Renault Clio RS Trophy claims to be fastest compact hatch at Nurburgring

Renault Clio RS Trophy claims to be fastest compact hatch at Nurburgring

2016 Renault Clio RS 220 Trophy

The Renault Clio RS 220 Trophy has set a new lap time on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack, in 8 minutes, 23 seconds, as set by German magazine Sport Auto, and Renault is claiming the crown for the “fastest hot hatch” on the ‘Ring. There’s some fine-print though.

Renault is only considering “compact” hot hatches when claiming this record, as per the European definition of size. Slightly larger cars such as the Honda Civic Type-R and RenaultSport’s own Megane RS are a fair bit faster. So the automatic Clio is claiming the crown against smaller pocket-rockets such as the Ford Fiesta ST and the Opel Corsa OPC. It is still quicker than certain previous-gen sports cars such as the Porsche Boxster S around the 20.832 km circuit.

The limited-edition Renault Clio RS 220 Trophy has 20 hp more power than the existing Clio RS 200 we drove last year, and more similar to the race-ready version we drove in Malaysia this year. It is equipped with more direct steering, electronic differential lock, shorter shift times, retuned suspension and an electronic-stability system that can be switched off.

For specs and prices on GCC-spec models, visit the Renault buyer guide.

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