Renaultsport Clio F1 Team R27 (December 2007)

Launched: Renaultsport Clio F1 Team R27

Wheels Magazine
November, 2007

If you're yearning for the coolest, ballsiest hot-hatch in the upper $30K bracket, hang out for the Renaultsport Clio F1 Team R27. Due to reach Australia in the first half of 2008, the R27 will pop your cork for sure.

The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre lump hasn't the sheer mumbo of its 165kW/300Nm turbocharged sibling in the Megane Renaultsport. But it doesn't have the turbo insurance premium, either, has about 120kg less to haul, and the throttle response feels as though it's hard-wired to your ankle.

We were particularly impressed with the entwined relationship between engine and six-speed manual transmission, and the noise. From outside, the R27 utters a meaty bark that says it ain't foolin'.

From inside, it sounds infectiously alive and loud. Very loud.

The tacho is redlined at 7500rpm, but the unquenchably rorty F4R RS engine doesn't quite get there before the rev limiter interrupts play. Not to worry: at that point you're on the crest of peak power and the scenery's blurring whichever gear you're in.

The sporty six-speed manual gives almost 8.5km/h per 1000rpm in first, and 30.5 clicks per thou in sixth. Between those extremes, the four intermediate steps are only four to five kays apart, so you're treated to the rare sensation of hard, almost seamless thrust as you wick through the gears.

Meanwhile, the bellowing engine remains glued within the short rev band from max torque to max power. It's superbly rhythmic, like a prize fighter at the punching ball. The R27 will pull just over seven grand in sixth gear for 215km/h flat chat, and on the way reach 100 kays in under seven seconds and run the 400m in about 15.

But the fun doesn't end there. Hell no. Every clear corner's a hoot because the R27 steers with integrity and turns in without delay, while sitting flat, gripping mightily, feeling wonderfully balanced and remaining utterly responsive to the wheel and throttle.

The R27 rides 7mm lower than the regular Renaultsport Clio, is 10 percent stiffer in the body and has firmer suspension - 27 percent more up front and 30 percent at the rear. Even so, the disciplined ride is acceptable on smooth surfaces and not intolerably terse over bumps and choppy stuff. The 215/45R17 tyres contribute to the R27's handling and adhesive roadholding, while comparatively massive brakes (312/300mm f/r) with front Brembo four-pot calipers give sure stopping regardless of how often they're trod on.

Externally, the R27 is distinguished by its ride height, wheels, brakes, rear diffuser and dual tailpipes, and a tell-tale decal or two. Although the metallic Sirius Yellow is R27's hero colour, black, blue, grey and red are also offered in Euro markets. Just make ours yellow anyway.

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