Clio is up for the cup

Jan 25 2010 Peter Hayward

THE Clio Cup is the roadgoing version of Renault's single make racing hatch but unlike the track cars, it's not completely stripped out of all mod-cons.

It is however, tarmac-ripplingly quick and despite being only front wheel drive manages to get all its 200 horses down onto the road without too much scrabbling for grip.

The 2.0-litre Renaultsport engine is ostensibly the same as that in the standard Clio 200 and therefore the same as fitted to the racers.

The Cup is marvellous to drive in almost every way with the most delightful direct steering, stonking acceleration in every gear and all accompanied by a superb engine and exhaust soundtrack.

The level of grip is truly astonishing and the car hugs the road surface like a long lost friend.

The only drawback, as with so many such out and out sportscars, is the ride, which can be pretty uncomfortable on rough surfaces. And don't hit a pothole unless you want to loosen a tooth or damage a wheel.

Interior

Levering yourself into the deeply sculpted racing seat is fine if, when you are of my girth, you take off your coat or jacket.

Apart from this it has electric front windows and central locking, a good stereo with excellent column controls and very dark silver alloys but it does without air conditioning and some other toys.

FAST FACTS

Renaultsport Clio Cup 197

Price: £16,459

Mechanical: 197bhp, 1,998cc, 4 cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 141mph

0-62mph: 6.9 seconds

Combined mpg: 34

Insurance group: 13

CO2 emissions: 195g/km

BIK rating: 27%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

Marks: 9/10

Main rival: Honda Civic Type R