Established as a merger between the Alpine->ke2338 and Gordini, Renaultsport has been responsible for developing and building the brand's high-performance and racing vehicles since 1976. Motorsport highlights included the Le Mans-winning A442 (1978), the Dakar-winning 20 Turbo 4x4 (1982) and the tiny 5 Turbo, but the performance division also built a bevy of road-going cars using its race-bred technology. Having set a Nurburgring->ke999 record for FWD cars with the Megane RS 275 Trophy-R, (now apparently beaten by the new Honda Civic Type R), Renaultsport decided to focus on creating a more powerful version of the Clio RS 200. The end result goes by the name RS 220 Trophy and it just made its global debut at the [2015 Geneva Motor Show.

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Although it's unlikely it will be used to set new track benchmarks, the RS 220 Trophy trumps its direct competitors on paper, thanks to its beefed-up turbocharged four-cylinder. Its tweaked chassis also recommends it as potent track toy, but does it have what it takes to leave a mark in a segment dominated by cheaper offerings from Volkswagen->ke94 and Ford?->ke31

Continue reading to learn more about the Renault Clio Renaultsport 220 Trophy EDC.

Exterior

The RS 220 Trophy might look like a "regular" Clio Renaultsport model at first glance, but a closer look reveals what makes this special edition different than its siblings. While the "Trophy" badging on the front blade and door moldings might pass unnoticed, the larger roof spoiler and the 18-inch "Radical" wheels act as attention-grabbing bits and add an aggressive stance to an already sporty hatchback. The spoiler matches the gloss-black roof, while the rollers feature a chrome finish with black inserts and diamond-effect facings. A bit unusual for a Renault if you ask me, but appealing nonetheless.

With the 220 Trophy edition comes a new exterior color to the Clio Renaultsport line: Frost White. The matt hue joins the already familiar Glacier White, Diamond Black, Flame Red and Liquid Yellow, which are also available for the larger Megane RS 275 Trophy.

Interior

The Clio's interior was never a benchmark for luxury in its segment, but the RS 220 Trophy is a bit better. On top of the modern-looking features found in the new Clio, the Trophy gets leather sports seats with integral head rests, carbon-look air vent surrounds, door handles and gear lever base plate, as well as an embossed leather steering wheel with "RS" badging and a red 12 o'clock stripe. Additionally, the air vent inserts are now in satin chrome rather than Anodized Red. All leather surfaces feature contrasting red stitching, while the gear shifter's red insert adds a dash of color to the otherwise black interior. Several chrome and aluminum inserts brighten up the cabin.

Customers planning to take their Clio to the track can also have the optional Renault Monitor installed. The on-board telemetry system's many features include a setting that gives the driver five different levels of throttle pedal sensitivity. Naturally, drivers can use it to record lap times, 0-to-60 sprints, and many other racing related parameters.

Drivetrain

Motivating the RS 220 Trophy is the same turbocharged, 1.6-liter four-banger found in the RS 200 Turbo, but while displacement and the number of cylinders remained the same, output has gone up 10 percent. As the name suggests, power has increased from 200 to 220 PS (197 to 217 horsepower) , while torque received a 15-pound-feet boost to a grand total of 192 pound-feet. With the "Torque Boost" feature in fourth and fifth gears, peak torque goes up to an impressive 207 pound-feet. Maximum revs also increased from 6,500 to 6,800 rpm. To obtain these fantastic results from an engine that displaces only 1.6 liters, Renaultsport added a larger turbocharger, a new intake system, and a revised exhaust.

More good news comes from the transmission department, as Renault tweaked the much-criticized EDC automatic for quicker shifts. Shifts are now up to 40 percent quicker in Normal and Sport modes, and 50 percent quicker in Race mode. The tweaked EDC also allows for earlier downshifts under heavy braking. The drivetrain also receives a stop-start system for improved fuel economy, but the feature is deactivated in Sport and Race modes. There's no word as to how it decreases fuel consumption, but Renault did say the RS 220 Trophy's emissions dropped 6g/km to 138g/km.

The chassis received a number of updates as well, including firmer shock absorbers and springs that are 40 percent stiffer at the rear. The hatch now sits lower by 20mm (0.8 inch) at the front and 10mm (0.4 inch) at the rear. Also equipped with a set of high-performance, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, the RS 220 Trophy benefits from improved traction and cornering on top of being the quickest road-going Clio yet.

Renault hasn't released performance specs for the hot-hatch as of 03/04/2015, but I expect it to be quicker than the Polo GTI and hit 60 mph from a standing start in around 6.5 seconds.

Prices

Pricing won't be available until later this year, but the French manufacturer was quick to mention the Clio Renaultsport 220 Trophy EDC will first go on sale in Europe, from June 2015, before being released in 10 other markets. What those "10 other" markets are I really don't know, but I'm positive this hot-hatch isn't coming to the U.S.

If you're a stickler for numbers, I expect the RS 220 Trophy to retail from around €25,000, which converts to around $27,700 as of 03/04/2015. For reference, the RS 200 EDC fetches at least €22,990 (about $25,500), which makes it more expensive than both the Fiesta ST and Polo GTi.

Competition

Ford Fiesta ST

While Europe's compact segment offers plenty of hot-hatches to choose from, the same cannot be said about supermini market, in which fewer nameplates struggle to make a living. One of them is the Fiesta ST, also the only performance supermini that can be had in the United States. The Blue Oval's little rocket is powered by a 1.6-liter, turbocharged engine with 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet, two figures that are slightly inferior to the Clio's in "Torque Boost" mode.

On the other hand, the Fiesta is pleasant to look at and the fact that it comes in a range of high-impact colors such as Performance Blue and Lava Red make it feel racier than any other family hatch (but the Clio RS 220 Trophy of course). Pricing for the Fiesta ST starts from €20,540 in Germany or $22,700 as the current exchange rates. In the U.S., the hatch retails from $20,945

Volkswagen Polo GTi

Essentially a shrunken Golf GTi, the Polo GTi received the same GTi-specific design cues as its bigger brother. Updates include a more aggressively styled front grille and bumper, signature red stripes and badges, LED taillights, a roof spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and dual-colored wheels. Similarities continue inside the cabin, where the little hatch boasts sportier front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake lever, as well as Volkswagen's iconic "Interlagos" plain seat pattern.

Power comes from a 1.8-liter turbo-four that cranks out 189 ponies. While that might not seem like a lot compared to the Clio's 217 horses, the massive 236 pound-feet of torque make up for it. The oomph is enough to propel the GTi from naught to 62 mph in around 6.7 seconds, which makes the Polo a tad slower than the RS 220 Trophy. Pricing-wise, the Polo GTi is likely significantly more affordable than the Clio but more expensive than the Fiesta ST, with a sticker set at €22,275 (around $24,700).

Conclusion

Much like the bigger Megane RS 275 Trophy, the Clio RS 220 Trophy is a race-ready hot-hatch for the road that benefits from more motorsport credentials than any other hatches in its segment. Sure, both the Renaultsport and Trophy names are mostly unknown here in the U.S., but the Clio Trophy is one Renault product I wish the French would sell here. Granted, its €25,000 sticker might not drag many people away from buying fully specced Fiesta STs and Polo GTis, but that's only because the Clio Trophy is aimed at enthusiasts looking for a compact weekend racer rather than a small hatch that's easy to park.