Manufacturer Renault Sport Production 2001–2005 Body style 2-door hatchback | Also called Renault Clio V6 Class Hot hatch Layout MR layout | |
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The Renault Clio V6 Renault Sport is a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout hot hatch based on the Renault Clio launched in 2001. Designed by French automaker Renault the Phase 1 models were built by Tom Walkinshaw Racing and Phase 2 were designed and helped by Porsche and built by Renault Sport in Dieppe. The mid-engined, wide-body concept of the Clio V6 was very reminiscent of the 1980s Renault 5 Turbo.
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Clio V6 Phase 1 (2001–2003)
The Clio V6 was based on the Clio Mk II, though it shares very few parts with that car. The 3.0 60° V6 engine, sourced from the PSA group (ES9J, the same utilized in the Peugeot 406, 407, 607, and the Citroen C 5) although the Laguna engine, PRV (Peugeot, Renault & Volvo) an earlier development 90° V based in a V8 that never was, was upgraded to around 230 PS (169 kW; 227 bhp) and placed in the middle of the vehicle where the more ordinary Clios have rear seats – making this car a two-seater hot hatch.
In order to accommodate the radical change from front-engine, front-wheel drive hatchback to mid-engine, rear-wheel drive two-seater quasi-coupé, the car had to be extensively reworked structurally, leading to the Phase 1 version being some 300 kg (660 lb) heavier than the sportiest "regular" Clio, the 172 Cup. Due to this, even though the V6 model had significantly more power, it was not remarkably faster in a straight line accelerating to legal road speeds than the 172 Cup – accelerating to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.2 seconds compared to the Cup's 6.7 seconds – though its maximum speed was significantly higher (146 mph compared to 138 mph). The raw sound of the V6 engine just behind the driver and RWD made the driving experience very different to the normal front engined front wheel drive car
Clio V6 Phase 2 (2003–2005)
At the time of its launch in 2003, the upgraded Phase 2 Clio V6 was the most powerful serial produced hot hatch in the world with 255 bhp (190 kW), exceeding the Alfa Romeo 147 GTA (250 PS (184 kW; 247 bhp)) and the SEAT León Cupra R (225 PS (165 kW; 222 bhp)). Based on the Phase 1 engine, its extra performance was helped with assistance from Porsche.
Though based on a utilitarian hatchback, the Clio V6 is not a practical family car. With an average fuel consumption of 24 miles per imperial gallon (12 L/100 km; 20 mpg‑US), this resulted in an empty fuel tank in just over 300 miles (480 km). The loss of the back seats and most of the boot space, due to the engine placement, results in a severe restriction in luggage space – there is only a small space in the front where the engine used to be, suitable for a holdall or week-end groceries, a small netted area behind the seats plus a small stash area under the tailgate. The enhanced steering makes tight manoeuvring a little challenging, the turning circle is 13 m (42.7 ft) – around three car lengths – turning what might normally be a three-point turn into a five-point turn. The Clio V6 Phase 2 gained even more weight, but offset it with an additional 25 horsepower. This resulted in a reduced 0–60 mph run at 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 153 mph (246 km/h).
Standard equipment includes rain sensing windscreen wipers, automatic headlights, air conditioning, and six speakers and CD changer. The Phase 2 Clio V6 retailed for £27,125 in the United Kingdom, until it was withdrawn from sale in 2005 coinciding with a facelift for the Clio range. The long-term reviews in Evo magazine were enthusiastic, claiming "It's a modern classic" for the Phase 2 version.