Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup

ALL hail the hot hatch king! We were blown away on our first encounter with Renaultsport's revised Clio 200, awarding it our full five-star rating. That was on a track: now it's time for
the ultimate test on UK roads.

The 2.0-litre motor has been reworked to receive a gentle 3bhp boost, while peak torque of 215Nm arrives 150rpm lower than in the car it replaces. But a still heady 5,400rpm means this version retains the Clio 197's unique appetite for revs.

We tested the Cup chassis, which has a firmer set-up than the Sport. It is stripped of kit, too, saving 36kg. Despite being fitted with 15 per cent stiffer dampers and a lowered ride height compared to the Clio 197 Cup, it feels less crashy over bumps – although it's still very firm. The steering, brakes and gearchange are as sharp as ever.

Styling revisions are scarce and limited to a lower front air intake, remodelled headlights and a gloss black grille.

The Cup's spartan interior is not for the faint-hearted, but it does give the car a focused edge, and keeps the price low. For those who demand more of life's luxuries, the Sport delivers
all the thrills, but with fewer compromises.

Rival: Abarth Grande Punto Esseesse
AT 178bhp, this lags behind the Clio in power, but it has precise handling and is hugely desirable, too.