Renault Australia has recently announced its newest creation; that being the release of its hot-hatch Clio twins, the 2010 Clio Renault Sport 200 Cup and Clio Renault Sport 200 Cup Trophee. The revised sporty Clio is said to improve the driving experience, despite being only marginally more powerful than its predecessor.

The RS 200 Cup and Cup Trophee undoubtedly boast the aerodynamic benefits from Renault’s F1 involvement. The vehicles feature an airflow-directing blade which is built into the frontal bumper. Additionally the air-extractors in the front wing are complemented by a joint-functioning rear diffuser. Similar to the Clio Renault Sport 197, the front and rear panels have been accentuated to accommodate a wider track.

The Clio RS is distinct in its variety of vibrant colour schemes, of which include Glacier White, Ultra Red, Racing Blue and the metallic Albi Blue, Nimbus, Deep Black, and limited edition Alien Green and Liquid Yellow in pearlescent finishes. Internally, the cabin fosters the same sporty appeal; with its perforated leather steering wheel with a centre line, aluminium pedal facings and a fresh yellow rev-counter with an audible and visible gearshift indicator. Renault Sport badging is displayed on the rev-counter, sills and front seats. The seats in the 200 Cup might I add – follow that sporty, performance-oriented theme – fitted standard.

Both models/versions feature different equipment sets. The Clio Renault Sport 200 Cup is leveled at driving enthusiasts primarily concerned with the driving experience rather than comfort, whereas the 200 Cup Trophee is for enthusiasts seeking exceptional standard equipment and a sporty drive experience.

In terms of power, the Clio Renault Sport 200 Cup delivers. Employing, a 2.0 litre 16V four-cylinder engine, the vehicle offers 147.5kW at 7100rpm (up 2.5kW) and 215Nm of torque at 5400rpm. from The extra power is attributable to Renault’s revised cylinder head and improvements to engine management system. At 1204 kilograms, this lightweight vehicle has a power-to-weight ratio of 73.5kW per tonne. This is largely due to the use of aluminium suspension components. Additionally, the 200 Cup employs an independent steering axis suspension engineered to cut torque steer. A programmed deflection torsion beam has also been incorporated as part of the rear suspension. This feature complements the independent steering axis of the front and allows for more precision when turning. The springs are now 27% and 30% stiffer (front and back respectively) and 15% stiffer are the shock absorbers.

The roll-bar is now larger by 1 mm, making the body movement of the vehicle more controlled. Torsional rigidity is also improved by 10%. Additionally, the new wheels are lighter by 1 kilogram, on account of the fact they are aluminium alloy. Braking is assisted by ventilated discs (312mm) and 4-piston Brembo frontal calipers. The rear features 300mm solid rear discus and single-piston TRW calipers.

The Clio twins are now available for sale. The 200 Cup starts at $36,490.

Clio Renault Sport 200 Cup:
• 17” Anthracite colour five spoke open design Renault Sport alloy wheels, red brake calipers
• Climate control
• Bluetooth
• Cruise control
• Speed limiter
• Front fog lamps
• Electrically-adjustable and heated door mirrors
• Automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers
• One touch electric windows
• Eight airbags – auto-adaptive driver and passenger, lateral airbags, full length side curtain airbags and anti-submarining front seat airbags
• ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Disconnectable ESP stability control
• Reach and rake adjustable steering column
• Renault Sport leather steering wheel with yellow centre marking
• Multi-function trip computer
• 4 x 20W RDS CD MP3 radio with fingertip steering column controls and auxiliary socket with RCA and USB inputs
• Drilled aluminium pedal facings
• RAID (Renault Anti Intruder Device) which automatically locks the doors at over 8kph
• Two height-adjustable rear head rests
• 60:40 split folding rear seat
• Black door mirrors, gloss black finish to the rear diffuser and the centre section of the front bumper
• Body-coloured side mouldings

The 200 Cup Trophee adds the following items:
• Renault Hands Free Keycard
• Electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors
• Recaro Renault Sport height adjustable seats (anti submarining airbags not available on Recaro seats)
• 17” Renaultsport BeBop alloy wheels
• Fascia with simulated carbon fibre gloss finish to the centre binnacle and accent strip
• Anthracite insert on door mirrors, gloss anthracite finish to the rear diffuser and the centre section of the front bumper
For both models, there are optional additions such as the new TomTom navigation system, and metallic paint.