News: Renault reveals new Clio Renaultsport 220 Trophy

IS THAT a collective sigh of relief we hear from fans of Renaultsport cars? The division of Renault that is responsible for making its cars go faster may have been stung by criticism that its Clio Renaultsport was a little lacking in the, er, Va Va Voom department; now it is ready to introduce a new 220 Trophy version with a host of improvements that should put the fizz back into the driving experience.

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Set to go on sale from June, it will feature a revised engine that uses a new turbocharger, air intake system and exhaust. The result is a 10% rise in power, at 217bhp (or 220hp, hence the name) and a useful increase in torque, up from 177 to 206 Ib ft.

However, its what Renaultsport has been upto elsewhere thats arguably of greater interest. The F1-style flappy-paddle gearshift has (to use a technical term) been tweaked to give faster gearchanges by up to 50%, in Race operating mode and more aggressive downshifts.

Then comes the real magic. If theres one thing a good hot hatch should do, its take corners with more enthusiasm than a dog chasing a stick. Reanultsport have lowered the chassis by 20mm at the front and 10mm at the rear, fitted firmer springs and dampers to the suspension and given the steering a more direct action. Throw in a set of sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres and the Clio 220 Trophy has the potential to address the faults leveled at the existing Clio 200.

It also looks a lot more sporty, both from the outside and when you clamber into the driving seat. Renault will announce UK pricing and specifications later.

In the meantime, many drivers will be hoping the new Clio 220 Trophy can prove as thrilling as past Trophy models. The old Clio 182 Trophy and Mgane 265 Trophy are some most fun-to-drive cars on the road. Driving will be reporting soon on whether the new Clio 220 Trophy can live up to their reputation.

Browse the used Renault Clios for sale on driving.co.uk