Classed-up hot hatch: Clio Renault Sport Luxe
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The Clio Renault Sport is a slick little buzz-bomber, delivering 197 GTI-fighting horses from its 2.0L 16V four-banger. Introduced a little over a year ago, the car is getting a new trim level: Luxe. As you might infer, the Clio RS Luxe is a dressed up affair, but don't worry, underneath all the added niceties, it's still the same sporty hatch it was designed to be.
So, what does the Luxe moniker add? Outside, satin-finish side extractor vents and rearview mirrors are the easy tipoffs. Open the door, and full leather contrast-stitched two-tone seats beckon the driver, along with dressier trim elements on the dashboard and premium accessories such as embroidered floormats. In terms of creature comforts, climate control, rain sensing wipers, and automatic lights also find their way onto the list of standard equipment.
Listen, the Clio Renault Sport is an attractive package as is. The Luxe version serves to pull in the drivers who are attracted to its performance potential, but want a higher level of standard equipment. Mission accomplished. We'd head to out local Renault dealer for a test drive, but there is no such thing as the "local Renault dealer" here in the US. Drat.
[Source: Renault]
Gallery: Clio Renault Sport Luxe
PRESS RELEASE:
Clio Renault Sport Luxe
Grand refinement in a small sports car
Renault is marketing a version of Clio Renault Sport Luxe to meet demand from customers looking for a vehicle that combines high performance, comfort, refinement, and safety. Clio Renault Sport Luxe boasts standards of performance and charisma on a par with its predecessor Clio Renault Sport. It offers a wide range of equipment like leather upholstery, 17-inch diamond wheels, and chrome external features. Clio Renault Sport Luxe is an outstanding vehicle, due to hit the market in May 2007 in France and Italy, and subsequently other markets with country-specific option packs.
Based on Clio Renault Sport, Clio Renault Sport Luxe offers (depending on the country):
Stylish exterior design
• 17-inch Be Bop diamond wheels
• Satin-finish, chrome-plated side air extractor vents
• Satin-finish, chrome-plated rearview mirror casing
Equipment that provides comfort and safety
• Climate control
• Rain and light sensor
• Additional cornering lights
A modern, carefully finished, sporty interior
• Leather upholstery with Renault Sport embroidery on headrests
• Central and lateral air vents with satin-finish chrome-plated trim
• Polished night blue dashboard fascia and strip
• Renault Sport floor mats
Clio Renault Sport Luxe comes in two metallic colours (Dark Black and Monako Blue) and two non-metallic colours (Toro Red and Dynamo Blue).
Clio Renault Sport Luxe will be produced at the Renault plant in Dieppe. It will be marketed in France and Italy from May 2007 and subsequently on different markets with country-specific option packs.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jvvv 3:28PM (4/12/2007)
I'm driving a clio right now and if this is still as fun to drive as the one i'm driving (previous model)... Clio's are great cars!
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nagmashot 3:51PM (4/12/2007)
The Clio sport is not placed in the Golf GTI class, there is Renault represented by the Megan Sport, Megan Sport Trophy and the Megan F1 edition models... it is one class below were it face the Opel Corsa OPC(192hp), VW Polo GTI Cup Edition (180hp), Mini CooperS JCW GP Kit (210hp), Seat Ibiza Cupra R (180hp).
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Harrison 7:58PM (4/12/2007)
"...but there is no such thing as the "local Renault dealer" here in the US. Drat."
Not in the US, but there are Renault dealers in Mexico.
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golf 5 rules 1:26PM (6/05/2007)
Renault should go to the US with the Clio, Scenic, and perhaps the Megane. This is a chance to be the brand that makes nice, comfortable small cars that have the Paris design touch.
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