The Renaultsport Clio IV is the last of the breed of Renault's compact midsized hot hatchbacks that compete against the likes of the defunct Ford Fiesta ST. It's a shame that its successor never spawned the hot version due to the climate of hot hatchback sales but it's a clear reminder that although they are forgotten, they're becoming future classics for generations to come.
Most carmakers say that due to the rise of crossovers, the climate of hot hatches are grim as they've expected because with fewer speedo boys buying hot hatchbacks like the Renaultsport Clio, they have no choice but not to carry on to the next generation of hatchbacks. Sure, they are offering mildly sporty variants of normal hatchbacks but when you're talking about performance, this word is no longer applied to their vocabulary anymore. Sounds tragic but there's more to it than that.
Asked about which version of the Renaultsport Clio is the best, some would say it's the facelifted Renaultsport Clio III because it's the last Renaultsport Clio to be a three-door hot hatch and the last to mated to a manual gearbox. Yes, the Renaulptsport Clio IV is a fast hatchback indeed on a track day but when it comes to excitement, it's the Renaultsport Clio III that stands out the most.
With its 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, Brembo brake calipers, and upgraded suspension, it's all about back to basics with the Renaultsport Clio III. The Renaultsport Clio IV, meanwhile, is kind of unorthodox because of its questionable powertrain. It's powered by the same 1.6L DIG TURBO engine as the Nissan Juke but it produces 200PS of power, about the same as its predecessor, but it's been mated to a 6-speed EDC that shifts quicker than the previous model but in terms of driving experience, it rather spoils the fun. Despite the gearbox, the reworked chassis and dynamics made the Renaultsport Clio IV more capable to drive on a track-day basis.
Speaking of which, it's time to give these last runners of the Renaultsport Clio lineage a quick and dirty drive downhill from the caldera to see which one is the quickest. Before you ask, yes, I got that Renaultsport Clio III from the FORDZATHON Hot Season Playlist you're on now, so if you haven't got it, it's your last chance.
Anyway, with the preparations set, the search for the answer begins now.
With their runs completed, here are the results;
Clio III RS F/L - 4m13.020s
Clio IV RS - 4m12.402s
As expected, it's a close result between the two Clios. The Renaultsport Clio IV managed to beat its predecessor by nearly a second. That's incredible for a car with similar performance as its previous model even though they're way out of their leagues.
It's sad that the Renaultsport Clio IV is the last of its kind and because its successor never spawned the hot version due to the climate of hot hatchback sales, there's nothing to do but express dejection while getting appreciated for what they're driving right now. It may not be the best Clio ever made but it's going to be a future classic for generations to come.
One day the hot Clio will return but because Renaultsport is finished for good, it will become an Alpine. Sounds far-fetched but there may be a glimmer of hope for the revival of a hot Clio. Until then, enjoy what's left in the Renaultsport Clio lineage.
The more you know.
No comments:
Post a Comment