Renault has released two variants of its third generation Renault Sport Clio 182, giving customers the option of choosing the type of driving experience they want from their sports hatch.

The regular Renault Sport Clio 182 offers the well recognized traits found on the previous generation Renault Sport Clio: dynamic performance and tenacious handling and grip.

For customers demanding an even more sporty experience, Renault has also added an additional variant to the range, the Renault Sport Clio 182 Cup.

Utilising the same drivetrain as the regular Renault Sport Clio 182, the Cup offers a firmer suspension set-up and lowered ride height to give improved grip and greater driving precision.

The only external differentiation between the regular Renault Sport Clio 182 and Cup are the charcoal-coloured alloy wheels.

Thanks to the revisions to the engine, the new Renault Sport Clio 182 produces 131kW of power – an increase of 7kilowatts – and maximum torque of 200Nm is produced at 5, 250rpm - down from 5400rpm.

Improvements to the suspension, steering and increases to the front and rear track width have improved the handling and ride comfort of the Renault Sport Clio 182.

Cruise control with a speed limiter function is now standard on the vehicle and allows the driver to maintain a constant cruising speed or to programme a maximum speed.

Exterior changes to the Renault Sport Clio 182 are subtle but help reinforce the sporting intent of this popular compact performance hatch.

The most distinctive of the exterior changes are the twin chromed exhaust pipes and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the safety belts have grey-coloured facings to match the underlayer of the perforated alcantara upholstery. The sporting and technical signature of Renault Sport Clio 182 is seen in the leather steering wheel, the instruments with their chromed bezels, the dashboard trim mouldings and door bins with their “soft aluminium” paint finish. The door sill kickplates with their Renault Sport badges, and the aluminium pedals complete this sporting finish.

The Renault Sport Clio 182s have a long list of standard specifications including aluminium drilled pedals, six-speaker AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD, climate controlled air-conditioning, automatic Xenon headlights and rain-sensing front wipers.

Renault’s world renowned passive and active safety standards are prominent in the Renault Sport Clio 182. Both models come equipped with ABS braking with EBD electronic brake distribution control, ESP electronic stability control, adaptive driver and front passenger front SRS airbags, driver and front passenger side SRS airbags, front and outboard rear seat belt pretensioners with load limiters, front and rear anti-roll bars and anti-intrusion bars fitted as standard.

The Renault Sport Clio 182 was upgraded as part of the Clio Generation 3 programme. Costs for the programme amounted to €31.7 million (AUD 81.3 million), of which €7.2 million (AUD 18.5 million) was for the new Renault Sport version. The evolution of the Renault Sport Clio 182 2.0 16V required €5.3 million (AUD 13.6 million) for development and €1.9 million (AUD 4.9 million) for industrial investment.

The Renault Sport Clio 182 is priced from $32,990*, while the Renault Sport Clio 182 Cup is priced at $34,490** - metallic paint is a $600 option on the regular Renault Sport Clio 182.

According to Renault Australia’s managing director, Rudi Koenig, the Renault Sport Clio 182 is not only a much more dynamic and enjoyable car to drive but is even better value than ever.

“The Renault Sport Clio 182 will appeal to enthusiasts who demand a highly responsive and entertaining driving experience,” Mr Koenig said.

“And now, with the option of the Renault Sport Clio 182 Cup we have a car to satisfy the most demanding motor sport enthusiasts.”

*Price quoted is recommend retail pricing and does not include dealer delivery, metallic paint and on-road costs.

**Price quoted is recommend retail pricing and does not include dealer delivery and on-road costs.