While over the years RS models, including Clio and Megane, have highlighted the hot hatch making abilities of Renault, few can deny that early in the 21st century the Clio V6 added some rather spectacular la Regie’s pedigree to the stable.
The Clio V6 was (and remains) on of the wildest-looking road legal car available in South Africa and CAR tested it for the January 2002 issue. It featured an array of scoops, grilles and vents that could probably have swallowed roadkill. The deep arches and flared fenders also allowed it to house wide 17-inch rubber front and rear that added purpose to the range-topping Clio’s stance.
All that show required a quite special powertrain to provide suitable go. RenaultSport division lifted the 24-valve 3,0-litre V6 from the Laguna saloon, tweaked it to deliver 166 kW and 300 N.m, and then mounted it just behind the front seats – to dramatic effect.