New Clio Sport unveiled

One of CarPoint's favourite sports drives, the Renault Clio Sport, is set to be replaced. By a new Clio Sport!

The sharp handling but muscular hot hatch is based on the yet-to-be-released Down Under Clio III. According to Renault, it promises to deliver even better performance along with added refinement and better equipment levels.

The new Clio Sport was unveiled at Geneva two weeks ago. Powered by an evolution of the current naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre 16-valve DOHC four matched to a close-ratio six-speed gearbox, the stylish new three door has copped a power increase from 182hp to close to 200 (197) -- approximately 150kW. Peak power is yielded at an elevated 7250rpm with peak torque of 215Nm set at 5550rpm.

Renault claims the Sport's 0-100km/h sprint takes just 6.9sec with the standing kilometre covered in 27.5sec. Top speed is 215km/h.

Bodywork is a none-to-subtle rework on the new-generation Clio. It incorporates WRC-style rear diffuser (claimed to increase rear downforce by 40kg and decrease drag), wider front and rear guards and what is described as a "semi rigid under-bumper splitter".

However, the signature piece of the Clio Sport is the fully functional front wheel arch vents -- very F1!

Inside the Sport gets a traditional 'hot hatch' workover. Race seats, leather, contrasting stiching, alloy pedals and chrome-look centre console and race-style instruments.

However the car is far from a just dress-up job. Chassis changes include bespoke suspension geometry, a longer wheelbase (10mm) for better stability and wider front and rear tracks -- 48 and 50mm respectively. Brakes are upgraded too -- the Sport gets 312mm diameter cross-drilled front discs with Brembo four-piston calipers and 300mm diameter discs at the rear.

Sound like your cup of tea? Thought so, however, don't hold your breath -- we don't expect it Down Under until later in the year. An appearance in time for the Sydney Motor Show is our guess...