Renault Clio

Compared with the Renaultsport Clio 197 hot hatch, the new 138 can only be described as warm. Yet its blend of performance and refinement impresses, despite the minimal styling cues. A Clio GT is due later this year with stiffer suspension, exterior add-ons and 150bhp. Ford’s Fiesta ST and the Peugeot 207 GT better watch out!

If past form is anything to go by, style kings and fashion fans have a lot to get excited about when it comes to hot Renault Clios. The mighty, mid-engined V6 of 2001 was a smash hit, while the tough-looking 197 has secured the car manufacturer’s reputation for giving its sporty models a daring makeover.

However, take a glance at the Dynamique S 138 and you’ll be forgiven for wondering what went wrong. It looks very much like any other three-door in the line-up from the outside, until you notice the alloy wheels, wider front wings, sports headlights and tinted rear windows. Yet it hardly shouts about its potential.

There’s little inside to give the game away, either. Air-con, part-leather upholstery and a smart grey centre console are standard in the spacious cabin, and combined with the soft-touch dash they create an air of maturity.

With a 138bhp 2.0-litre engine on board, though, the Clio’s performance is impressive, sprinting from 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds. Enthusiasts will appreciate the mechanical feel of the smooth-shifting manual gearbox, too.

More refined than the raucous Renaultsport 197 at cruising speed, the S 138’s soft suspension set-up strikes a good balance between ride comfort and handling. Body roll through the bends isn’t excessive – the only downside is the over-light electric power-steering.