Renault confirms Clio GT

RENAULT Australia has confirmed it will introduce the Clio GT to its burgeoning light-hatch range in April, offering sporty styling for buyers who are not looking for Renault Sport performance.

The GT 120 EDC differentiates itself from the regular Clio by featuring a restyled front bumper with wide-set LED headlights, a new rear bumper design, twin tailpipes, dark metal mirror caps and body-coloured side mouldings with a dark metal insert.

Other sporty styling flourishes include GT badging underneath the Renault logo on the grille and at the rear, tinted rear glass and 17-inch wheels.

It is available in a ‘Malta Blue’ finish that is exclusive to the GT line, as well as other colours that are yet to be confirmed.

Inside the GT gains bolstered sports seats with upholstery specific to the variant and GT brading on the head-rests, a speckled grey finish to the upper part of the dash, further grey trim highlights and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters.

The powertrain consists of the same 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine delivering 88kW/190Nm and six-speed dual-clutch transmission that is available in Expression and Dynamique variants, offering identical fuel economy of 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

Renault says the chassis in the GT 120 EDC was developed by Renault Sport Technologies for “keener” handling than the regular Clio. Tweaks include 40 per cent stiffer front springs and 30 per cent stiffer dampers as well as bump stops that have been adapted for the ride.

An ‘RS Drive’ function lets drivers choose between different power steering calibrations, as well as accelerator pedal and dual-clutch auto mappings, while a ‘Sport’ mode boosts acceleration and makes for faster gearshifts.

Full pricing and specifications will be announced closer to the on-sale date in April this year.

The French car-maker added a GT-line specification to its mildly updated Megane small-car range last year alongside a special edition 162kW/340Nm GT220 performance wagon that was limited to 220 units.

Renault launched its stylish fourth-generation Clio hatch range in September this year, returning to the light segment after years of only offering hardcore RS versions on the local market. It followed it up with the new-generation RS in December.

Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar said the company is happy with the response to the new-generation Clio and thinks the success of the Megane GT will boost the little Clio even further.

“We have been delighted by the successful launch of the award-winning Clio in Australia and we are confident the Clio GT will add a new and very appealing dimension to the range,” he said.

“Australia is a strong market for sporty models and the new Clio GT is aimed at a customer looking for a slightly sportier driving experience than the standard Clio.”