The New Clio Renaultsport 182

The new Clio Renaultsport 182 also offers the options of a 'Cup' chassis upgrade and a 'Cup' spoiler pack. The 'Cup' chassis option, costing £200, adds Michelin Exalto 2 tyres with stiffer sidewalls, a 3mm lower ride height, stiffer springs and dampers and new steering geometry plus 'Anthracite' colour wheels.

The front track is 20mm wider and the rear track is 10mm wider improving the cars’ stance on the road and improving the road holding. With higher spring rates at the front, the 'Cup' suspension is firmer and provides more responsive behaviour. These modifications are complemented by the adoption of tyres of an extra-stiff structure. Steering response is thus more direct, with a more incisive front suspension. Also enhancing driving efficiency are the flexible lower leaf of the front bumper, and the larger rear hatch-mounted spoiler, providing greater downforce and aerodynamic refinement.

Four new exterior colours are introduced on the Clio Renaultsport 182 - non-metallic Racing Blue, plus metallic colours Titanium, Black Gold and Artic Blue.

Standard equipment on the Clio Renaultsport 182 also includes:

Sports ratio hydraulic assisted steering, gear change indicator, ESP electronic stability programme, front fog lamps, climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, drilled aluminium pedals, insurance approved Thatcham CAT 1 alarm, automatic headlamps and rain-sensitive wipers, Xenon double optic headlamps, leather steering wheel, leather and aluminium gear knob and aluminium finish on the instrument dials and dashboard inserts.

100hp 1.5dCi makes Clio Renault's first diesel 'warm hatch'

Adding to its already class-leading range of diesel Clios, Renault has created its first 'Hot hatch' diesel with the introduction of the 100hp version of the successful 1.5dCi engine, already available as 65 and 80hp versions. Developing 100hp at 4000rpm and 200Nm of torque at 1900rpm - the same as the Clio 182 but at 3,350rpm less! The new engine offers maximum driving pleasure from the lowest speeds, thanks to the multi-vane variable nozzle turbocharger, with more than 90% of torque available from 1500rpm.

It is also lively at maximum speed (5200rpm), while retaining fuel consumption of 66mpg in the combined cycle and low emissions of only 113g/CO2 per km.

To optimise the sound-proofing qualities of the benchmark 1.5 dCi engines, the 100hp unit has been teamed with a cable-operated gearbox and a clutch housing with a large mating surface.

The new 100hp 1.5dCi engine will be available on Dynamique, Privilège and Initiale models.

The 100hp 1.5dCi Clio offers the best combination of fuel efficiency and cleanliness with power and acceleration in the class. Even the Ford Fiesta 1.4TDCi and Citroen C3 1.4 Hdi which virtually match the Clio's emissions and consumption cannot equal its power output or performance figures.