2011 Renault Clio R.S. 200 Australian Grand Prix limited edition

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By Tim Beissmann | March 25th, 2011

Australian Formula 1 racer Mark Webber has unveiled the limited edition 2011 Renault Clio R.S. 200 Australian Grand Prix overnight in Melbourne.

Just 30 Australian Grand Prix models will be produced, all of them with liquid yellow and black paint with black-painted alloy wheels.

With a manufacturer’s list price of $39,990, the special edition is $1000 more than the R.S. 200 Trophée model. For the price, it scores a rear spoiler, yellow paint, black roof and a numbered plaque affixed to the interior.

Like the Trophée, the Grand Prix special also includes Renault Sport Recaro sports seats, Renault Sport monitor and ‘Carbone’ interior trim.

Renault Australia managing director, Justin Hocevar, said the limited edition model would arrive in Renault showrooms in April.

“I am confident the new Clio R.S. 200 Australian Grand Prix limited edition car will become an instant classic,” Mr Hocevar said.

“Especially in Renault Sport’s signature liquid yellow and black paint scheme and I am sure die-hard Renault Sport fans will find it hard to resist.”

The 147kW/215Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is unchanged in the Clio R.S. 200 Australian Grand Prix. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 6.9 seconds and it will go on to hit a top speed of 225km/h. Peak power is delivered at a nose bleed-inducing 7100rpm.

Standard features include red Brembo brake calipers and the aerodynamic front spoiler on the outside, and Bluetooth, climate control, leather steering wheel and gear knob and drilled aluminium pedals.

Reflecting on the 2011 Renault Clio R.S. 200 Australian Grand Prix, Mr Hocevar said the relationship between Renault, Red Bull and Australian driver Mark Webber had been a positive one for all involved.

“Enthusiasm for Renault has also grown as a result of Mark Webber being powered by our Formula 1 engines over the past few seasons, and of course Renault powered Red Bull to the World Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships in 2010,” he said.

“In 2011, Renault is powering a full 25 percent of all entries in the Formula 1 Championship.

“We wish Mark all the best for his campaign this weekend in the Australian Grand Prix and hope that his 2011 season gets off to a strong start.”

Read CarAdvice’s full drive review of the Renault Clio R.S. 200.

Read CarAdvice’s track review of the Renault Clio R.S. 200.

Rex

Fantastic car, but it is simply marked up way too much compared to it’s Euro price. Renault Australia seem to consistently shoot themselves in the foot in this department. It hard to justify forking out 40k on a car that will only be worth 20 in less than 5 years. The second hand market rarely maintains silly price gouging.

adrian

I disagree with you with your comment. yes most car may loose most of there value but I highly doubt that this clio will be as bad. I brought the 20th AE Clio Six months ago and I say I’d rather pay 40K on this than a holden or a ford any day of the week.

Rex

Check car sales pages dude. All other Renaults, limited edition or not, are going for pocket money. This is Polo Gti competiter (yes I am aware it is a million times more desirable, I am mearly stating it’s market class) and should be priced as such.

PJK

A Gti Polo wouldn’t see which way this went. Have you driven both? or either? I paid 40k on the road for the Clio after driving a Polo (yawn) and a Golf (better, but no where near as hard core) and though the Clio will no doubt lose more in resale I didn’t buy it to sell it in two years so who cares? If you’re interested in investing, go buy rael estate.

JML

Correct. I’m considering buying a Megane or Clio sport, but I’d never ever buy a new one. The resale value of Renault’s in Oz is abysmal. I’ll buy used and someone else can take the hit!

Leyianart

Never test drive this car, you will end up buying it!

Another Renault Special edition for the Renault Sport fans.

Renault Sport 4 the win again.
themarvel

Can I get the one signed by Mark?

Philthy

I hope whoever buys it gets some clear coat sprayed over that

Thomas

I believe they put a clear sticker over the bonnet.

dimka

Well all imported cars are very overpriced in Australia. Remember we need to support the dealers that try to make at least 10K from a sale of a 40K car … they surely are struggling …

bob

If you think that dealers make $10K from a $40K car then you are severely deluded and misinformed. Come back to the real world and you’ll find they are making less than half that
PJK

you don’t know much about net dealer margins, do you?

Andrew

I paid full price for my Clio and yes I agree that the price is very steep in Australia. The smile on my face everyday driving to work soon made me forget the price and boy does she corner.
Yeti Man

I would buy the Megane rs250 for an extra 2k. A better car IMO

Thomas

The Renault Sport Megane is faster yes, however you just cant’t get the same purity that you do from a naturally aspirated engine. I would go a Clio any day.

Leyianart

Ok Renault cars loose value but all cars do to a certain degree.

What I really struggle to understand is, if someone is interested in buying a car why are they already thinking of selling it!?

Just enjoy the car you have what comes next will be solved with time.

Renault Sport cars are a disease that has no cure, just ask any Renault Sports owner.
Octavian

Definitely an instant modern classic.
Save It for the track

I gotta agree, brilliant as a Renaultsport Clio is, if I was in teh market for a hot hatch I’d extend to the RS250 Megane for only a few grand more. Around a track or over a set of appropriately twisty closed roads I know the RS Megane would outpace the Clio, I also know that in a Clio RS I could probably outpace most Golf GTi drivers over a given set of twisty’s.
Dan

Loosing value??

You can buy a 2006 BMW M5 for $80k, was $230k brand new….how’s that!!
Leyianart

I’d love to drive this car in a place called Madeira Island.

That would be one hell of a drive!