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0 Comments | Grimsby Telegraph, Jul 29, 2010 | by DAVID HOOPER

When it comes to hot hatches, Renault’s sporting division has quite a track record. Names like Gordini will be instantly recognisable to fans of the genre, and many of their more memorable cars, like the 5GT and 5 Turbo will certainly ring a bell or two with those of a certain age.

There have even been some pretty extreme models, with huge flared arches and a stonking 230hp 3.0 V6 engine in the back of the car where the rear seats normally went. Driven by the rear wheels, it was certainly a bit of a handful, but adored by Renault’s loyal band of enthusiast owners.

Thankfully, hot hatches are again growing in popularity after a period in the doldrums, thanks to soaring insurance premiums, and this the latest Clio Renaultsport car. There are two versions, both with 200bhp which is twice that of the old 5 Gordini – the normal version I have been driving, and the Cup model.

The Cup version is actually slightly cheaper than the model featured here.

Identical in performance terms, the Cup is more track focused with a lower ride height and stiffer springs and dampers, but comes without a few of the luxuries such as air conditioning, cruise control and electric mirrors.

The Renaultsport bodywork has unique front and rear wings, bumpers and sills, while a Formula One inspired aerodynamic package includes extractor vents on the back of the front wings and a rear air diffuser, with twin chrome exhaust pipes sticking out of each corner of the car.

The overall result looks fantastic, with the white paintwork on the model I’ve been driving contrasting nicely with the black alloy wheels and various trim panels around the car.

Open the door and you are met by a sporty interior with superbly comfortable Recaro seats which grip you firmly and in my opinion, if you are buying a car like this, are worth pushing the boat out for.

Despite its performance potential, this little Clio comes with all the luxuries you would expect on larger cars, which include keyless entry and start, automatic headlights and wipers and a speed limiter, just in case you get a little carried away.

That would be easy to do in this car. It’s a potent little package that likes to be revved – in fact, the harder you drive it and the more you egg it on, the more rewarding the car becomes to drive quickly.

Work it hard through the gears and the benchmark 0-62mph time is achieved in under seven seconds, while it’s top speed is an academic 140mph, but in between those figures, the car is tremendous fun. As you would expect of a Renault, the suspension set-up is not overly firm, and although this feels more solid than some of its predecessors over the bumps, it won’t endanger your fillings.

Work the throttle pedal and you are rewarded by a beautiful note from the engine and exhaust combination. The gear changes are slick and a beep reminds you to change up at the optimum time to extract the maximum performance from the normally aspirated two-litre engine.

The car’s chassis has undergone a lot of work to perfect the handling. It is lowered by 15mm, the wheelbase is lengthened by 10mm and track is 48mm wider at the front and 50mm wider at the rear. All I can say is that whatever work has been done underneath – it works. The car handles beautifully, the steering feel is just right and pitch it hard into a corner and it will bounce and skip predictably on the limits of adhesion. Stopping power isn’t a problem either, thanks to 312mm ventilated front disc brakes with Brembo four-pot callipers and 300mm discs to the rear.

For those of a nervous disposition, the ESP programme keeps a watchful eye on proceedings, although it can be turned off if you wish.

The close ratio sports gearbox is excellent to use, but I did think that the fifth and sixth gears should be higher. At motorway speeds in sixth, the engine is running at between 3,500 and 4,000rpm, which is too high and makes the car sound “buzzy”, which can be tiring on a long journey.

By raising the gearing on the last two gears, you would lose none of the car’s performance in the first four or five, but reduce the engine speed and thereby the its fuel consumption and C02 figures in sixth if it were more of an overdrive gear.

Despite my slight criticism, the Clio Renaultsport 200 is a cracking little car which is well sorted in the handling department – if you are a fan of hot hatches, it is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

AT-A-GLANCE FACTS MODEL Clio Renaultsport 200 3dr.

RANGE From Renaultsport 200 Cup 3dr (Pounds 16,710) to Renaultsport 200 3dr (Pounds 17,710).

ENGINE 1998cc, 200bhp four-cylinder engine, driving front wheels through six-speed gearbox.

CO2 EMISSIONS 195g/km.

PERFORMANCE Top speed 141mph
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