AD71 • Renault Clio 2 V6 '03

It was in 2000 that begins marketing the least reasonable of all Clio ever produced: the V6. Despite respectable performance, his character very (too?) Marked repelled more than one potential customer.Renault took advantage of the restyling of the Clio 2 to provide Clio V6 Phase 2 even more effective but also more docile? Mission accomplished?

Technical sheet

Model	Renault Clio 2 phase 2 V6
Engine	3.0 V6 255 horsepower
Dimensions	3.80 x 1.81 x 1.36 meter
Mass	1 400 kg
Marketing	2003 - 2005 1309 copies
average coast	42 000 €
0 to 100 km / h	6"3
max	237 km/h
Consumption	11.9 l / 100 km
Date and place	September 27, 2015, Le Mans

Phase 2 . Looking more closely at the Clio V6 Phase 1 , it was realized that Renault had shown considerable daring offering a reincarnation of the Renault 5 Turbo. Despite followers quickly seduced, worries proved rather handicapping every day, as the turning radius worthy of a bus, the abrupt behavior inside or unflattering. The firm has the diamond restyled Clio 2 in 2001. Renault Sport has decided to change the Clio V6 by offering this new facies for the vintage 2003. Aesthetically, the Clio V6 Phase 2 is close enough to its predecessor. There is little that the front face which has changed significantly, with a new bumper, a redesigned grille and new headlights. Before a much more modern and most successful design, black background headlamps are not innocuous.

Patch . The sports department of Renault has learned the lessons of the past to offer a model 100% pleasure.So, back to Dieppe, in the same production lines as the Alpine there was a time and not in England. This is a detail of course, but for purists, it's a full sense approach. In terms of style, we can say that it imposes CLIOP V6 remastered. A sports mouth and a look markedly more, offering a set quite consistent and that gives a good facelift to the brand. For the rest, there are all of Phase 1, with front and rear wings widened copiously, wheelbase extended by 38 centimeters from the base Clio and a new engine block. Often criticized, the very gloomy interior of Phase 1 has been revised to phase 2, adopting new leather and plastics, better and especially colored, finally!

Developed . Renault has operated on several fronts to make the Clio V6 2 the best of its sports productions.Thus, it first has improved Cx, 0.37 thanks to a new spoiler trunk extended. Then the gearbox taken from the Avantime has given way to a new box, always six-speed, much more efficient, accurate and pleasant. And more suitable for sporty driving. Then there was a nice development under the hood. The V6 has been reviewed in the light of criticisms about doing the first draft. The new air filter is larger, admission receives a larger throttle body and new valves. Power has also been adapted to new settings while the injectors have earned a higher return of nearly 50%. The computer comes from Porsche. Ultimately, the power is increased from 230 to 255 horsepower. A really significant gain on paper, but in reality, all these changes have made ​​it more healthy and sporting behavior. Pile that we expected!

Plys dynamic . So naturally, the improvements is felt to drive. 0 to 100 km / h wins a tenth of a second. It is especially at the times that the differences are glaring. In any diet, the Clio V6 Phase 2 wins. On the test of 0 to 200 km / h the gap even reaches 6 seconds. Driving is more toned, but also more secure. As for fun, it is now optimal. We could always blame the too soft suspension on the rear axle and a certain stiffness of the front axle. Nevertheless, the picture is more positive though gaps remain. Contrary to what Renault expected, sales are not as high as expected and production is even slightly down compared to Phase 1. fad past?

No superfluous . The design of the wheels is taken directly from that of the Clio V6 Phase 1. But now the 18-inch wheels in the front and rear (instead of 17) . The brake discs are gaining a few millimeters, providing a more biting braking while new tires Michelin Pilot Sport offer a truly better handling and a good grip. In continuation of the first Clio V6, the 2003 model has neither nor ESP locking, which may make some rather perilous braking despite the AP Racing ABS system, but quickly shows its limits. Let us not deceive ourselves, Phase 2 is still very far from being sanitized. As the Renault 5 Turbo, it is a mechanical old: a fiery atmospheric engine and no unnecessary aid.

Grey Moon . From 2003 until 2005, it is 1309 copies that were produced, against 1513 Phase 1, a slight decline in sales. Several colors were proposed, ranging from classic Blue Iliad which occupied over 60% of sales in through two Yellow . The Moon Grey sported by our copy has been about him existed only 13 copies. Very special: it is an English copy RHD. Unfortunately, the adjustment of the steering wheel on the other side was top in the state of the art since the meaning of wipers has not been reversed, making it much less effective.The front three-quarter allows much admire the beautiful French and generous hancges. The comparison with the Renault 5 Turbo is inevitable as the silhouette appears modeled in. A bit more docile, the Clio V6 pilot more than it behaves.

In a good way . At the rear, very few changes from phase 1, except the exhaust pipes of larger diameter and stand a little less. In the end, we realize that the Clio V6 Phase 2 2 evolved in the right direction. She became a little less wild while still sensational. Customization s'st also invited on board with no fewer than 12 exterior colors, more interior personalization packs of playing on embedded devices and several colors for plastics, carpets or console and above the glove box that receive the same as outside. A light program but gives a little character in this interior very close to a classic version of Clio. If! Bucket ges are beautifully made ​​and mixed alcantara and leather.

An investment . On the second hand market, the Clio V6 are rare. Phases 2, more refined, now reach the € 40,000 provided they are well maintained. Most are, and thus trade at a premium. It is a heart stroke model, offering unique sensations while being able to brag to ride aboard the fastest of all series of Clio. A beautiful plant in sensation, unreasonable desire, with good capital sympathy and an atmospheric V6 could not be more demonstrative. The market opportunity is provided but rather requires an investment increasingly heavy. The investment term matches since the odds is increasing. Maintenance is quite expensive however and all Renault centers will accommodate a Clio V6. As for consumption, it hovers around 12 liters per 100 kilometers.

Community . Several clubs are a credit to the Clio V6, organizing meetings between owners and enthusiasts to share their love for this model strong character. Any tips for maintenance and the addresses of the best garages are regularly listed. There are also upcoming exits and various links to websites dealing with the Clio V6. A real community.

Should I buy a Renault Clio 2 V6?

Renault Clio V6 Phase 2 is a good choice, it corrects many of default of the previous version, but is still not perfect either. Sold only from 2003 to 2005, it is now relatively rare. Docile but not too much, this is a model that requires driver and good knowledge of sport driving. Provided to get out around € 40,000, assuming a consumption and a generous maintenance, this wanton Clio should fully satisfy you!