… the Renault Clio ‘S’.

Building of the successful Clio S formula from the early 1990s, Renault has announced the launch of its new sporty ‘S’ version to the Clio line-up and sales have already started on the new model.

The new Clio ‘S’ still harks back to some of its original styling, such as its trademark white 16-inch ‘Polar' alloy wheels, but includes some new changes to increase its visual appeal. A white front bumper insert, white ‘GT' rear spoiler and optional bold white racing stripes emphasises the car’s sportiness while tinted rear windows and tailgate add a contemporary look.

Inside, the sporty theme continues on the inside, with a bespoke interior including ‘S' embossed upholstery, leather steering wheel and striking white centre console, dashboard inserts and instrument dials.

Although it’s a three-door, the new Clio S is based on the five-door Expression trim which adds electric windows, heated electric mirrors, CD radio with auxiliary jack, and foglights to the equipment list.

Three engines are available on the car, including the 1.2 16V 75, 1.2 TCe 100 and 1.5 dCi 86, all of which meet Renault's eco2 criteria. Buyers have a choice of four colours including: Glacier White, Pearl Black, Capsicum Red and Extreme Blue.

Pricing for the new Clio S versions starts at £11,209 on-the-road for the 1.2 16V 75, rising to £13,458 for the 1.5 dCi 86 A/C.

The new Renault Clio ‘S’ is available to order now and will be in UK showrooms from March

Donna Kelly

18/01/2010