Renault stop building Clio V6
Renault will stop building its high-performance two-seater Clio V6 this month, as today’s supermini range bows out to make way for the new Clio rolling into UK showrooms in October.
The next-generation Clio won’t include a replacement for the mid-engined V6, spelling the end of the road for the hottest hatchback of all. The current V6 is a unique production model, mixing the basic design of a supermini with the innards and engine layout of a performance car.
In the space occupied by the regular Clio’s back seats sits a 3.0-litre V6 developing 255bhp. It’s enough for a top speed of 153mph and 0-60mph in 5.8sec – figures more usually associated with serious sports cars such as the Porsche Boxster. Renault has said only 20 Clio V6 models remain unsold at UK dealers, costing £27,100 each.
Although Renault won’t offer a V6-powered version of the new Clio, it will replace the more affordable Renaultsport 182 hot hatch. Expect a performance version developing around 200bhp, previewed by a concept car at this autumn’s Frankfurt Motor Show.