It was with great interest that I read Matt's first impressions of
Peugeot's 208 GTI 30th
. By the sounds of it Peugeot Sport has played a blinder, completely transforming what was an easy to live with, if dynamically unexceptional hot hatch into genuinely hardcore product designed to entice the enthusiast. In other words, exactly the kind of magic wand waving that needs to happen a couple of hundred kilometres to the north in Dieppe. Hopefully this avalanche of praise will give Renaultsport a much-needed motivational kick up the backside.
Clio spangled up for meeting its race brother
In other news the Clio has been to meet its racing sibling at Brands Hatch. The Indy circuit was more aquatic centre than race track for Dan's drive in the
Clio Cup
, but despite the biblical conditions, it gave him an illuminating insight into what the road car might be like with a willing gearbox and a diff between the front wheels.
With 10,339 miles now on the clock, it's also been back to Renault for a new set of tyres. We've stuck with the standard fit Dunlop Sport Maxx RTs, and quietly crossed our fingers for a continuation of the current mild winter. I also have a sneaking suspicion it may have had an oil change at the same time, even though I didn't ask for one (and it wasn't due one) because it came back noticeably smoother and quieter. [Update - Renault got back to us to confirm it was just the tyres! - Ed.] The front brake discs and pads have already been changed back in August, leaving it feeling fresh and fighting fit once again.
All set then, for a track day at Goodwood next weekend and, having now had ample chance to bond with the Clio, a chance to revisit the head-to-head battle with the Fiesta ST that we conducted last year.
FACT SHEET
Car: Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC LUX
Run by: Danny Milner
On fleet since: April 2014
Mileage: 10,339
List price new: £21,835 (Basic list of £19,995 plus £650 for Cup Chassis, £300 for 18-inch Renaultsport wheels and Dunlop Sport Maxx RT tyres, £595 for Flame Red i.d. metallic paint, £295 for Renaultsport Monitor)
Last month at a glance: Mechanical wash and brush up; longing for a diff doesn't subside