The challenge faced by Renault Sport Technologies' engineers when first penning New Clio Renaultsport 197 was to respect the original personality of Clio III while at the same time highlighting the newcomer's own dynamic qualities. The result is an outstanding car which puts the accent firmly on performance, passion and driving pleasure and hits the UK market in early Summer.

New Clio Renaultsport stands out as a worthy successor to Clio Renaultsport 182 2.0 16V and features a groundbreaking first in its segment in the form of a rear air diffuser which uses technology derived directly from Formula 1. In association with the extractor vents in the front wings, it ensures excellent aerodynamic performance.

Sportier than ever, New Clio Renaultsport is powered by an evolution of the normally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine, the power of which has been increased to 197hp. This is equivalent to near 100hp/litre, making it the highest specific power output of its category. This has been achieved partly thanks to an increase in its volumetric efficiency which has not only improved engine power but has also taken torque to a best-in-class 215Nm at 5,550rpm.

Acceleration from standstill to 62 mph requires a mere 6.9 seconds, while the kilometre standing start is covered in just 27.5 seconds. Top speed is 134 mph.

With a combined cycle fuel consumption of 31.7 mpg (209g of CO₂/km), New Clio Renaultsport's fuel consumption is amongst the lowest of the hot hatch segment for cars of comparable power output.

Coupled with the new six-speed gearbox, this powerful, responsive engine offers first-class sports performance and driving pleasure.

The double-axis strut system guarantees rigorously precise handling.

Clio III's distinctive, original lines have been further enhanced by the use of more athletic curves, while New Clio Renaultsport's specific side design exudes extra power and energy. The wider front and rear wings, lowered stance, profiled side skirts and semi-rigid under-bumper splitter combine with the extractor vents and diffuser to assert the new car's advanced aerodynamic engineering and sports heritage.

New Clio Renaultsport comes with generously-dimensioned tyres (215/45) and 17-inch light alloy wheels which barely conceal the Brembo brake callipers and big discs that ensure powerful and durable stopping performance.

Developed jointly by Renault Sport Technologies and Renault's Powertrain Engineering Department, the powerful, normally-aspirated 2.0 16V calls on wide, bumper-mounted air intakes for additional engine cooling.

The front and rear bumpers, side protective mouldings and exterior mirrors are all body-coloured, while the door handles are in satin-finish chrome.

New Clio Renaultsport 197 will be available in five exclusive colours: two non-metallic colours (Toro Red and Dynamo Blue), plus three metallic colours (Monako Blue, Deep Black and Makaha Grey).

New Clio Renaultsport features specific bodywork, including larger front wings (+42mm) designed to house the wider track and generously-dimensioned tyres, while the additional 28mm left and right at the rear have prompted a specific side design.

The standard Clio III floor – which incorporates a well for the spare wheel – has been replaced by a flat panel designed to free up space for the exhaust silencer and twin-rear tailpipes. Meanwhile, the spare wheel has been replaced by two tyre repair aerosols.

New Clio Renaultsport's interior trim echoes the car's exterior styling. The "drive it" spirit is immediately apparent in details such as the aluminium pedals, footrest* and perforated-leather steering wheel with red centre-point stitching. For added comfort and efficiency, the design of the steering wheel itself assists perfect grip for the hands.

Designed and positioned for optimal clarity, the instruments feature white data on a black background. The rev counter incorporates a gear-change indicator light, while the size of the figures increases as the needle gets closer to the red zone at 7,500rpm.

The overriding dark charcoal colour scheme is offset by the chrome-zinc centre console and dashboard inserts which echo technology and sports performance.

Specially designed Renaultsport seats ensure outstanding comfort and effective lateral support which enable the driver to feel totally at one with his or her machine, while the metallic grey seatbelts are in perfect harmony with the new dark charcoal and metallic black "Entresol" upholstery.

As with all Renault Sport Technologies-developed models, the exclusive "Renaultsport" logo appears on the instrument backgrounds, on the door sill and on the front seats. "Renaultsport" badging is also visible on the outside; on the hatch and on the satin-finish chrome side moulding inserts.

From the summer of 2006, New Clio Renaultsport 197 will be available with optional bucket seats designed and developed in association with world-renowned Recaro. Perfectly in keeping with the vehicle's sporty interior ambience, they are trimmed with "Entresol" upholstery in harmony with the rear bench seat. In addition to housing lateral airbags, these seats feature a rigid, polyamide and fibreglass-injected shell for the sort of all-enveloping experience normally associated with competition driving. The seatbelt slots and built-in headrest add the final, distinctive sports touch.