To win the coveted "European Car of the Year" award, the Renault Clio had to be, to say the very least, a car of exceptional merit. But even most exceptional of cars is susceptible to improvement, and the refinements that Renault desugners have added to the latest RT can only add to its appeal  and its popularity.

The different specifications you could have were:-

• 1.4, 1390cc, fuel-injected with catalytic converter, 80bhp and a choice of 3 and 5 door.
• 1.4 Automatic,1390cc, fuel-injected with catalytic converter, 80bhp and a choice of 3 and 5 door.
• 1.8, 1784cc, fuel-injected with catalytic converter, 95bhp and a choice of 5 door only.
• 1.9 Diesel, 1870cc, 65bhp and a choice of 5 door only.

With a line-up six different models, you might say that the Clio RT is big on choice. You could also say that it's very big on value... and demonstrably bigger inside as well. The small car which thinks big? That seems to cover it.

The RT is the best value for money in the range, having velour upholstery, power steering, electric windows, up-market stereo with remote control, and a better quality plastic trim than the lesser versions, and with the 1.4 or 1.8 litre engines (80/95bhp), is very quick. The RT is distinguished outside by it's body coloured bumpers and foglights. The 1.4 RT automatic is the biggest selling Clio version. It was dubbed as the best small automatic an sale thanks to it's computer controlled 4-speed transmission which was way ahead in technology compared to rivals. The unit is essentially a miniture version of that used in the range topping Renault Safrane. It gives the car a good turn of speed, and is fairly economical, too.

The RT even has the option of air-conditioning. The S model is basically an RT, with 3 doors, alloy wheels, and the 1.4 litre engine, but with a manual gearbox only.