Clios Va-va-voom into Geneva

It's time for a facelift for the Clio range, and what better way to showcase it than to lead the revisions with a firecracker of a halo version: the Renaultsport Clio 200.

What's all the fuss about?

The fuss is all about the Renaultsport version, really, though thankfully Renault's stylists have done a decent job of tweaking an already handsome little hatch. It looks more like the new Mégane now, with its sloping front lights, and the Renaultsport version in particular look like its headlamps are melting into the front grille. Generally, the Clio grows a bit (it's 41mm longer) and it gets a new front bumper and rear lights. Nothing jaw dropping.

Anything that stands out?

There'll be two versions of the Renaultsport Clio, like the Mégane: a 'Luxe' model and a 'Cup' one that's lighter with a more hardcore focus. Both get a wider track and a slightly thicker anti-roll bar for tighter body control. In other news, the estate variant (Sport Tourer in Renault-speak) gets more luggage space - now a full 439-litres of it.

When can I buy one?

From May 2009, and though there's no word on pricing just yet, the minor nature of the changes means that, Renaultsport version aside, Renault can't really justify much of a price hike. That means prices will start at just under £10,000 for a 1.2 hatch, rising to about £18k for a Cup chassis Renaultsport 200.

Mark Nichol