7 March 2013
New Clio R.S. 200 EDC: ‘à la carte’ sports performance
As two cars in one, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC boasts a package of unprecedented innovations for its segment. For everyday use, in ‘Normal’ mode, New Clio R.S. delivers all the qualities expected of a Clio, namely a quiet ride, a high level of travelling comfort and low running costs. But switch to the more dynamic ‘Sport’ or ‘Race’ modes, and its unmistakable sporty characteristics become apparent at once.
Pressing the ‘R.S. Drive’ button modifies the mapping of both the transmission (gear shift programming and shift time) and engine (response to pedal position and engine pitch). It also alters the way the ESC and ASR traction control intervene, as well as the feel of the power steering.
This system is based on a choice of three very different modes (‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’) which modify New Clio R.S. 200 EDC’s performance characteristics as a function of the driver’s wishes, needs or usage. As a result, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC is truly several cars in one.
The gear shift programming depends on a number of vehicle-related parameters (accelerator pedal position, pressure on the brake pedal, steering wheel angle), as well as on road conditions (slope, available grip, etc.). Gear shift speeds are also dependent on the load demanded by the accelerator pedal.
| R.S. Drive modes | Normal | Sport | Race |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | |||
| Tick-over speed | 750rpm | 1,005rpm | 1,005rpm |
| Accelerator pedal feel | Comfort | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Pedal feel | Progressive | Reduced lag | Reduced lag |
| Engine pitch | Heightened | Heightened | |
| R.S.: audible shift warning before engine cut-off (in manual EDC mode) | No | Yes (manual mode) | Yes (manual mode) |
| ’Ambilight’ | No | Gradient colour light | Gradient colour light |
| Transmission | |||
| Gear shift programming with ‘Drive’ selected | Eco / Comfort | Sport: appropriate corrections (e.g. anticipates downshifts) | Entirely manual |
| Gear shift times with ‘Drive’ or ‘Manual’ selected | Progressive | Fast | Very fast (less than 150 ms and less than 120ms for Clio R.S. 220 EDC TROPHY) |
| Launch Control | No | Yes | Yes |
| Chassis | |||
| Power steering | Soft feel / drive comfort | Firm | Firm |
| ESC + ASR traction control | Normal / Safety | Sport: sliding accepted | Fully disconnected: no influence |