The feisty new RS 18 is Renault's hottest Clio yet

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.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.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 performanceThe 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.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 roadThe 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.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. FeaturesAside 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. 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.It also boasts the 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.It has 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.It also sports the Renault Hands-free Card Key for convenient remote entry, and in support of the easy Stop/ Start functionality.History of Renault RSThe 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.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.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 storyHaving 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. – Wheels24

The feisty new RS 18 is Renault's hottest Clio yet

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-25

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The feisty new RS 18 is Renault's hottest Clio yet

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-25

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