Best described as a warm hatchback rather than a hot one, the new Renault Clio GT is a key element of the revised model range. It provides a bridge between the mainstream range and the high performance Clio Renaultsport 200.

An added bonus, it is a good looker with its dedicated GT styling features, such as the gloss black grille, extended front spoiler and side skirts, twin tailpipe exhaust, bespoke 16 inch GT alloy wheels, drilled aluminium pedals and sporty front seats and it is also engineered for rewarding handling and performance.

Bringing the Clio GT to market, Renaultsport engineers were in charge of tuning the chassis for sharper handling and response, and the choice of power trains includes a new 1.6 VVT 128 unit that is developed from the power plant used in Twingo Renaultsport 133.

Moving to the interior and the sporting details include drilled aluminium pedals, sports front seats with added lateral support and finished in a dedicated dark and light carbon upholstery with GT logo, and a leather trimmed GT steering wheel.

The new sports-focused GT grade bridges the gap between the Dynamique models and the flagship Renaultsport 200.

The three-door model adds the following key features to the Dynamique specification, the already noted 16 inch GT alloy wheels, cruise control with speed limiter, GT-specific white rev counter, driver’s seat with height and lumbar adjustment, sports front seats with extra lateral support, GT leather steering wheel, GT cloth upholstery, one-touch operation on front passenger electric window, silver door mirrors, body coloured door handles, fixed cornering lights with black surrounds and Satin Grey centre console with grey dashboard trim inserts and vent surrounds.