Andrew Frankel

There are many ways of making a car go faster. Increase its power, and faster in a straight line it will go. Stiffen its suspension and it will corner more swiftly. Make it lighter and it will not only go faster straight and round corners, it will use less fuel.

And the reason car makers don’t create performance models through this last expedient? They wouldn’t be able to charge more with the goodies stripped out. But take a look at Renault’s new Clio Renaultsport 172 Cup. It’s better in all dynamic respects than a standard Clio 172 and because this has been achieved by reduction, not addition, it costs £12,995 while the standard car sells at £15,095.

By removing the air conditioning, spare wheel, side airbags, antilock brakes and sound-deadening material, this already light car has lost 196lb. Renault has also lowered its suspension and pushed its wheels out into their arches, giving more grip. The result is a car whose bald performance figures — 0 to 60mph in 6.8sec, top speed 138mph — may sound impressive but fail to convey an accurate sense of its true pace.

It’s the kind of car you want to drive all day. I used it to get to a job driving supercars. Sure, it wasn’t as quick but never mistake fast for fun: in all ways that mattered the Clio was the supercars’ equal. At 2,226lb it weighed almost half as much, so felt twice as nimble, changing direction like an escaping PoW under fire.

All the Clio’s old failings remain, from its absurd driving position to poor cabin materials, but when you’re having this much fun who cares? More serious is the deletion of the ABS. These hot Clios will attract hot-headed drivers and some will fly off the road, wheels locked solid.

But this is the sole blunder. If you need rear seats and a modicum of practicality you can’t buy a new car that offers more fun for less money.

Vital statistics

Model Clio Renaultsport 172 Cup
Engine type Four cylinders
Power 172bhp @ 6250rpm
Torque 148lb ft @ 5400rpm
Transmission Five-speed manual
Tyres 195/45 VR16
Fuel 34.9mpg (combined)
CO2 194g/km
Acceleration 0 to 62mph: 6.8sec
Top speed 138mph
Price £12,995
Rating: