Renault Clio GT confirmed for Australia
Yet another Renault Clio variant has been confirmed for Australia - this time, it's the Clio GT.
The new Clio GT is said to offer buyers a car "aimed at customers who want a sporty look, but who are not in the market for the performance of an RS model". Basically, it bridges the gap between the regular Clio range - which tops out with the Dynamique variant priced at $23,290 - and the hot hatch Clio RS200 lineup, which starts at $28,790. We'd expect to see a price tag of around $25,000 f0r the Clio GT - though the exact number will be revealed prior to the car's arrival in April.
The Clio GT features a sporty styling pack with more aggressive bumpers, LED running lights, twin exhaust outlets, body coloured protective mouldings with a dark metal flash, dark metal mirror caps, tinted rear glass and 17-inch alloys. It's only available in one colour - the GT-exclusive Malta Blue. Styling tweaks continue inside, with unique sports seats, a "speckled grey" dash finish and grey trim elements.
The Clio GT is fitted with the same engine and transmission fitted to the current $19,790 Clio TCe120, a 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo engine producing 88kW of power and 190Nm of torque, linked to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Fuel use is claimed at 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres. It also adds the 'Sport' chassis identical to the entry-level Clio RS200, with stiffer springs and dampers and revised bump stops, and Renault's R.S. Drive mode system, allowing the choice of different steering, accelerator and transmission settings.
Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar said the new model will give buyers another option in the brand's light car range, which has had somewhat of a slow start in the highly competitive light car segment.
"We have been delighted by the successful launch of the award-winning Clio in Australia and we are confident the Clio GT will add a new and very appealing dimension to the range," Hocevar said. "The Megane range was the first in Australia to introduce the Renault Sport-created GT versions in mid-2013, and they have already developed a loyal following."
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