Renault Clio Gordini 128 (From York Press)

Renault Clio Gordini 128

9:00am Friday 16th December 2011 in Road Test By Steve Nelson

RENAULT has a long history of producing exciting, quite brilliant cars for the driving enthusiasts.

But the Renaultsport versions of its Clio and Megane – both of which are just about as good as it gets in their respective sectors – are just a little too engaging, and expensive to buy and run – for most buyers.

Renault recognised this and has now filled the gap between the regular Clio and the high-powered Gordini 200 and Renaultsport versions with two new additions oozing with style and verve, that give UK customers the chance to enjoy the look and feel of the Gordini but with lower emissions, improved fuel consumption and reduced running costs.

It has done this by adding threedoor Gordini-badged and styled models with the choice of either petrol 1.6 VVT 128 and 1.5 dCi 106 diesel engines.

The Gordini 128 and 106 models are instantly recognisable thanks to their twin racing stripes which run across the bonnet, roof and tailgate.

The distinctive touches, unique to the Gordini, extend to matching white electric folding door mirrors and front bumper strip, Gordini badging, 16-inch Turini wheels, twin tailpipe exhausts and a body-colour rear spoiler. Body-coloured side mouldings and door handles, extra tinted side and rear windows and front fog lights are also fitted.

The Gordini 106 – priced at £14,950 – is the diesel version, offering 62.8mpg economy and CO2 emissions of only 110g/km.

But my test drive was in the 128.The free-revving 1.6 VVT 128 engine made a name for itself in the former Clio GT and is a slightly detuned version of the unit that gives the Twingo Renaultsport 133 its special character. In the Clio Gordini 128, it produces 128 hp at 6,750 rpm, with maximum torque of155Nm arriving at 4,250 rpm.

Mated to a slick six-speed manual transmission, it enables 0-62 mph to be despatched in a brisk 9.3 seconds, and delivers a respectable 42.2 mpg on the combined cycle.

Progress, therefore, is brisk rather than fire-breathing, but the Clio’s chassis is so good that there’s fun to be had through bends and corners.

If you want an accompanying raw soundtrack, look elsewhere, but there is no better car at this price for the combination of handling, decent acceleration and style.

I fell for its looks and character...

so much so that what began as an hour-long test run soon extended to three hours and had the Renault team phoning frantically to find out what had happened to their car.

It is priced at £14,000, but my car was fitted with the £750 option of Gordini ribbed leather upholstery.

This is well worth the extra outlay, not only because it adds so much to the luxurious feel of the interior, but also because the seating is probably the best you will find in this type of car. Too often, comfort is forsaken for sportiness in this market, but with the Gordini you get the best of both worlds.

Other interior features include softtouch plastics, a gloss black centre console and dash and air vent surround detailing, Gordini satin chrome-effect gearknob with blue Gordini badge and black surround with satin chrome gaiter lever, white rev counter, leather Gordini steering wheel with grey detail and white stripe, 4x20W radio CD with aux input and fingertip remote controls, plus cruise and climate control.

Then Renault will tempt you with a range of options, such as the Carminat TomTom satellite navigation system (£470) multi-functional TunePoint (£290) and electric panoramic sunroof (£630).

This latest Clio sits squarely on the road and has a streamlined silhouette, thanks to its increased length of 4,027mm (41mm longer than the original Clio III), 2,575mmm wheelbase, 1,707mm overall width (excluding door mirrors), and 1,493mm height.

The fresh new frontal appearance includes new headlamps with contours that extend downwards to the grille. The more purposeful look is further accentuated by black headlamp surrounds.

On Gordini versions finished in Glacier White, the stripes, bumper strip and door mirrors are in contrasting Anthracite Grey. Malta Blue, Pearl Black and Ruby Red metallic paint options are available.

The Clio set new standards in its class for cabin space and comfort, and the generous rear headroom and kneeroom add to the sense of space inside. In fact, it will comfortably accommodate passengers who are more than 1.88m (6ft 2in) tall.

The Gordini 128 adds looks and fizzy performance to put a smile on your face without emptying your wallet.

factfile

Renault Clio Gordini 128

Price: £14,000

Engine: 1.6-litre petrol

Transmission: six-speed manual

Performance: 0 to 62mph in 9.3 seconds; top speed 122mph

Economy: 42.2mpg combined

CO2 Rating: 155g/km