An elegantly slippery shape... lightning-fast responses... flat, perfectly poised roadholding.. fail-safe stopping power... the Clio's potential as a performance car was evident from the very start. With a free-revving, 137bhp multivalve engine, up-rated suspension and enhanced instrumentation, that potential is fulfilled in the most stimulating way possible.

The seats support on fast straights and fierce curves alike. Controls fall naturally to hand. Instruments inform instantly. A driver's car? The driver's car!

The 16 Valve model replaced the R5 GT Turbo, with a normally aspirated 1.8 16v engine developing 137bhp, with subtle yet agressive body styling. The differences between the 16v and the other Clios is the wider wheelarches, plastic front wings, tailgate spoiler, side skirts, low-profile tyres on 6.5"x15" polished alloy wheels, and restyled bumpers. A large bonnet vent adds visual appeal and takes more air to the engine. Inside the dashboard gains extra dials, sports seats, and a leather steering wheel and gear knob.