Renault Clio GT launched from $25,290

Renault has brought the new Clio GT to Australia. The latest model to join the attractive Clio range is aimed at customers who want a sporty look, but who are not in the market for the performance of an R.S. model.

Pricing (excluding on roads) for the Clio GT starts from $25,290 for the standard model and $28,790 for the Premium, bridging the gap between the Clio passenger car range and the range-topping Clio RS.

Read our Renault Clio RS review here

To emphasise its sport exterior, the new Clio GT features a front bumper design incorporating wide-set LED lights, a unique rear bumper design, chrome twin exhaust tailpipes, body-coloured side protective mouldings with satin grey inserts, satin grey door mirror housings, privacy rear windows and distinctive 17-inch anthracite alloy wheels. In addition, exclusive GT badging is visible on both the front and rear of the vehicle.

The new Clio GT is available in six body colours, including the striking Malta Blue finish – available solely on GT-variants.

The sporty styling continues to the interior of the Clio GT with bolstered-sport seats; upholstered in an exclusive GT finish with GT embroidery on the head rests. Dark grey trim highlights adorn the interior and the upper part of the dashboard features a speckled grey finish. The leather-trimmed sports steering wheel carries the iconic GT badging and dark metal gear shift paddles are fixed behind the steering wheel.

The new Clio GT is available exclusively with the TCe 120 powertrain from the central Clio range. This 1.2-litre 120hp (88 kW) turbo engine delivers peak torque of 190Nm and is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, sourced from Getrag. Renault claims an average fuel consumption figure of 5.2 litres/100 km for the Clio GT.

Developed by Renault Sport Technologies, Clio GT features an exclusive GT chassis, specifically designed to provide a keener handling edge than the central Clio range. The GT chassis’ springs are 5% stiffer compared to the standard Clio and the damping forces are increased by 50%  at the front and 40% at the rear.

To further enhance the driving experience, the multi-mode R.S. Drive function, previously only available on the Clio RS, has been carried over to the Clio GT. The R.S. Drivers can choose between Normal and Sport mode. In Sport mode, the throttle response is sharpen, gearshifts speeds are reduced to 170 milliseconds and specific steering calibrations and throttle mapping settings are apparent. Against the stopwatch, 0-100km/h is achieved in a swift 9.4 seconds.

“We are delighted to launch the new Clio GT, the latest addition in the award-winning Clio line-up. The new Clio range, introduced in September 2013, has reignited the light segment thanks to its striking and stylish looks”, said Justin Hocevar, Managing Director Renault Australia, during the launch of the new Clio GT.

“Through Clio we have been able to introduce our vibrant brand to a wide range of new customers. We are confident that the new Clio GT will continue this trend and be popular amongst younger buyers who want the sporty look of the GT however their lifestyle doesn’t require the additional performance of the Clio RS,” continued Hocevar.

The new Clio GT has a 5 year/unlimited kilometre warranty and is eligible for Renault’s Capped Price Servicing program of just $299 per calendar year for the first three years. It will go on sale nationally on April 30th, 2014.