Renault Sport’s Clio 197 and F1 Team R27 have been snapped-up by enthusiasts of European hot hatches. Now the company has stepped-up again with the launch of two newcomers - the Clio Renault Sport 200 Cup and 200 Cup Trophee.
Renault has a rich history of high performance compact cars that even precedes the iconic 1976 R5 Alpine and claims the new ‘Cup’ model Clio’s 166hp per tonne is the best power-to-weight ratio in the class. GTI-badged Volkswagens certainly have some stiff competition from the French giant.
What You Get
BMW, Toyota and Honda have walked away from Formula One (F1) Grand Prix racing, but Renault remains a front-runner in the world’s ultimate form of motor sport. The Sport 200 Cup models benefit not only from the brand image, but also the technology.
The three-door Clio is a European compact so its dimensions might not suit everyone, but priced from $36,490, the Sport 200 Cup already has enthusiasts lining up to purchase.
Lots of genuine aerodynamic kit - including a front bumper blade and rear diffuser - deliver 35kgs of downforce at 100km/h and the lively 148kW, 2.0-litre engine is keen to rev past 7,000rpm.
Engine
Car Showroom loved the 2.0-litre, 16-valve engine – fettled by Renault Sport – in the previous Clio 197 and R27, but for the new Cup 200, power is up to 148kW at 7,100 rpm (torque remains unchanged at 215Nm at 5,400 rpm).
Amongst the changes, Renault Sport reprogrammed the ECU, revised the variable valve timing and devised a new cylinder head to provide 20 per cent more torque at lower engine speeds. Now 95 per cent of peak torque is available at 3,000 rpm and this is clearly noticeable on the road.
Consumption and emissions have both reduced – now down to 8.2l/100kms and 195g/km.
We advise muting the audio system and listening to the song of this thing revving. A superb exhaust note was one of the development goals of Renault Sport and the 3Y-type exhaust manifold and fat twin tailpipes is the result – music to the ears of enthusiast drivers.
Drive is to the front wheels via Renault’s TL4 close-ratio, six-speed transmission. Updates for the 200 Cup models are shorter ratios for first to third gears for speedier acceleration from low speeds and a taller sixth gear for easier cruising.
The Interior
Both 200 Cup and 200 Cup Trophee models offer very nicely styled European sports interiors. On the inside, the Trophee model gains Recaro Renault Sport height-adjustable front seats and a simulated carbon fibre gloss finish for the center instrument binnacle.
As a racer-for-the-road, the interior is still beautifully finished and includes climate-control air-conditioning, drilled alloy pedals, Bluetooth connectivity and MP3-compatible, four-speaker CD sound.
The thick, contoured leather-wrapped steering wheel adjusts for rake/reach and the driving position is top-shelf. Instruments are the conventional two-dials but we particularly liked the yellow tachometer – a real racing touch which is very easy to read.
Boot capacity is surprisingly good with 288 litres standard or 1,038 litres with the 60/40-split rear seat folded.
Exterior & Styling
Renault does not sell the standard Clio is Australia and the Cup 200 models are actually wider with broader front and rear fenders to accommodate their extra track (1,520mm at the rear), 17-inch alloy wheels and 215/45 rubber. Large extractor vents behind the front wheels aren’t styling add-ons – they extract hot air from the engine and brakes, redirecting it down the side for reduced turbulence and enhanced high-speed stability.
The front is punctuated by the blade and F1-style splitter, which flows smoothly into the wide front fenders.
At the rear, air passing under the flat floor is channeled to the finned diffuser at a specific 28-degree angle to create a low-pressure area – providing 35kgs of downforce at 100 km/h. Tail-lights sit outwards on the wide rear fenders and the clear glass, curved headlights do the same at the front.
Wheels are five-spoke 17-inch alloy for the 200 Cup while the 200 Cup Trophee gains 17-inch BeBop design alloys.
All up, Renault’s pocket rocket delivers just the right combination of ‘Boy Racer’ looks, European style and genuine F1-derived aerodynamic technology – it’s very much the ‘Real Deal’ in hot European hatches.
On The Road
To launch the 200 Cup models in Australia, Renault invited some 400 customers and prospective customers to Melbourne’s Sandown Raceway and had the Renault F1 team (in town for the Australian Grand Prix) along to really pump things up. It was an impressive show of strength from the French giant and prior to the customers arriving, Car Showroom had the chance to sample both models in some fast laps around Sandown.
In a very short time we were smiling broadly – we had Europe’s latest hot hatch in an ideal environment to enjoy its sharp handling and the delights of that 2.0-litre engine revving hard.
Renault employs an independent steering axis in the front suspension, which separates the steering function from the uprights to reduce mid-corner torque steer. The rear is a programmed deflection torsion beam and most suspension parts use lightweight alloy.
Brakes are Brembo four-pot front calipers with single-piston TRW rears. There’s ABS and Electronic Stability Program (the latter can be turned off).
Naturally, we kept the traction control on because that is the fastest way to navigate a race track (or mountain road at high speed). And to be honest, the Renault system has been programmed for performance drivers so its cut-in is not too jagged.
Both 200 Cup models are an enthusiast drivers delight with rapid acceleration, commanding braking performance, pin-sharp turn-in, nice mid-corner balance and handy exit speeds from both slow and mid-speed corners.
Challenges
Like its segment rivals, the 200 Cup’s tight rear seat and tricky access will limit its suitability for families.
Verdict
The rave reviews from the European media are correct – European hot hatches don’t come any better than Renault’s 200 Cup. The F1 input is more than a sticker or two – this Renault is really engineered in the race shop.
The Competition
200 Cup is priced at $36,490 and the Cup Trophee at $38,990 – that undercuts the previous R27.
Volkswagen’s Golf GTI starts at $38,990 but doesn’t have the F1 pedigree of the 200 Cup.
Alfa Romeo’s 147 doesn’t deliver the ‘Boy Racer’ looks of the Renault but is a handy performer. Same for Peugeot’s 207 GTI.
Likes:
Renault’s motor sport department has delivered a beauty
Dislikes:
Cramped rear seat
