FirstDrive: Renault Clio Renaultsport 197:When it comes to hot hatches, few companies are as devoted to the concept as Renault. The company's first proper hot hatch, the Renault 5 Alpine (Gordini in the UK) was launched around the same time as the VW Golf GTi in 1976, and since then the French company has almost never been without a proper hot hatch in its range.
Even when most other carmakers adandoned the market after they became uninsurable in the early 1990s, Renault launched what is regarded by many as the best-handling hot hatch ever: the legendary Clio Williams.
The second generation Clio brought with it the Clio Renaultsport 172 (and later 182) and they weren't far behind in terms of driving pleasure either, so it's probably not surprising we're expecting a lot from the all-new Renault Clio Renaultsport 197.
In terms of styling, the Clio Renaultsport 197 is just like its predecessors in that it's probably one of the most appealing hot hatches you can buy.
The bodywork has been heavily but subtley revised, with broader front and rear wings and bumpers to accommodate standard 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as a neat rear air diffuser which is actually a functional part of the car's aerodynamics, negating the need for an unsightly rear spoiler.
The end result is a car that oozes subtle aggression without being loutish or pointlessly extrovert. It's almost too elegant and pretty to be a proper hot hatch.
Inside, the changes are just as subtle, but no less effective. The Clio RS 197's deep bucket seats not only look great they're also comfortable and very supportive, while the pedals have been swapped for proper aluminium racing items that are perfectly arranged for heel-toe downshifts.
The steering is the stock item but padded in thick leather with a red band at the top to indicate the steering's centre point and is adjustable for rake and reach, making it fairly easy even for taller drivers to get comfortable.
Otherwise, though, it's really just a well-equipped Clio with cruise control, air conditioning, a trip computer and a remote control stereo all standard.
Under the bonnet Renault has used a 2-litre, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine, just as it has with every hot Clio. Despite the lack of a turbo, it still produces an impressive 197hp and 215Nm of torque, though peak power doesn't appear until 7,250rpm and you need 5,550rpm to generate maximum torque.
In other words, you have to thrash it mercilessly to get the most from it. Thankfully, a crisp six-speed gearbox makes it easy to exploit the rev-hungry engine and with 0-100km/h possible in just 6.9 seconds, and a top speed of 215km/h it's not short of performance if you're willing to go looking for it.
What we're really concerned with here, though, is the driving experience and in this regard the Clio RS 197 has a few surprises in store.
As day-to-day transport, for example, the hot Clio is astonishingly refined, with the engine purring away quietly while the suspension does an amazing job of soaking up the bumps and potholes of a typical Irish road.
The steering is reasonably light and there isn't too much tyre or wind noise either, making it an ideal commuter car, particularly for those with tight country roads to negotiate.
At full tilt, the Clio's superb ride quality helps it to feel stable and safe over all kinds of surfaces while its sharp throttle (no turbo lag) and powerful four-caliper Brembo brakes are more satisfying to use than those of any of its competitors.
Grip levels, too, are astounding for such a small car, holding its line with impressive resolve even when accelerating out of tight corners. ESP is standard just in case anyone tries to bend the laws of physics just a little too far, and six airbags and multiple other safety features as standard if it all goes badly pear-shaped.
The only area in which the Clio disappoints is in terms of its steering, which is sharp and responsive, but rather lacking in proper feedback and weight.
It's still a superb car to drive, you understand, and is more than a match for the big boys in terms of pace, refinement and looks. It's just that it lacks the pure involvement of its predecessors and that's a little disappointing.
It's also rather costly at €32,000, some €3,000 more than the 192hp Opel Corsa OPC and the same money as the larger 200hp Seat Leon FR, not that a few thousand here or there would put off too many hardcore enthusiasts. Renault, then, has maintained its proud tradition of turning out excellent hot hatches based on its beloved superminis.
The Clio Renaultsport 197 might not be as mad or as raw as the older models, perhaps, but 99 per cent of the time you'll likely be glad of the added refinement, comfort and safety.
Just make sure you get yours in silver or, better yet, black. Otherwise it's just way too pretty to be taken seriously.
Factfile
ENGINE:2-litre 4-cylinder, six-speed manual gearbox; 197bhp @ 7,250 rpm; 215 Nm @ 5,550 rpm; 0-100 km/h - 6.9 seconds; top speed - 215 km/h
SPECIFICATION:Standard equipment: air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, electric windows, electric mirrors, remote locking, six airbags, front foglights, ESP, sport seats
ECONOMY:8.9L/100km (combined)
CO2:209g/100 km
WEIGHT:1240kg
PRICE: €32,000