2018 Renault Clio R.S Australian pricing announced

Australian pricing for the 2018 Renault Clio R.S has been announced, with the facelifted hot-hatch getting a price increase or drop depending on the variant.

The more performance-focused of the two, the Clio R.S Cup, will command a $32,490 price tag, while the more ‘every day’ R.S Sport will cost $30,990.

Both feature the same 1.6 litre turbocharged four-pot, with both putting out 147kW and 260Nm, but the chassis tune on each is different.

Additionally, the Cup scores 18-inch alloy wheels while the Sport sits on 17s.

Both get a six-speed dual-clutch auto transmission with column-mounted paddle shifts but there’s no manual option in sight.

In terms of the facelift, the most obvious design change is the addition of Renault chequered flag-shaped lights, which Renault is calling ‘R.S Vision’.

Renault Australia boss Justin Hocevar says the lights are exclusive to Renault Sport vehicles.

“This highly-efficient lighting signature enhances night-time visibility, by co-ordinating the fog lights, cornering lights and side lights as well as the long-range headlights.”

Renault adds that the following three packs are available on both variants as factory-fitted options:

• Black Pack: F1-inspired black blade on front bumper, black boot lid and black Renault Sport badge, black rear diffuser, black trim inserts on side door protection and black 17 inch alloy wheels (Sport only, Cup has black alloys)
• Leather Pack: dark leather upholstery with red highlights and R.S. badge on front headrest, heated front seats and height adjustable passenger seat
• Entertainment Pack: R-LINK navigation and multimedia system with voice control, Android Auto phone mirroring, R.S. Monitor, BOSE® premium sound system (four speakers, two dashboard tweeters, bass box and amplifier) and R-Sound

The black pack is a $500 offering, while the Leather pack and Entertainment pack will both add $1500 to the price of a new Clio.

“The Renault Sport badge has a long and successful history here in Australia,” Hocevar adds.

“Australia consistently appears in the top five for global Renault Sport sales and we expect this to continue with this new-look model.”