Renaultsport Clio 197 R27: Spotted

Why wait for a new Megane-engined Clio when this PHer has done one already?

Renaultsport has to make the Clio R.S.16, doesn't it? Having invested so much time in engineering it, invited journalists to pore over it and exhibited it at the Monaco GP, all the signs are pointing towards production. Which is jolly good news for hot hatch fans.

Lower, quicker, louder, better?

But a limited run Renaultsport product is going to be a lot of money. For those who like the idea of a Clio with a healthy dollop more power and torque for less than £10K - it's a tempting proposition, certainly - then let us suggest this Clio R27.

There have been Megane-to-Clio conversions in the past, and hopefully there will continue to be, but this one stands out for not chasing every last horsepower. Indeed the owner states in the advert: "After initially being mapped it was quite a bit more bhp but I found it unusable, taken down to a very usable and fun low 270s it is much more in keeping with what the chassis can handle". Rare and pleasing to see in a modified car; with 300lb ft of torque as well, it promises to be a very rapid little Clio.

This R27 still uses the Clio rather than the Megane gearbox, meaning shorter ratios for even sharper acceleration. The Megane's will be included for the full asking price too, meaning the swap is possible should you wish. This in addition to many of the modifications you would want to see with this sort of engine swap, including fully adjustable Spax coilovers, Brembo brakes and decent Bridgestone tyres. Don't forget too that this generation of Clio came with the Perfohub double axis front suspension that works so well on the Megane; it's almost like the car was built for more power...

270hp, 300lb ft; watch out M3s!

It looks the part too. Sure, the red wheels may not be to all tastes, but the addition of the 200 rear diffuser looks great on the 197, as does the new spoiler at the back. The suspension drop aids the stance, and there are a couple of updates from the 200 inside as well. It's clearly something different without being OTT.

The clutch was done recently, as was the cambelt, and the oil is changed twice a year; even the Recaro seat is kept under a protective cover. This car is used, yes, but it's clearly cared for as well. Having put so much time and effort into the build it's good to see he's making the most of it!

Bad points? There's no mention of a limited-slip differential which, if not quite essential, would surely complete the dynamic package nicely. The Clio is also in Belfast, which may make things tricky. If those hurdles can be overcome though, this looks to be a tremendous amount of fun for not a great deal of money. And it's probably faster than an R.S.16. Buy and enjoy!

Watch the build video here.

RENAULTSPORT CLIO R27
Engine: 1,998cc four-cyl
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 197@7,250rpm
Torque (lb ft): 159@5,550rpm
MPG: 34.5 (NEDC combined, for Clio 200)
CO2: 190g/km (for Clio 200)
First registered: 2007
Recorded mileage: 47,000
Price new: £17,250 (R27)
Yours for: £8,500