The Renault Clio has a long and storied history spanning over 20 years. We know that getting your head around all the different generations can be tricky so here’s all Clio Sport models explained, with performance stats, features, engine specs and more!
Clio 2 RS 172 Phase 1
Released: 1999
Horsepower: 172
Engine: 2.0L F4R 730 16-Valve Inline 4
Features: Variable Valve Timing, half leather interior, half alcantara leather seats, air-con.
Featuring retro rally styling, the genesis of the Clio Sport is a great looking classic piece of French hot-hatch history.
Clio 2 RS 172 Phase 2
Released: 2001
Horsepower: 172
Engine: 2.0L F4R 736 16-Valve Inline 4
Features: Variable Valve Timing, half leather interior, half alcantara leather seats, facelift exterior (redesigned front and rear), automatic climate control, revised gearbox, single barrel catalytic converter.
Another classic from the archives, this was the first version that featured the updated facelift exterior that (almost) everyone knows and loves.
Clio 2 RS 172 Cup
Released: 2002
Horsepower: 172
Engine: 2.0L F4R 736 16-Valve Inline 4
Features: 16 Inch Speedline Turini wheels, significant weight savings throughout, 6.5 Second 0-60 time, ‘Cup’ spec front splitter, ‘Cup’ rear spoiler, no ABS brake system.
A stripped-out race version of the standard 172. The car comes with less as standard but boasts impressive performance both on and off the track.
Clio 2 RS 182
Released: 2004
Horsepower: 182
Engine: 2.0L F4R 738 16-Valve Inline 4
Features: New colour options, cruise control, Electronic Stability Program, dual exit exhaust, optional ‘Cup’ chassis and cup style pack, half alcantara seats.
The car, the myth, the legend. The Clio 182 is a legend in hot hatch circles with improved performance and that fantastic dual exhaust at the back.
Clio 2 RS 182 Cup
Released: 2004
Horsepower: 182
Engine: 2.0L F4R 738 16-Valve Inline 4
Features: Comes as standard with the optional Cup chassis and Cup style pack, cloth seats, sound deadening removed.
One-upping the standard 182, the Cup model comes in custom colours and was built with a focus on weight-reduction and performance.
Clio 2 RS 182 Trophy
Released: 2004
Horsepower: 182
Engine: 2.0L F4R 738 16-Valve Inline 4
Features: Limited to only 500, Recaro Trendline seats, 727 Capsicum Red paint, Trophy decals on side skirts, Sachs remote-reservoir dampers.
Widely regarded as the world’s greatest hot hatch. The Clio Trophy comes jam-packed with add-ons and is quickly becoming one of the fastest appreciating hot hatches on the market, regularly commanding upwards of £20,000.
Clio 3 RS 197
Released: 2006
Horsepower: 197
Features: Revised exterior, rear diffuser, brake cooling vents, faster 0-60 time, improved engine, 6-speed gearbox with shorter gearing.
Engine: 2.0L 16-Valve Inline 4
Drawing inspiration from Renault’s Formula 1 car, the first of the ‘modern’ Clios features a fully updated exterior and performance aero parts including a rear diffuser and brake cooling vents.
Clio 3 RS 200
Released: 2009
Horsepower: 200
Engine: 2.0L 16-Valve Inline 4
Features: Improved exhaust system, valve timing and ECU. Shorter gearing, improved chassis, larger tailpipes.
The Clio 200 has become one of the most highly-regarded hot hatches of all time. Boasting huge horsepower, improved dynamics thanks to a tweaked chassis and a more aggressive exterior.
Clio 4 RS 200 EDC
Released: 2012
Horsepower: 200
Engine: 1.6L DIG-T Nissan 16v Inline 4
Features: Modern exterior and interior upgrades, 6-speed EDC dual-clutch transmission, 5 door only.
Tech-focussed with a new engine from Nissan and dual-clutch automatic transmission, this car heralded the arrival of the modern age of Clios.
So that’s all Clio Sport models explained! Clearly we’re biased but we think the Renault Clio is one of the most widely-regarded hot hatch models of all time. The pedigree of the car throughout its generations is clear and almost all models especially from the earlier generations are rapidly appreciating in value, meaning these quirky French hot hatches are a great investment in a future classic for all budgets.
