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Renault Clio III (Phase I) RS 2.0 i 16V (200 Hp)
Overall Rating
Renault Clio:
The Renault Clio is a supermini car, produced by French automobile manufacturer Renault. It was launched in 1990, and entered its sixth generation in 2025. The Clio has had substantial critical and commercial success, being consistently one of Europe's top-selling cars since its launch, and it is largely credited with restoring Renault's reputation and stature after a difficult second half of the 1980s. The Clio is one of only two cars, the other being the Volkswagen Golf, to have been voted European Car of the Year twice: in 1991 and in 2006....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III (Phase I) Overview:
Renault Clio (III (Phase I)). With 215 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1240 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.9 s). The top speed reaches 215 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
RS 2.0 i 16V (200 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Exceptional, thrilling performance, making it a true hot hatch icon with superb handling.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption, but slightly better than the 197hp version for similar performance.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent Euro NCAP safety rating for its time.
- • Comfortable and refined ride quality.
- • Spacious interior and practical boot for a supermini.
- • Wide range of efficient diesel and potent petrol engines.
- • Solid build quality compared to previous Clio generations.
Cons:
- • Some interior plastics feel less premium than rivals.
- • Automatic transmissions can be sluggish and impact fuel economy.
- • Certain engine variants, particularly early diesels, had known reliability issues (e.g., injectors).
- • Higher fuel consumption on some of the larger petrol engines.
- • Steering can feel a bit numb compared to some rivals.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III (Phase I): 2005 - 2009).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Renault |
| Model: | Clio |
| Generation: | III (Phase I) |
| Modification (Engine): | RS 2.0 i 16V (200 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2006 |
| End of production: | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 200 Hp @ 7250 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 100.1 Hp/l [173mm more] |
| Torque: | 215 Nm @ 5500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | F4R 832 More details about the engine F4R 832 |
| Engine displacement: | 1998 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.4 l |
| Coolant: | 5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82.7 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 93 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 215 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.2 kg/Hp, 161.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 173.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1240 |
| Max. weight: | 1690 |
| Max load: | 450 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1038 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 288 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3991 mm [173mm more] |
| Width: | 1768 mm [129mm more] |
| Height: | 1484 mm [67mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2585 mm [113mm more] |
| Front track: | 1520 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1520 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 215/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Renault Clio?