A short affair with a sporty Clio

Vincent O'Rourke, dealer principal of Renault Citygate Dun Laoghaire, had first seen the gorgeous Renaultsport Clio III on display in the Renault showrooms on the Champs Elyssee. He decided there and then to buy one for himself. And recently he suggested that I should try one too.



I'd driven the new Clio at its international launch in Sardinia some time back and had been mightily impressed with the basic car. Since then it had gone on to win the International Car of the Year 2006, a huge accolade awarded each year by a team of 58 international motoring journalists. So you know you're in good territory.

Prepare to be seduced by its chic French style — those curves, sweeping lines and squat stance.

It was hard to wipe the grin off my face as I drove away from Vincent O'Rourke's busy dealership on Rochestown Avenue in a sporty red version — which would be my choice of colour. But this was more than sporty in colour. It was exactly the same in spec as Vincent's own car.

Motoring back to the M50, the fabulous engine sound was all I wanted to hear. Not the radio presenter who had now became an unwanted distraction. I just wanted to concentrate on the car and the sound which you'd pay to have bottled! You simply know that you've got 197 hp to play with.

But be warned, you'd drive out of road very fast in this one. It almost takes off with you. That's where cruise control comes in to manage you through the penalty points zone. There again, with all the energy on tap, my Clio Sport was as docile and obedient as you'd want while driving in heavy traffic.

But there was a lot more to take in. The sportiness of the cabin for instance, the interesting dash, and those lovely instrument dials. Two big circles encased in deep silver bands. White numbers on black with red wands. The decorative leather steering wheel with the bright red strip at the top. Those sporty aluminium pedals. Even the radio buttons were a manageable size. And I saw it was MP3 compatible.

Stylish sports seats are comfy while also offering good support so you don't feel the least bit tired even after a long journey. It's also easy to get a nice driving position. All controls are easily reachable.

But it was out on the country roads where I really got to really put this car through its paces. Along twisty, narrow routes where the car showed off its taut, precise but stable handling. Very tight and firm on the corners in terms of ride, but without being hard or uncomfortable at all.

And when I pushed it even further along straight uninhabited stretches of road, it proved truly awesome! I just wanted to keep on going forever. And again, that lovely engine song as you moved up the gears.

The grin was becoming a permanent fixture.

This high-performance hatch is based on the Clio supermini. Always a powerful car, the engine has remained the same since the first Clio RS, a 2.0 litre with a three-door body style. With more horsepower than the Mini Cooper S, the SEAT Ibiza FR and the SEAT Ibiza Cupra R. And that's saying something as these are often given as the benchmarks for the genre. Similar even to the Honda Civic Type-R hot hatch and the Volkswagen Polo GTI. So now you know what kind of company you're keeping.

The Renaultsport Clio draws technology from Formula One, including a rear diffuser and brake cooling side vents. Heavier than its predecessor, the acceleration figures are nevertheless faster because of the new six-speed gearbox with shorter gearing.

It does the 0-100 km/h dash in just 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 216 km/h. You'll get around 8.41 L/100 km depending on how you drive it; C02 emissions are 209g/Km.

Like eight of its stable siblings, Clio III has been awarded a maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Standard safety and security features include Brake Assist, ESP (with disconnection function), a full complement of airbags. Comfort ones include six-speaker RDS radio and single MP3 CD, the leather steering wheel with the stitched red centre band, and 17-inch Renaultsport alloys.

The list also includes air conditioning, dedicated cornering lights, front fogs, Renault's Anti-Intruder Device, and anti-drill door locks.

This car is all about selfishness. You won't want to share it with anyone.

So just use the good space for three people in the back for your own personal belongings. Forget the ISOFIX fittings, throw your jacket, laptop and bag on to the back seat, your case in the good sized boot, and away you go.

Priced from 31,500 euros excluding delivery and related charges. TW.