Like most car nuts, 4Car was a big fan of the previous Renault Clio Cup, which weighed some 80kg less than the standard Renaultsport Clio 172 hot hatchback and sat on lowered, stiffened suspension. Granted, it did without air-con and ABS, both items we'd want to specify if we were buying one, but that didn't stop it being an absolute hoot to drive; keen, raw and enthusiastic. When the Clio 172 became the 182 thanks to a power hike to 180bhp earlier in 2004 though, the separate Cup model was dropped, and we were a bit disappointed. We like the standard Renaultsport Clio 182 of course, but it lacks the hardcore edge and puppy-dog enthusiasm of the Cup...
Power punch : Standard Renaultsport 180bhp Clio zips to 60mph in just under seven seconds
