Renault's sporty Clio is a slice of S-club heaven

ANYONE with a penchant for cars hot and hatchbacked can't have failed to notice the succession of vehicles emerging from the Renault stable over the last few years. The French manufacturer has established itself as a leader in the affordable performance field with its collection of poised and powerful shopping rockets.

Not everyone has the budget to buy and run a 200bhp Clio Renaultsport, however, and Renault has fashioned the Clio S model to deliver some of that car's sporty looks without the expense.

The engines available in the Clio S speak volumes about its intent. They are the Clio's smallest, most economical and most affordable units. The entry-level option is rather uninspiring with 74bhp and a 1.2-litre capacity. It's not going to let anybody down, but the kind of customer attracted by the racy image of the Clio S might want something extra under the bonnet. Going from 0-60mph takes 13.4 seconds and there's a top speed of more than 100mph.

Much better, but priced accordingly, is the 1.2-litre TCE engine which generates 99bhp with the aid of a turbocharger. This feels altogether sprightlier in the Clio and thrives on a more vigorous driving style. With this unit, 0-60mph takes 11 seconds and 114mph is attainable.

The final option is Renault's 1.5-litre dCi diesel stalwart, this time in 85bhp form. It's a solid engine with a good hit of torque from low revs but little to excite in the upper echelons of the rev range. It feels quicker than its 12.7 second 0-60mph time and 108mph top speed suggest.

Today's Clio is a big car, even by modern supermini standards. However, progress can be sluggish with the normally-aspirated 1.2-litre power plant doing the legwork. The refinement in the cabin is very impressive with minimal wind and road noise. As with all Clio IIIs, there's tenacious grip and taut body control that invites swift cornering. The ride quality also wouldn't seem out of place in a car a class higher.

The engines and suspension of the Clio S might be straight from the standard models in the Clio range but the dcor has more in common with the elite Renaultsport hot hatch models. The 16-inch Polar alloy wheels are brilliant white, and there's also a white insert on the front bumper and a white rear spoiler.

Buyers who really want their Clio S to stand out can order optional white racing stripes for the sides and roof of the car which incorporate the "S" from the car's name. Inside, there are more S logos embossed into the upholstery, along with a white centre console, instruments and dashboard inserts. All in all, the Clio S is certain to attract attention.

The Clio's generous size helps it serve up plenty of passenger space and the quality of the cabin environment also impresses. There's also a generously proportioned boot. Beneath the skin, Renault's focus has been on increasing refinement on the Clio and today's model features upgraded sound-deadening measures to combat engine, transmission and wind noise. Beneath its extrovert colour scheme, the Clio S is a very practical and user-friendly small car.

The pricing for the Clio S should play its part in attracting customers, but the extra features on the car are almost exclusively cosmetic so it will be of interest primarily to those who want hot hatchback looks on a budget. The 1.2-litre TCe engine is well worth paying a premium for as it gives the Clio S a little zip to support its racy visuals.

All Clio models get power steering, a trip computer, body-coloured bumpers and side mouldings, remote central locking and a height-adjustable steering wheel. The car is also delivered as standard with Generation 8 Bosch ABS, plus electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist.

It's the less powerful engines in the Clio range that are fitted to the S model and, while that might truncate the fun slightly, it means major benefits at the pumps. The 1.2-litre normally aspirated engine returns 48mpg but more impressive is the feisty 1.2 TCE turbo unit that gets nearly 49mpg despite its superior performance. None of the petrols can hold a candle to the 1.5 dCi diesel with regards to running costs, though. It can return more than 64mpg on the combined cycle.

There will be plenty of small-car buyers out there who, in an ideal world, would like to own a Clio Renaultsport.

That ideal world, however, would be one where they could afford the 17,000 asking price, the group 15 insurance and the 34mpg fuel economy while also living with the super-firm suspension.

The Renaultsport is a fantastic hot hatchback but there are more sensible options of which the Clio S is one. Mixing hot hatch looks with standard Clio mechanicals, the S should find a ready market and help Renault profit further from the success of its Renaultsport performance arm.

FACT BOX

CAR: Renault Clio S

PRICE: 11,209-13,458 – OTR

INSURANCE GROUPS: 3-4

EMISSIONS: 129g/km

PERFORMANCE: (1.2 TCE] 0-60mph 11s / Max Speed 114mph

FUEL CONSUMPTION: (1.2 TCE] 49mpg (combined)