Renault Clio V6 Renaultsport: Crazy Mid-engined Hot Hatch #blogpost

The Renaultsport Clio V6 is quite known in CT. But, not everyone did mention about it. (probably because too many Skylines are here)
So, today, I’m going to talk about Renault’s only true superhatch on this blog here.

Overview

The Clio V6 was based on the Clio Mk II, though it shares very few parts with that car. Also, unlike other Clios, the Clio V6 is fitted with a 3.0 60° V6 engine sourced from the Renault Laguna and fitted into the REAR of the car. That’s crazy, as they fitted the powerplant at the place where the rear seats is located on other Clios. Also, the car is only fitted with 6-speed manual gearbox.

Phase I (2001-2003)

Hand assembled in Uddevalla in Sweden, using parts shipped from France by none other than TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing), the original Clio V6 is essentially a slightly de-tuned version of the same car raced in the Clio Cup. The Laguna-sourced 3.0 V6 engine, now generates 230 PS (169 kW; 227 bhp) after TWR’s input. On the debit side, it’s weight is 1,355 kg (2,987 lb), some 300kg more than the Clio 172 Cup.

The car’s rear suspension is changed into a multi-link, rather of the torsion beam used on the ordinary Clio. The track is widened considerably and the wheelbase is longer than the norm. It that means the Clio V6 can handle corners easily.
To recognize the relative rarity of Clio V6s, each car is numbered with a plaque on the centre console behind the handbrake.
Accelerating to 60 mph (97 km/h) needs 6.2 seconds and its maximum speed was set at 146 mph.

Phase II (2003-2005)

The Phase I isn’t perfect at all. At the limit, the Phase I Clio V6 is quite hard to handle. So, in 2003, the Phase II of the Clio V6 is launched. Firstly, the newer one is more prettier than the original due to the new styling changes used. The Clio V6 Phase II gained even more weight, but counters it with an additional 25 horsepower, means the V6 engine now generates 255 bhp, more than the Golf R32, Alfa Romeo 147 GTA and the SEAT León Cupra R, thanks to Porsche’s help. Braking power is also upgraded too.

Not only this, production changed to it’s spiritual home at the ex-Alpine Renaultsport Dieppe factory, which means the car is finally French-built. 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 cars acceleration now increased to 5.9 seconds (0-100km/h) and a top speed now reports 153 mph (246 km/h).

Problems

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 in, a small netted area behind the seats plus a small stash area under the tailgate.

The end of a quriky V6 hatch

In late 2005, the Clio V6 has finally stopped production. Only 1513 units (256 units in the UK) of Phase I cars and 1309 units (354 units in the UK) of Phase II cars were made. No replacement of the desirable V6 is considered, means that only 4-cylinder engines are available on future Clios.
Now, the Clio V6 is gaining cult status as production of these rare and beautiful cars has now ceased. Even Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson commented: “In my perfect ten car garage I would definitely have one of these – no question.”

Thanks for reading! I will do more posts like this!