06 Jun 06
It's not as if the 197 is a stripped-out rally demon, either. Its kerbweight is a significant 1,240Kg - and that's without driver. Cars of course have moved on from the lightweight 205s and AX GTs of the past, but even the previous Clio was a svelte car by comparison.
The extra weight can be attributed to Renault's oft-stated goal of achieving five-star EuroNCAP crash tests results - the 197 comes as standard with no less than eight airbags.
And the cabin's nicely equipped with those big bolstered seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearstick, drilled aluminium pedals and even natty silver seat belts. Other luxuries include air-conditioning, cruise-control and electric windows and mirrors.
But hardcore petrolheads may well be disappointed, especially as the edgier Cup chassis option won't be arriving until late 2007 - a lightweight version may appear, but it won't be a full-on, stripped-to-the-basics car like the Mini Cooper S Works GP.
So for £15,995 you get a fully-loaded Clio which is genuinely fast and capable. But sadly, this latest effort lacks the real sparkle and engaging personality of past hot Clios - which is a real shame.
