Renault Clio GT confirmed for Australia – arriving April

Renault Australia has confirmed that the new Clio GT is coming to Australia. It will sit between the regular Clio 4 range and the Clio R.S. 200 EDC top dog in the company’s line-up.

“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,” said Renault Australia Managing Director, Justin Hocevar.

“The Megane range was the first in Australia to introduce the Renault Sport-created GT versions in mid-2013, and they have already developed a loyal following.

“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,” added Hocevar.

Available exclusively in Malta Blue finish, the Clio GT 120 EDC features a front bumper incorporating wide-set LED lights, a special rear bumper design, twin exhaust tailpipes, body-coloured side protective mouldings with dark metal insert, dark metal door mirror housings, extra-tinted rear glass and unique 17-inch alloy wheels. There is also a GT badging beneath the Renault logo at the front and rear.

Inside, the bolstered, sport seats boast specific upholstery with GT-branded head rests while the dashboard features speckled grey finish in addition to grey trim highlights. Two fixed EDC paddle shifters are mounted behind the leather-wrapped sports steering wheel.

Underneath its bonnet, the GT 120 EDC is offered exclusively with the TCe120 EDC powertrain. The 1.2-litre turbocharged engine delivers 120hp (90kW) and 190Nm through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. It returns a combined averaged of 5.2L/100km and emits 120g/km of CO₂.

Like the Clio R.S., the GT’s chassis has been tweaked by Renault Sport Technologies, with the front springs and dampers being 40% and 30% stiffer respectively. The car’s bump stops have also been adapted accordingly.

Clio GT 120 EDC’s multi-mode R.S. Drive function allows drivers to choose between a number of power steering calibrations and accelerator pedal and dual-clutch automatic transmission mappings.

The new Clio GT will go on sale in April 2014 with pricing and specifications announced closer to launch.