F1 Clio is go, go, go

Following last season's Formula One world title success, Renaultsport is celebrating the unveiling of its latest race car with a special edition - the 197 F1 Team.

Building on the polished package of the standard Clio 197 flagship, the special comes with red brake calipers, striking Liquid Yellow paint and a raft of extra decals. Other features include anthracite alloys, as seen on the Még­ane F1 Team special already on sale.

Like the old-shape Clio, the third generation will be offered with a 'Cup' chassis by the end of the year. The Cup modifications are standard on F1 Team variants, and include a lower ride height and stiffer springs. As the 197 already offers one of the hardest set-ups in its class, the Cup alterations will make the three-door truly extreme.

The special retains the 197's high-revving naturally aspirated 2.0 four-cylinder engine. It has 194bhp, and means 0-60mph in only 6.9 seconds. Inside, the car gets Recaro seats and a unique numbered plaque. Only 500 models will go on sale in the UK.

Meanwhile, the first Renault­sport diesel is on the way. Using the Laguna GT's 175bhp 2.0-litre dCi, the new hot Mégane, due in April, will do 0-60mph in around 7.5 seconds - and its low CO2 output will help boost fleet sales.