The new Clio RS receives some upgrades to perform like its bigger sibling the Megane RS. The treatment was just done to fit the compact image of the vehicle. The fuel mileage of the car was measured at 34.5mpg and CO2 emission recorded at 195g/km.

Under the hood of the Clio RS is a 16 valve 2.0L engine that can output 200 horspower or 149KW and maximum torque of 158 lb-ft. The power ratio is a beat peaky but the engine can still bring the car to 62 mph in just around seven seconds. The top speed of the Clio RS was recorded at 141 mph.

Buyers have two options in terms of the tuning of the chassis. One may go for the Cup version which is about 36kg lighter or the standard release which is a bit heavier than its sporty counterpart but a lot more comfortable.

The Clio RS models get the same aerodynamic package. They all have the front splitter for more downforce, a rear diffuser, and air extractors in the form of front wings.

Brembo brake calipers come standard to all models. The Clio RS roll on stylish 17-inch rims. Handling and stability during high speed were also improved for this release of the Clio.

The inside was designed for the comfort of all occupants. The car has Recaro seats coming in Anthracite, Silver Grey, or Yellow color treatments.

The new Clio Cup Racer in its debut season in 2007 gave all an exciting race, true to the spirit for which it has been the latest buzz of the town. Eventually, Martin Byford clinched the title at the final ace meeting of the season. The event attracted a record crowd of 1, 35,000 in UK during the course of the weekend.

In 2008, the organizers have planned to limit the championship to 36 registrations unlike 38 in the earlier year. This will help them to revert the competition to the traditional timed qualifying. The biggest crowd puller includes various other championships like Copa Renault Clio Espana, Renault Sport Clio Cup Belgium, Renault Sport Clio International Cup, Dacia Logan Cup, Renault Clio V6 Cup and Renault Super Clio Cup Brazil (since 2006). The organizers have also roped in the BTCC favorites Jason Plato and Tom Onslow-Cole This euphoria is boosted with the all-new-looks Clio Cup Race, a 2.0-liter, 205 hp joining the tracks. The car has been already declared a hit in UK.

Wondering how you can improve a perfect car? They are using the world’s best aftermarket parts and that too from the best manufacturers of the world. It is Renault Sport’s most successful Clio Cup Racer so far. The organizers also plan to hold the tenth event of the year alongside the UK leg of World Series of Renault. The tour plans to include the biggies including the World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx.

The body of the original Clio II was used with additional sportive features like bigger wheels and running boards. It received a facelift in 2001 with regard to its interiors and exteriors. The car provided catchy equipments like xenon headlights with washers, 4 airbags, 16 inch alloy wheels, six-disc changer and leather seats (with the Renault sport logo). In 2004, the engine of all-new Clio II RS 182 was upgraded to 182 DIN PS (176bhp/131kW). It was also provided with a dual-exhaust system plus different 4-2-1 manifold.

A special edition of this – the Clio II RS “Trophy”- had a lower ride height, light-weight 16” wheels, recaro seats, spoiler and an exclusive Capsicum red paint. The Trophy won the ‘Evo’s’ magazine’s People’s Performance Car of the Year in 2005. The latest Clio III RS 197 is inspired by a special technology for Formula One with a rear diffuser, cooling side vents, more power and more torque. It also has the new six-speed with shorter gearing. All this combines to give us better acceleration figures with the help of its 197 bhp (147kW/200PS).

The Renault Clio Sport has gained popularity as a powerful car, beating its competitors like Mini Cooper S, SEAT Ibiza FR, more recently the Peugeot 206 RC and Seat Ibiza Cupra R.