The face lifted Clio provides an excellent base for this sporty model, which adds a racy gloss black stripe to the car’s nose. A diffuser mounted between the twin exhausts continues the sporting look but it isn’t just for show.
It reduces lift, pressing the tyres into the ground to generate grip. But you need to be doing 80mph for it to produce an effective load of 40kg, so it’s something that’s only really going to be of use on the racetrack. Our test car came in the pearlescent Alien Green shade exclusive to this car. It proved quite a head-turner, but those looking for a less adventurous paint job will be glad to know it’s also available in White, Storm Grey plus metallic shades. The Cup is designed for those who value driver appeal above all else and loses key standard equipment to save weight. None of this, apart from the lack of air con, matters and that can be added for around £565.
With its wider front track and bulging wheel arches, the Clio RenaultSport is one of the most attractive and purposeful hot hatchbacks around. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, tuned to produce its maximum power at high revs, at which point a deep chested roar fills the cabin.
So addictive is the noise that Renault has included an alarm that beeps as you race toward the engine's redline, reminding you that another gear is needed a useful tool when trying to match the car's impressive 6.9-second 0-62mph time. Changing gear itself is an action to be enjoyed, the six-speed manual possessing a short and precise throw. Brakes developed by Italian specialist Brembo (complete with vivid red callipers) are reassuringly strong, even after repeated hard stops.
The Clio's strongest point though is its handling. With lightening fast steering, high levels of traction and grip, and a chassis that can be made to alter its attitude mid-bend with a mere twitch of the accelerator pedal, this is a hot hatch of the highest order. The super direct steering, wrist-flick gear change and ever-willing engine all work with you rather than against you and I'm regularly choosing the long way home over the Motorway. The body control is sublime too and although very stiff remains utterly tied down, even over high-speed camber changes on roundabouts and suchlike.
On twisty roads, the Cup is a thoroughbred hot hatch. There’s a hard-edged, race-inspired accuracy to it. Body roll is virtually eliminated and there’s masses of grip, which makes it very reassuring to drive. Its phenomenal handling does come at the expense of ride comfort. Motorway driving is not much fun in the Clio Renaultsport, as the firm suspension gives a harsh ride. However, the racy nature is exciting, as is the howling, buzzing engine note all the way to the redline. The Clio’s appetite for tarmac is insatiable it claws at corners regardless of how quickly you tackle them.
On public roads, you’ll never begin to reach the limits of its abilities it truly shines on the track Its phenomenal handling does come at the expense of ride comfort. In order to keep the weight down and maximise its driving performance, the ‘Cup’ models avoid needless fripperies like electric mirrors and air-con. You do get a pair of comfortable, figure-hugging Recaro seats, 17 inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and a Thatcham category 2 alarm.
If you need your gadgets, opt for the non-Cup version. This adds climate control, cruise control, front fog lamps, electrically operated door mirrors, automatic headlights and those one-touch windows. The Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup is one of the best low-cost pure drivers’ cars you can buy. You might miss a few creature comforts, but it’ll put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel.
