Renaultsport Clio 197

The Clio's trump cards include nimble handling, determined grip and a supple ride. But the 197 eclipses its hot supermini peers and even challenges some models in the class above. The latest Renaultsport variant packs VW Golf GTI power, yet will set you back about £5,000 less. Although the better-looking 197 is not quite as enjoyably edgy as the much-loved Clio 182 it replaces, it's still an excellent proposition for hot hatch buyers.

When it comes to living up to expectations, few new cars destined for launch this year are likely to find things as tough as the new Renaultsport Clio 197. Successor to the legendary 182, and flagship to the brilliant new third-generation range, the latest model's brief is demanding.

Matching the sophistication of the new Clio won't be easy, but the hot hatch certainly looks more mature - a benefit of being designed alongside the standard supermini, rather than as an afterthought. Bespoke body panels add a sporting, muscular image to rival the Clio V6 - especially from the rear, where it has a huge aerodynamic diffuser under the bumper. Those custom panels are bigger than on the standard version, too - although they need to be to house the 10mm longer wheelbase and 5cm increased track of the 197.

The changes aren't only for visual impact. That diffuser really works, and can add up to 70kg of downforce. The Renault engineers haven't only focused on the things you can see, either. From the specially created double-axis strut front suspension, designed to eliminate torque steer, to the hidden twin exhaust tailpipes - tucked away so they don't counteract the diffuser's effect - the 197 is full of evidence that the team behind it was truly passionate.

On the road, you immediately feel the benefit of their dedication. The naturally aspirated, 197bhp 2.0-litre powerplant emits a lively, frantic, high-pitched note and revs freely. A development of the 182's unit, it has more sophisticated variable valve timing. But fans of the 182 may miss the sudden kick of power as you rise through the revs. Instead, there's a more progressive, yet still urgent, push towards the limit. Peak power arrives at a heady 7,250rpm - to get the best out of the engine, you have to work it hard.

Change up when the indicator illuminates and the improved, closer ratios of the revised gearbox keep things on the boil. The shift, though, could be a smoother and more precise, and the buzz of the engine on song can soon become irritating on the motorway.

However, a major benefit of the close gearing and strong, rev-happy motor is the best acceleration you can get for the money: the 0-62mph sprint takes only 6.9 seconds, and the 197 goes on to a maximum speed of 134mph. That's very slightly slower than the 182, but the newcomer is 130kg heavier than its predecessor. The 197 carries its speed brilliantly through the corners, too - there's lots of grip from the wide 215/45 R17 Continental tyres, and the chassis proves extremely nimble. The reprogrammed ESP stability system doesn't operate over-zealously (but can be disabled anyway) and the electric power-steering is precise.

Just as remarkable as the level of grip is the stiffly sprung Clio's resistance to body roll. Yet its ride is still compliant enough to soak up most surface imperfections, helping you to make swift progress.

When you do have to slow down, the brake discs, derived from the larger Mégane 225's, scrub off speed briskly with plenty of reassuring pedal feedback. ABS and EBD are standard. The 197's cabin, meanwhile, may not look quite as special as the exterior, but it still comes complete with sports seats that sit 15mm lower than usual, plus drilled aluminium pedals, satin-chrome trim inserts and the soft-touch dashboard from high-specification Clios.

Following the standard car's five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, safety has been a priority for the 197, and it comes with up to eight airbags. So this Renaultsport model has a great deal to offer - from an excellent, supple ride and sure-footed handling to ample and easily exploitable performance.

And that's before you've taken into account the competitive £15,995 price tag. It is a more capable and sophisticated package than the mighty 182, and as a result, die-hard fans may feel it's lost a little of the wild-child thrills. But that doesn't stop the Clio from being very good indeed. Growing up doesn't have to be dull.