Skip advert
Advertisement

Renault Sport Clio 220 Trophy review - Is the turbocharged Clio finally any fun? - Interior and tech

The new Clio gets a facelift, a new exhaust and the Trophy becomes a proper production model

Evo rating
RRP
from £22,425
  • Tenacious and grippy chassis, but one that’s still fun
  • Lacklustre drivetrain and lifeless steering make it hard to enjoy

The interior of the Trophy isn’t much different from a standard Clio, albeit graced with satellite navigation. Fast Clios of old always used the basic poverty spec interiors; the paired-back, light-weight, no-nonsense feel was all part of the French charm. Now though, the basic Clio has an interior that looks far fancier – there’s polished black plastic, chrome and leather. The luxury is only superficial sadly. The plastics seem cheap, nothing seems to fit together very well and it seems worryingly breakable.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Trophy doesn’t have to make do with the standard Clio’s seats, though. It gets a set of leather, heated seats. They’re not the prettiest items and the side bolstering is so significant it makes getting in and out of them slightly tricky.

What they lack in aesthetics or ease of ingress and egress, they make up for in support. You sit deep into them, with the seat hugging you from the waist right up, almost to your armpits. As a passenger they feel quite awkward, your arms get pushed forwards as they rest on the side bolsters. With your arms out in front of you when driving though, the support is incredible.

It’s not easy to find the perfect driving position in the Trophy. The seats, although supportive, are set a little too high and the wheel doesn’t allow much adjustment in regards to reach either. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Peugeot 208 GTi review – can it take the fight to the Alpine A290?
2026 Peugeot 208 GTi
Reviews

Peugeot 208 GTi review – can it take the fight to the Alpine A290?

After a six year hiatus, Peugeot has revived GTi with a modern take on its iconic hot 208. We find out if has the same spark as its predecessor with a…
23 Sep 2026
The Nissan Z ‘Kaze’ makes Japan’s V6 coupe T-top
Nissan Z Kaze concept
News

The Nissan Z ‘Kaze’ makes Japan’s V6 coupe T-top

Nissan has gone back to the ’90s with the one-off Z Kaze, making the V6 coupe open-air with a T-top
25 Sep 2026
Teenagers are dreaming about Mazdas, not McLarens. I think I know why
McLaren W1
Opinion

Teenagers are dreaming about Mazdas, not McLarens. I think I know why

Supercars are everywhere today, but they don’t have the old allure, says Porter
25 Sep 2026