The Renault Sport designation will get any genuine petrolhead’s heart beating faster. It’s a badge only worn by the hottest of hatches from the Renault stable. The Clio RS should be a case in point, but the move from a manual gearbox to the EDC dual-clutch transmission wasn’t a popular one. Under scrutiny here is the latest, updated Clio RS 220 Trophy – but can it do enough to put the Clio RS critics in their place?

SPECS
Make and model: Renault Clio RS 220 Trophy
Engine: In-line four-cylinder, 1 618 cc, turbo
Power : 162 kW @ 6 050rpm
Torque: 280 Nm @ 2 000 rpm
Power-to-weight ratio: 138,23 kW/ton
Gearbox: Six-speed EDC dual-clutch, FWD
Wheels/tyres: 18-inch alloy, 205/40 R18 tyres

PERFORMANCE
0-100 km/h: 6,6 sec
Top speed: 235 km/h
Fuel tank capacity: 45 litres
Fuel consumption (claimed/tested): 5,9/7,5 litres/100 km
Operating range(claimed/tested): 765/600 km
CO2 emissions: 135 g/km

SUMMARY AND PRICING

PROS
Pocket rocket supreme.
CONS
Choppy ride.

Retail price/as tested: R419 900/R419 000

Rivals
VW Polo GTI DSG: R376 000