Renault Dynamique S 138

Mention the words 'Renault 16V' to men of a certain age and they'll get all misty-eyed and, in particularly severe cases, start making happy brmmming noises to themselves.

The first properly hot Clio evokes happy memories for many. And although Renault isn't admitting that its latest tuned-up Clio, the Dynamique S 138, is inspired by its early-90s boy-racer favourite, we're happy to draw the parallels.

This hottish supermini fills the gaping hole in Renault's Clio line-up, between its standard petrol models and the frankly bonkers 197 Renaultsport.

Like the old Clio 16V, it boasts 138bhp and a 0-60 time in the eight-second bracket.

Powered by a 2.0 VVT engine developing 143lb ft of torque at 3,750rpm, the new Clio tops out at 127mph. That's spookily close to the old 16V's top speed of 125mph.

Trim levels, however, are a touch more generous than the spartan old 16V. Sitting on unique 16-inch alloys and sporting part-leather trim, the Dynamique S 38 looks sporty enough, with extended sports front wings, tinted rear windows and restyled headlight clusters.

Sitting in insurance group 9E, the Dynamique S 138 looks to be affordable to all but the blacklisted drivers. However, Renault is promising a hotter GT version in the future, which with a promised 150bhp on tap looks to be shaping up to the Fiesta ST.

For the meantime we'll have to content ourselves with the Dynamique S 138. Initially only available in three-door guise, a five-door version will follow next year.

Prices start at £12,810, and Renault will start taking orders on November 1 for delivery in early December.

© Source: original article on topgear