Last opportunity to secure a thrilling Renaultsport Clio

Renault Clio X85 RenaultSport Cup: A Hot Hatch with Enduring Appeal

The Renault Clio X85 RenaultSport Cup, once the epitome of hot hatch performance, is showing signs of becoming a more enduring model than its predecessors. While the Renault Clio 182 has faded into relative obscurity, often found in less-than-perfect condition, the Cup version continues to stand out.

Renault offered two versions of the X85 RenaultSport Clio: the standard car and the Cup option. The latter, designed for those seeking a balance between performance and comfort, came with several modifications. The Cup option involved recalibrating the springs and dampers for increased agility and removing approximately 20kg of weight. This weight reduction was achieved by deleting the air conditioning, keyless entry, and curtain airbags, and installing a lower-rent dashboard from the basic Renault Clio.

Despite the reduced equipment, the Cup chassis could be ordered with the standard car's weight, making it the optimal choice for those seeking a more affordable option. In comparison, Porsche charged more for an RS with less equipment, but the Cup chassis offered a more balanced price.

The Cup version offered liberties with its wonderfully game chassis and a revvy engine. The steering could have been weighted up more in bends, but the Clio Renaultsport Cup offered a driving experience that was hard to match. The Cup suspension provided improved body control, deepened athleticism, and sharpened the impression of the tyres' contact with the road, without ruining the ride.

High prices for the Renault Clio X85 could potentially limit its use for track days, preserving its condition. This, coupled with the fact that a significant number of well-maintained Renault Clio X85s may survive due to potentially high prices, which could deter excessive use, suggests that the X85 generation RenaultSport Clio may not follow the same path as its X65 predecessor, which has already reached a state of decay.

Currently, selected and well-maintained RenaultSport Clio X85 models in Germany are typically offered by specialized RenaultSport dealerships, high-end used car dealers, and dedicated Renault enthusiast clubs or online platforms for classic and performance cars. Occasionally, a well-maintained Renault Clio 182 with low mileage can be found, but these are becoming increasingly rare.

In conclusion, the Renault Clio X85 RenaultSport Cup is a hot hatch that bucked the trend of fading quickly after its popularity wanes. With its enduring appeal and potential for preservation, it is a model that could stand the test of time.