German Car Zone

Supermini hot-hatches tend to pack about 150bhp and cost in the region of £15,000. Renault, however, has decided to punch above its weight with the latest offering from its RenaultSport division.

The Clio RenaultSport 197 follows in a long history of fast Renaults which started 40 years ago with the Renault 8 Gordini and, more recently, with the Clio Williams, 172, 172 Cup, 182 and the super-special Clio Trophy. Powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 16-valve engine, the latest hot Clio packs a 197bhp punch, making it the most powerful front-wheel drive Clio ever.

All that power is channelled through the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and although there is a stability and traction control programme, it can be switched off. That leaves you at the mercy of nature's own traction control system - your right foot. Manage the power just right and time your gearchanges to perfection and the Clio 197 will manage a 6.9sec 0-62mph sprint. It'll also reach 134mph.

Most manufacturers limit the differences between their hot hatches and regular cooking models to some suspension tweaks, big alloys and deeper bumpers, but Renault has gone one step further and employed some F1 technology for the 197.

Rest of article

Source = 4Car

Actually it's a very cute car. I like it! And it's fast too!

I don't know about the new one, but the old 182 version was considered to be the best hot hatch by some, especially in trophy form!

the previous clio is -for me- the best looking renault the last years...

I absolutely adored the Clio 182. If I didn't have to cart my 2 year old daughter around, I'd have one for certain. So, tell me, do you think this bigger, heavier Clio3 version will be as special as the old 182 and Trophy editions? Somehow, I doubt it...

What's the reliability like?

i don't know about the reliability, but i doubt too that the new clio 3 sport will be as successfull as the older one...