Since the disappearance of the Clio RS, which occurred in 2019 at the time of the transfer of power between the fourth and fifth generation of city cars, an entire section of “bombinette” enthusiasts have become orphans. A misfortune never coming alone, the Peugeot 208 GTi had also decided to throw in the towel, in order to reduce the average CO2 emissions of its classic range, the goal being for the manufacturer to escape the economic sanctions imposed by Brussels.
The last days of Renault-Sport
Today, only finishes with a slightly exacerbated look remain, with the majority of manufacturers. Renault chose the RS Line coat of arms a few years ago to succeed the GT Line models. But the Renault-Sport division having recently given way to Alpine to represent the Renault group in competition, it is the Dieppoise firm which has the heavy task of energizing the top-of-the-range models of the Losange via a new finish called Esprit Alpine.
Spirit are you there?
Its only representative is, for the moment, an undemonstrative compact SUV. Indeed, the Austral is satisfied with a cavalry of 200 hp hybridized, a thousand leagues from the weight/power/pleasure ratio that one is entitled to expect from an Alpine. But the survival of the Norman craftsman was notably conditioned by the influence of his image on the Renault catalog, in order to improve profit margins on premium finishes.
140 hp… and that’s it
Like the Austral, the Clio will soon taste the Alpine Spirit. And more particularly during its restyling which should take place during 2023, probably before the summer. Adorned with this famous seal, it will increase the size of its wheels, inflate its front and rear bumpers, and improve its interior finishes. For example, we expect the introduction…Read more about Auto moto: auto and motorcycle magazine
