The Clio Renaultsport is the latest in a long line of small performance cars from the French carmaker, dating as far back as 1976 when it launched the 5 Gordini.

In more recent years, models like the Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup thrilled behind the wheel. So how does the latest version, called the 200 Turbo, compare?

It has some tough competition including the Ford Fiesta ST, which is consistently touted as the class leader here. There’s also the Peugeot 208 GTI, which has won back many fans to the brand, after some hit and misses since its phenomenal 205 GTI.

This time around, the Renaultsport Clio is only available with five-doors, although the cleverly concealed rear door handles manage to convey a coupe styling regardless.

And there are plenty of performance hallmarks over the standard Clio with a deeper front bumper, rectangular twin tailpipes and 17-inch alloys.

The diffuser and rear lip spoiler were designed to work together, reckons Renault, to achieve the best possible aerodynamic performance; the diffuser contributes 80% of the extra downforce generated at the rear, while the upper spoiler accounts for the remaining 20%.

Performance

Renault has followed the growing trend of downsizing, replacing a 2.0-litre unit with an equally powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged powertrain. It produces 197bhp and 240Nm of torque at 1,750rpm.

It feels quick, completing the zero to 62mph sprint in 6.7 seconds with a maximum speed of 143mph, but there’s a big but here and that’s the semi-auto gearbox that comes as standard. The EDC (Efficient dual clutch) six-speed transmission is disappointingly mismatched to the engine, and takes a while to react, especially off-the-mark.

There’s the option of knocking it into manual and using the paddleshifts – every boy racer’s dream – but gear changes here are also hesitant to respond to commands.

Three driving modes are available - Normal, Sport and Race. Sport is the best middle ground, while Race turns traction control off, if you want to get lairy on track.

There’s also what Renault bills as a “Formula One-style Launch Control system”, which involves pulling back both paddleshifts at standstill to give you a speedy getaway.

Core competitors, the Ford Fiesta ST and Peugeot 208 GTI, cover the 0-62mph sprint in 6.9 seconds and 6.8 seconds respectively. That’s just 0.2 and 0.1 seconds slower than the Clio.

Ride and Handling

During our test period, the RS was far from gracious over bumps, even at near-stationary speeds.

You’ll be pleased to hear that the Renaultsport Clio can hold its grip on bends with the best of them, thanks to great balance and well-weighted steering. And there’s a new “RS Diff” which counters understeer and helps grip by microbraking whichever front wheel threatens to lose its clasp. Ride is improved on the former model, and new dampers are primed to create suppleness over rougher ground. But, during our test period, the RS was far from gracious over bumps, even at near-stationary speeds. On paper, then, it ticks most hot-hatch boxes, but there’s something seriously lacking here, and that’s passion. Up against the excellent Fiesta ST and 208 GTI, it misses the engaging thrill that these cars offer, albeit in varying ways.

Interior and Equipment

This is the first ever Clio Renaultsport to feature a turbocharger and a semi-automatic gearbox.

The cabin space is much more luxurious than before, intended to broaden its appeal even further. Still, the bucket seats remain to provide extra support when you are pushing the performance limits of the car, while there’s lots of RS hints on the one trim above standard called ‘Lux’. Highlights include red stitching on the steering wheel, gearknob and seats. Then there are the incredibly bright red seatbelts, which will certainly wake you on your morning drive to work. Standard kit includes cruise control, Bluetooth, USB and hands-free tech, sat nav and trip computer. In the Lux trim the RS also adds the brand’s R-Link Multimedia system, three driving modes and 17-inch alloy wheels. Practicality levels here are good, thanks to five doors and boot space of 300 litres - bigger than both its Ford and Peugeot rivals.

Cost

It records CO2 emissions of 144g/km and an official combined economy figure of 44.8mpg. This makes the latest RS Clio more expensive and less frugal than the all-round more entertaining Fiesta ST.

The standard Renaultsport Clio is priced at £18,995, while the Lux version costs £19,995. It records CO2 emissions of 144g/km and an official combined economy figure of 44.8mpg. This makes the latest RS Clio more expensive and less frugal than the all-round more entertaining Fiesta ST, which starts at far less and returns 139g/km CO2 and 49.9mpg. The 208 GTI is also cheaper and more frugal, recording 139g/km and 47.9mpg.

Our Verdict

It’s entirely predictable that by designing a more user-friendly car, lovers of previous generation Clio Renaultsports will be disillusioned by the dumbed-down driving dynamics and the EDC gearbox. It remains a good car that certainly has broader appeal, and is stylish too. It also comes well-equipped as standard and it’s more practical than its main challengers. But when you consider the strength of its rivals, along with the Clio’s own faults, there’s work to be done before it can claim the top title. The Fiesta ST and 208 GTi, which are cheaper and more fun to drive, are simply easier to recommend.