The first evolution of the Renault Clio V6 Renault Sport was introduced in 2001 for the 2002 model year. Known as the Phase 1, the launch version of the Clio V6 featured a 226hp 2.9L V6 engine that sent drive to the rear wheels through a 6 speed manual transmission. Unique to the Clio V6, the engine was mounted in front of the rear axle, necessitating the removal of the rear seats. This engine placement improved balance, and thus performance. A total of 1,513 examples of the Phase 1 Clio V6 were built, with the majority painted in Iceberg Silver (1415), and a small percentage painted in Mars Red (68) or Illiad Blue (30). Production of the Phase 1 ended in 2002, but many late 2002 examples were registered in 2003. The Phase 1 was replaced by the facelifted Renault Clio V6 Renault Sport Phase 2.