Renault Australia has introduced its updated Clio RS Trophy, with the hot light hatch priced nationally from $42,990 drive-away.

Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that punches out 162kW of power at 6050rpm, the Trophy can produce up to 280Nm of torque at 2000rpm thanks to a 'Torque Boost' feature available in its fourth and fifth gears.

Comparatively, the Clio RS flagship develops 15kW/20Nm more than its Sport and Cup siblings at the same engine speeds, with the swollen outputs due to a larger turbocharger, revised mapping and increased boost pressure (from 0.96 to 1.03 bar).

The steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters have a 30 per cent shorter travel distance to increase responsiveness.

Additionally, a revised air intake and a lightweight titanium Akrapovic turbo-back exhaust system help minimise back-pressure losses, while the rev limit has been raised from 6500rpm to 6800rpm for the Trophy.

Drive is exclusively sent to the front wheels via a six-speed 'Efficient Dual Clutch' (EDC) automatic transmission, with a launch control function resulting in a sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds on the way to a 234km/h top speed.

EDC shift times are up to 50 per cent faster, while the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters have a 30 per cent shorter travel distance to increase responsiveness.

Chassis upgrades for the spiciest Clio include a lower ride height (-20mm at the front, -10mm at the rear), 40 per cent stiffer rear springs and dampers, and a 10 per cent faster steering rack.

Black 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 205/40 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres combine with a front electronic limited-slip differential (LSD) to further enhance handling capabilities.

Three 'RS Drive' modes – 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Race'– allow the driver to alter engine, transmission, throttle, steering and stability control settings.

Claiming a fuel consumption figure of 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test, the Trophy emits 135 grams per km of carbon dioxide.

Externally, the refreshed range-topper can be identified by its chequered-flag LED lighting signature, which is also seen on the other two facelifted Clio RS models.

Four exterior paint colours are available, including 'Deep Black' and 'Flame Red' metallics.

Inside, heated black leather sports seats with red stitching, RS-branded headrests, an 'R-Link' multimedia system, satellite navigation, voice control, Android Auto support and a seven-speaker Bose sound system feature, as does a carbon-look for the air vent surrounds, door handles and gear lever base plate.

Four exterior paint colours are available, including 'Deep Black' and 'Flame Red' metallics, while the 'Liquid Yellow' and 'Pearl White' signature hues attract an extra cost.

The Clio RS Trophy will go toe-to-toe with the 134kW/240Nm Ford Fiesta ST ($27,490 before on-road costs), 141kW/250Nm Volkswagen Polo GTI ($30,190 BOCs) and 153kW/300Nm Peugeot 208 GTi ($29,990 BOCs).

2017 Renault Clio RS Trophy drive-away pricing

Renault Clio RS Trophy – automatic – $42,990

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