RENAULT CLIO GT-LINE 120

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The French Renaultsport 200 Turbo mini sports car cannot overcome the powertrain inconsistencies and the high price tag of the Renault Clio GT-Line 120.

What is the novelty?

The Renault Clio GT-Line 120 is built to bridge the handicap between everyday models and the hot Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo.

Also developed and marketed under the Renaultsport sub-brand, the GT-Line borrows a six-speed preselective gearbox from its big brother and shares many of its aesthetic appeal, but promises significantly lower operating costs thanks to its 1.2-liter TCe four-cylinder, the first turbocharged petrol direct injection engine from Renault.

How much does the new 2014 Renault Clio GT-Line 120 cost? At –17,395 it costs –1600 less than the RS 200, but –1300 more than the closest cheaper Clio.

The exterior includes a GT-shaped front end (with LEDs), as well as a rear spoiler, twin tailpipes and 17-inch anthracite-colored discs, which are also present on the rear diffuser, exterior mirrors and door sill inserts. The car looks very nice, I think it will appeal to many who love compact dimensions that merge with drive and economy.

Inside, anthracite touches are replaced by red RS accents, while the aluminum pedals and leather steering wheel with fixed gear shafts are copied from the RS 200. These are the only details in the interior that are impressive, but the dashboard and on-board computer trim - alas, not. In general, the interior of the novelty was not impressed, you feel like in a cheap Chinese car with a leather steering wheel and sports seats.

The sports seats - firm but comfortable and tight - are also borrowed, although they use a different material. The driver's seat is adjustable in any direction, but the sound of clicking of levers and vibration of the dashboard can be heard in the cabin. The 7-inch multimedia interface includes satellite navigation and Bluetooth as standard.

On the dashboard as well as on the tailgate, you will find the Renaultsport badge. It might seem curious that the GT-Line was supplied with little power, just 118bhp, 190Nm of torque and Dieppe's reputation for performance. Renault definitely wants to dabble in sub-brand imagery, but can it match the RS tough nuts in speed and agility?

What does the Renault Clio GT-Line 120 look like?

Since the GT-Line uses gearboxes like the RS 200 EDC (presumably to get the same spin as the F1) rather than light manual gearboxes, it weighs only 18 kg less despite a noticeable power shortage of 79 h.p.

This brings the power-to-weight ratio to 99 hp. per ton - much closer to the three-cylinder, 0.9 liter TCe with a ratio of 88 hp. per tonne than the RS 200 with 164 hp. per ton.

The result is the lack of pace that Renault has been catching up to across the rev range. After a lazy rest, the turbo kicks in at around 2,500 rpm, but progress remains dramatic up to the extreme 6,500 rpm. With such little thrust, the engine needs to be handled carefully, but the overly caring gearbox does not respond quickly enough. even when using the shafts in a faster sport mode and especially during downshifting (downshifting).

The engine is impressively smooth and virtually silent when riding smoothly. As the revs increase, the situation changes, and the turbo whistles like the speech of Klangers (cartoon character) when driving. Despite the rear drums, the brakes are sharp and efficient.

Steering - more powerful in sport mode - most fine-tuned when driving on the freeway, however, on less flat roads, centering is lost and the amplitude decreases. But by tuning the chassis with 40 percent dampers and special bumpers, we get the classic Renaultsport: tough yet smooth and confident on rough roads, comfortable on the freeways and in the city.

Note the tricky brake trim line, the GT-Line offers frolic around corners, but gaining and maintaining momentum is problematic with an engine and gearbox that would perform better in city driving.

Should you buy?

In short, it's up to you to decide. For the Renault Clio GT-Line 120, competitors were named: Mini Cooper and Citro? N DS3, but there are also examples of cheaper, faster and the same budget cars as the GT-Line 120, despite the fact that the ordinary Ford Fiesta is in more demand than Renault Clio.

Of the cons - I didn’t like the interior (it’s like an unfinished one), overpriced (you can buy a car of a large class and of better quality).