Usually the release of a special edition indicates a manufacturer desperate to shift a few cars by tacking on some optional extras at a cut-down rate. So it’s something of a surprise to see Renault releasing a special edition of the new Megane and recently facelifted Clio.
With the Clio and Megane World Series limited editions, Renault are hoping to celebrate the success of their international open-wheel racing championship. The World Series was started in 1998 by Nissan (when it was named Open Fortuna) but is now run by Renault and it attracts some of the best young talent. Current F1 drivers Fernando Alonso, Heikki Kovalainen and Robert Kubica have all been World Series champions before moving on to F1 success.
The World Series racers all run with identical 3.5-litre Renault V6 engines rated at 425bhp, but sadly that’s no indication of the power of the new Clio and Megane WSR. True to form, the World Series special editions offer a bit of extra show but with no extra go.
The Clio World Series is based on the Dynamique trim level and adds a bigger front spoiler, sideskirts, a sportier rear bumper and some WSR badges. The Clio can be ordered for £12,170, with Renault claiming that you’re saving £680 over the normal retail price of these extras. There is a choice of engines, including 75PS and 100PS petrol or an 86PS diesel.
The Megane World Series is also based on the Dynamique and can be ordered in 5-door hatchback or 3-door coupe form. It includes similar upgrades to those on the Clio – front bumper, side skirts and rear bumper. Both Meganes get new 17-inch alloy wheels and the five-door hatch benefits from a rear spoiler. Engines are limited to the 110PS 1.6-litre petrol or the 106PS diesel, and prices are £16,595 for the 5-door and £16,995 for the 3-door.
The new cars will be unveiled when the World Series championship heads to Silverstone on 4/5 July, where over 100,000 spectators are expected to turn up to the free event.
