Renault Clio V6 - supply and fit KW Variant 3 Coilovers

The Renault Clio V6 project was an ambitious undertaking by Renault to create a high-performance, rear-wheel-drive hot hatchback based on their popular Clio model. The Clio V6 was produced in two phases, with Phase 1 being built from 2001 to 2003, and Phase 2 from 2003 to 2005.

A picture below of the underbonnet - you could almost fool someone you had an electric Clio..

Until you saw this in the back...

Phase 1 of the Renault Clio V6 was known for its challenging driving dynamics. It featured a mid-mounted 3.0-liter V6 engine producing originally in the test mules 190HP, then 226HP in the Phase 1 car and finally 251HP in the Phase 2. The Phase 1 Clio V6 had a reputation for being a demanding car to drive due to its rear-heavy weight distribution combined with a rear suspension that, according to a great article in evo Magazine, delivered toe out on roll, the opposite of what you want for stability!

We recently had a customers car in the workshop to install a KW Variant 3 coilover kit we had supplied.

His car was a Phase 2 and we noticed that although there was provision for a rear anti-roll bar, none was fitted. In some ways this is is odd, because if the rear toe change is unfavourable, then a rear roll bar, although increasing weight transfer, by preventing roll it can stabilise the rear end (a similar phenomenon is found on the 205 Peugeot and the E30 BMW 3 Series)

Despite the fact the V6 is arguably no faster on a circuit than a 182 FWD Clio, it is nonetheless a collector's item due to its rarity and unique design.

Clio V6 after setting the cross weight to 50%, as you can see it weighs a lot more than a FWD Clio

In case you are thinking about getting a set of KW Variant 3, here is what the customer had to say when I asked him how it drove home “Hi Julian, the car was fantastic big improvement handled a lot better, very pleased. Thanks for all you’ve done. Regards, Rex”

KW V3 for phase 1 Clio V6

KW V3 for phase 2 Clio V6