Renault Clio III (Phase I) 3-door RS 2.0 16V (197 Hp)

Introduction to the Renault Clio III (Phase I) 3-door RS 2.0 16V (197 Hp)

The Renault Clio III (Phase I) 3-door RS 2.0 16V (197 Hp), produced between 2006 and 2009, represented a significant evolution in Renault Sport’s acclaimed hot hatch lineage. The third generation of the popular Clio supermini, this high-performance variant was specifically engineered by Renault Sport, the automaker’s dedicated performance division, to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. While the standard Renault Clio was a staple across European markets, offering practicality and efficiency, the RS version transformed it into a formidable contender in the competitive hot hatch segment, known for its dynamic prowess and engaging character.

Not officially sold in the United States, the Clio RS carved out a formidable reputation in its primary European and other international markets. It was lauded for its pure, naturally aspirated performance, sharp handling, and robust chassis, embodying the spirit of a true driver’s car. This particular model, often referred to simply as the Clio 197 (referencing its metric horsepower output), built upon the successes of its predecessors, the Clio 172 and 182, pushing the boundaries of what a compact front-wheel-drive hatchback could achieve in terms of performance and driver involvement. It was a testament to Renault Sport’s philosophy of prioritizing track-ready dynamics in a street-legal package.

Engine and Performance of the Renault Clio III (Phase I) 3-door RS 2.0 16V (197 Hp)

At the heart of the Renault Clio III (Phase I) 3-door RS 2.0 16V (197 Hp) lies a potent 2.0-liter (1998 cm3 or 121.93 cubic inches) F4R 830 inline-four engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant, a hallmark of Renault Sport engineering at the time, was meticulously tuned for high-revving performance and immediate throttle response. It delivered a robust 197 horsepower at a peaky 7250 revolutions per minute, showcasing its predisposition for spirited driving and a rewarding power band that encouraged drivers to explore its upper limits.

Torque figures for this spirited engine stood at 158.58 lb.-ft. (215 Nm), arriving at 5550 rpm. While not an overwhelming amount by modern turbocharged standards, the linear delivery and the engine’s willingness to rev made it highly engaging. Power was transmitted to the front wheels via a precise and durable 6-speed manual transmission, a crucial element for driver engagement and control, allowing enthusiasts to fully exploit the engine’s characteristics.

The performance metrics of the Clio 197 were impressive for its class. It could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 6.6 seconds (0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds), leading to a top speed of 133.59 mph (215 km/h). These figures placed it firmly among the top-tier hot hatches of its era. The car’s weight-to-power ratio was a commendable 6.2 kg/Hp (approximately 13.67 lbs/HP), contributing to its agile feel and responsive acceleration. Despite its performance focus, Renault Sport also considered daily usability, with combined fuel economy rated at 28-26.4 US mpg (8.4-8.9 l/100 km). Urban consumption was 20.3-19.3 US mpg, and extra-urban was 36.2-33.1 US mpg. It met Euro 4 emission standards, with CO2 emissions ranging from 199 to 209 g/km.

Design and Features

The design of the Renault Clio III (Phase I) 3-door RS 2.0 16V (197 Hp) was a clear departure from the standard Clio, signaling its performance intentions without resorting to overly flamboyant styling. Its 3-door hatchback body type, while compact, was muscular and purposeful. The Clio RS featured wider front and rear fenders, accommodating a broader track and larger wheels, giving it a squat, aggressive stance. Specific front and rear bumpers, integrated side skirts, and a subtle rear diffuser were not merely aesthetic additions but contributed to improved aerodynamics and cooling.

Dimensionally, the Clio RS measured 157.13 inches in length, 69.61 inches in width (79.72 inches including mirrors), and 58.15 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 101.77 inches. These compact dimensions, combined with a relatively short front (31.5 inches) and rear (23.86 inches) overhang, made the car exceptionally nimble. The 17-inch alloy wheels (7.5J x 17) wrapped in 215/45 R17 tires filled the wheel arches perfectly, enhancing both grip and visual appeal. The minimum turning circle of 37.4 feet highlighted its urban maneuverability.

Inside, the cabin of the Clio RS maintained a driver-focused environment. Sport seats provided excellent lateral support during spirited driving, while RS badging and specific trim details distinguished it from lesser Clio models. Standard equipment included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a crucial safety feature for a performance vehicle. The suspension system was meticulously engineered: an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar at the front, paired with a coil spring and torsion beam arrangement at the rear. This combination, along with a firm tune, delivered exceptional handling and minimal body roll. Stopping power was equally impressive, with large 312×28 mm ventilated discs at the front and 300×11 mm discs at the rear, ensuring confident braking performance. The electric power steering provided precise feedback, enhancing the car’s dynamic character.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact of the Renault Clio RS

The Renault Clio III (Phase I) 3-door RS 2.0 16V (197 Hp) cemented Renault Sport’s reputation as a leading manufacturer of driver-focused hot hatches. Its legacy is one of uncompromising performance, exceptional chassis dynamics, and a purity of driving experience that is increasingly rare in an era dominated by forced induction and electronic aids. Enthusiasts widely praised the Clio 197 for its communicative steering, tenacious grip, and the visceral thrill of its high-revving naturally aspirated engine. It was a car that demanded to be driven hard to extract its full potential, rewarding skilled drivers with an incredibly engaging and immersive experience.

In its primary European market, the Clio RS faced stiff competition from a host of established and emerging rivals. Key competitors included the Volkswagen Golf GTI, known for its refined blend of performance and everyday usability; the Ford Focus ST, with its punchy turbocharged engine; and the Honda Civic Type R (FN2), another naturally aspirated gem renowned for its high-revving VTEC engine and aggressive styling. Despite this fierce rivalry, the Clio 197 stood out for its distinctive character, often regarded as the most track-focused and dynamically gifted of the bunch, especially in its more hardcore ‘Cup’ trim variants (though not specified in the provided data, it’s part of the broader 197 legacy).

The Clio 197’s historical significance lies in its role as a bridge between the raw, analog hot hatches of the past and the increasingly sophisticated, technologically advanced models of the future. It was one of the last truly great naturally aspirated hot hatches before turbocharging became ubiquitous across the segment, offering a direct and unfiltered connection between driver and machine. Its success reinforced Renault Sport’s brand identity, paving the way for future performance models and solidifying the Clio RS as an icon among compact performance cars. Even years after its production ceased, the Clio 197 remains highly sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate its mechanical integrity and the pure, unadulterated joy it delivers on a winding road.