Right after giving us the Twingo Gordini, a special edition with a rare dose of credibility, Renault has unveiled the Clio S. It's the same sort of thing as the Gordini, in that it offers a disingenuous veil of additional performance without any mechanical modification.

In a nod to S models from the early '90s, the new trim level is available powered by the 1.2-litre 75 and the 1.2 TCe 100 petrol units - as well as the 1.5 dCi 85 - priced between £11,209 and £13,458.

By comparison, a 1.2-litre 75 Extreme costs £500 less, though the extra half grand buys 16-inch white alloys, a white front bumper insert and rear spoiler, and tinted windows. The racing stripes and 'S' decals you see in the pictures are optional, thankfully. Inside, the upholstery is 'S' embossed, and the centre console and instrument dials are white. It's only available as a five-door, despite the sporty pretentions, and it comes in white, red, black and blue.

Mark Nichol - 15 Jan 2010