Renault Sport was given the brief to realise the ultimate potential of the 172 last year. They started by paring weight from 1030kg to 950kg. The spare wheel has been replaced by a couple of cans of 'get-you-home' foam, while air-con, side airbags, xenon lamps and floormats have all been binned. Thinner front door glass and a non-tinted, non-heat reflective screen further aid weight loss.

But the most controversial omission is ABS - because the Clio Cup will be used as a basis for Group N rallying, Renault Sport took the decision to delete it. Renault UK had reservations about selling a high performance derivative without anti-lock, despite a recalibrated braking system with improved pedal feel, but it seems even RHD cars will not have this driver aid.

Chassis modifications for the Cup include increased castor angle on the front suspension to improve steering feel and stability. The offset of the new 16in rims results in a 20mm wider track at the front and a 10mm increase at the rear, while higher rate springs firm up the ride and also drop the car by 3mm. The flexible lower front bumper lip and the hatch-mounted rear spoiler reduce lift, aiding high speed stability.

It's an incredibly thorough job and Renault Sport is obviously tackling the competition on its own terms. The Clio may not match a Cooper S or Type-R in showroom appeal, but for enthusiasts the lightweight Cup is a breath of fresh air.

Peugeot's decision to enter the fiercely competitive performance hatch race later this year with a 180bhp 206 may also have driven the development of the Cup. Renault's French rival has traditionally been a hot hatch master but has so far missed out on the growth of the new breed of ultra-powerful hatches. Renault hopes the latest Clio will set a dynamic standard that Peugeot can't match.

Unfortunately the Cup fails to distinguish itself aesthetically from the standard 172 with any conviction. However, there are plans to offer a number of upgrades for the UK market. Everything from Recaro seats to a full rollcage and ignition cut-off is being considered to satisfy the trackday customer. The growing performance market in the UK also means that the Cup will go on sale here before anywhere else in Europe.

Aside from the Clio Cup's Group N potential, Renault's assault on the world of rallying will be spearheaded by the Clio Kit Car Super 1600. With 220bhp developed at 8600rpm and a sequential six-speed 'box, the Clio's natural habitat will be the asphalt of the national rally championships in France and Spain.

Meanwhile Renault's most bonkers hatch - the gloriously extrovert Clio V6 - is likely to receive a nose-job later in the year to fall into line with the rest of the Clio range. In the past Renault denied that the V6 would gain the snouty family look but that decision will be reversed if orders continue to hold firm. Owners of the current V6 may feel slightly aggrieved but we reckon they've got the original and best looking V6. Chassis mods to help tame the slightly wayward mid-engined Clio are not planned at present.