Renault Clio Sport 200 2010 review

Crisp, direct handling

Rear seat space Questionable resale value

Their success has taken some of the heat out of the troubles the brand has experienced trying to build local sales momentum. When the first limited run of 85 Clio Renault Sports arrived in 2001 they sold out quickly. It subsequently established itself as a highly desirable enthusiasts' car.

The story is the same for the newest Clio Renault Sport 200. Dealers have already snapped up their allocations and queues are forming for the 100 expected to arrive over the next 12 months.

Price and market

Explore the 2010 Renault Clio range

• Renault Clio Sport 200 2010 review
• Renault Clio 2010 review

Two versions are available, the $36,490 Sport 200 Cup and the $38,990 Sport 200 Cup Trophee, which replaces the R27. Renault Australia managing director, Rudi Koenig, says he expects the Trophee to make up the bulk of orders. Koenig admits that Renault has been doing it tough, particularly as it did not sell any vehicles last year to rental fleets.

However, he says Australia is now getting better attention from France. "We have more focused support," he says. "The Sport 200 is an important car for the brand too. "It is important for our enthusiast base and as a halo for the brand."

Drivetrain and equipment

This halo car continues with a normally aspirated 2.0-litre four cylinder, developing 147kW at 7100 revs and 215Nm at 5400 revs, up 2kW over the old car. Renault does not feel the Clio needs turbocharging to beat its competition. It will still hit 100km/h in a respectable 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 225km/h.

Both models have the appropriate go-fast bits, from rear diffuser, high-performance Continental tyres, flat underbody, 17-inch alloys, quicker steering ratio, powerful Brembo brakes and sports suspension. The front suspension is what Renault calls a ‘double axis’ strut set-up using aluminium components to shave 7.5kg off the suspension weight.

The rear torsion beam has been firmed up 25 per cent and a thicker anti-roll bar fitted. Safety kit runs to eight airbags, switchable electronic stability control, anti-skid brakes and traction control. The Trophee has a hands-free ignition card, heated and folding rear view mirrors, Recaro sports seats, 17-inch BeBop alloys and carbon fibre highlights.

Driving

All the questions about the previous Clio Renault Sport have been answered. The previous 2.0-litre four was a great engine but didn't deliver its best until very high in the rev range. It was too peaky. The newest 2.0-litre is sweeter and more flexible, with a flat torque curve that still manages to deliver a considerable shove in the back when you bury your foot. Renault says that 95 per cent of the torque is produced at 3000 revs. That means plenty of urge is on tap exactly where you need it.

The new six-speed manual is crisp and the first three ratios are shorter to provide better low-down response. Buyers also preferred the Cup chassis which is the standard now. They also said the interior was too spartan so now it's appropriately prestige with a touch of class absent in the previous models.

Finally, a $1500 haircut off the entry price and $1000 off the Trophee, which replaces the R27, is also expected to win friends. Although our drive experience was restricted to a racetrack, not the most ideal road to assess a car, the Sport 200 remains true to its pedigree.

You can throw it into a corner with confidence, even with the stability system disabled. There's no torque steer, and power gets to the ground without fuss. The brakes are almost ridiculously powerful for the size of the car, the steering sharp and the body control impressive. The breed has been strengthened and the driving experience enhanced.