Renault Clio RS220 Trophy is a little rocket

Five things we learnt about the Renault Clio RS220 Trophy.

2016 Renault Clio.

1. RENAULT WANTS TO BE TOP OF THE HEAP

Renault faces plenty of competition in the pocket rocket segment. The “hero” models include arch rival Peugeot’s 208 GTi, the VW Polo GTi and to a lesser extent, Fiat Abarth 595 Competitzione, Citroen DS3 DSport and Fiesta ST. European brands don’t like being bested and this Clio is a prime example of how deeply that is felt. Renault wasn’t going to take being stomped and came out with the (to date) ultimate small stomper. They could potentially take it further.

2. ... AND IS PREPARED TO BACK ITSELF

The RS220 is more than a hotter version of the RS200 — Renault took pains to address shortcomings in the latter. A larger turbo pumps more boost into the 1.6-litre, the RS220’s engine computer is remapped and there are a high flow intake and redesigned exhaust. It has sharper steering via a 10 per cent faster rack, quicker gear changes in the six-speed electronic gearbox, lower ride height for better cornering, stiffer dampers and, in fourth and fifth gear, torque boost for snappier acceleration.

2016 Renault Clio.

3. IT HAS A GOOD STARTING POINT

An already impressive car becomes a great hot hatch that more than covers the competition in outright performance and handling. The RS200 can be a tad doughy in corner exits, braking and gear changing, especially at the track — the RS220 is blistering in comparison. The limited-slip diff, common to both cars, seems to hook up and drive better, the steering allows more accurate placement of the car and the rapid-fire gear changes add to its overall sharpness.

4. IT’S RELATIVELY GOOD VALUE

It’s $39,990 but that may be irrelevant — Renault brought in only 220 examples. That sort of money buys plenty of go-fast cars, up into the next size class including Subaru’s WRX. The car we drove, with big wheels and stunning satin matt white paint, stands out in a crowd. Renault fits the RS220 with plenty of kit as standard. There are three driving modes, Normal, Sport and Race. Advanced driver assist features are not available. The car scores a five-star crash rating. It has leather-trimmed semi-race seats, decent audio, extensive infotainment, paddle-shifters and sports wheel. At heart, it is a practical five-door hatch.

5. IT WILL TEMPT DRIVERS KEEN ON WHEEL TIME

The Clio RS220 is a great car to drive, combining soundtrack, looks and performance. For a car this size, $40K is still a big ask but the RS220 is a tempting proposition, not least for its exclusivity. It makes sense for an owner who enjoys wheel time and likes to back it up with track sessions at weekends.

AT A GLANCE

RENAULT CLIO RS220 TROPHY

PRICE $39,990

SAFETY 5 stars

ENGINE 1.6-litre, 4-cyl turbo, 165kW/280Nm

TRANSMISSION 6-speed man; FWD

THIRST 6.5L/100km