Renaultsport Clio

But our long-term Renaultsport Clio 197 has an impressive bloodline – and we’ve traced it back to the very beginning.

While there was no shortage of Renault 5 GT Turbo models, arguably the firm’s most revered and influential hot hatch is the Clio Williams. The very first model to roll off the production line – number 001 – never went on sale to the public. Instead, it was given to Frank Williams himself, before being bought back by Renault two years ago.

Now registered for the road, this priceless hatch is as fresh as it was the day it left the factory – and Auto Express is the first magazine in the world to have been allowed to take the wheel.

Lining up our 197 next to its legendary forefather brings the scale of today’s hot superminis into sharp focus. The original early Nineties Clio is dwarfed by its modern-day counterpart – but which has more road presence is down to individual taste. With its bright blue paintwork, there’s no doubt the 197 turns plenty of heads. Although some say it needs a roof spoiler, I love the relatively restrained look of the muscular three-door.

Climb inside the older Williams, and you realise just how far cabin design has come. The dashboard and big buttons are a far cry from the upmarket interior of the latest Clio, which has stood up to the rigours of everyday life pretty well. Our only issue has been with the mat in the driver’s footwell, which needs a hook to stop it sliding up behind the 197’s pedals.

It’s out on the road that Renaultsport’s latest high-performance three-door has really made a name for itself on the Auto Express fleet. While the Clio seems to have lost a fraction of its ability to soak up the bumps on a twisty road, its stiff chassis and virtually non-existent body roll make for confidence-inspiring cornering.

The nose’s ability to turn in and grip, with the rear end coming into play if you lift off the accelerator, is a revelation. Only the lack of feedback through the steering detracts from the overall driving experience. Wind the clock back, and the car named to celebrate Nigel Mansell’s 1992 Formula One world championship is just as thrilling. With a 2.0-litre engine delivering 148bhp to the front wheels, the Williams powers from 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds, and on to a top speed of 134mph.

Given that it’s done less than 100 miles, there was no way we could put this precious museum piece through a hard test drive – but it was a privilege to get behind the wheel. Feeling such a sharp clutch and precise gearchange in a car of this age is a rare treat, and the Williams is every inch the legend on the road.

Living with its modern-day successor every day, however, isn’t without its niggles – not least the expensive £219 service costs. But there’s no doubt that both generations of Renault can raise your pulse rate.

So, can the 197 live up to the Williams’ reputation? It’s unlikely to become such a Renaultsport classic, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most capable and exciting hot hatches on the planet.