The launch of the final iteration of the current Clio Renaultsport could not have been better timed. Today, Fernando Alonso won the European GP. Tomorrow, the Renault Clio Renaultsport 182 Trophy goes on sale in Britain.

Only 500 examples of the Trophy edition will be produced, all finished in 'Capsicum Red'. Other than a handful of left-hand drive cars for Switzerland, all cars will be sold in UK dealers. This is no surprise given that the UK takes 50% of all Renaultsport production.

At £15,500 on-the-road, the Trophy is a tempting prospect. Though based on the Renaultsport 182 Cup, the Trophy is distinguished by a large rear spoiler (from the Clio Renaultsport V6 255) and lighter Speedline Turini alloys. Inside, figure-hugging Recaro Sport Trendline seats are fitted, not only holding the occupants in place better, but also lowering the driving position.

There are other more significant changes under the skin, or behind the wheels to be exact. Don't forget that the regular Cup chassis has a lower ride height than the regular Renaultsport 182, along with springs (20% front, 15% rear), re-rated dampers, strengthened front wheel hub carriers and revised steering geometry. The Trophy has shorter front springs, reducing the ride height by a further 10mm. The regular dampers are replaced by costly Sachs Race Engineering items, featuring a remote reservoir and ultra-stiff damper rod. Renault claims that these changes were introduced to quell understeer, which we find surprising having driven the Clio Renaultsport recently; it oversteers more than most front-wheel drive hot hatches! The Trophy should be even more entertaining to drive quickly, though you may need Alonso-style skills to extract the maximum from such an uncompromising chassis.

Shane O' Donoghue - 29 May 2005