3 Pedals. That's all we wanted, Renault. When the much anticipated Renault Sport version of the Mk4 Clio was released in 2011, no one cared that it had more power, more style and a gadget that pumped the noise of a Nissan GTR into the cabin. Whilst universally agreed to be a nice car, most verdicts preferred the Ford Fiesta ST, but over and above that, we all wanted a manual gearbox.
Part of the appeal of a small pocket-rocket was surely snicking through 6 cogs yourself. Instead, it had a flappy-paddle 'EDC' automatic gearbox, which was slow and numb. "The kidz will love it" Renault said. "When's the manual version available?" we asked. Here, then, is Renault's big response at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show. The leaner, meaner and more focussed Clio RS Trophy. Now we shall start by reminding you what that name entails. You see, the last Clio to bear the Trophy tag-line was a rather special rare beast. Small, light and nimble, it was all about fancy, actual race-derived, Sachs dampers. These were trick and utterly amazing.
So, on to this new model, which gets 10% more power over a regular RS (now 217bhp), 40% stiffer suspension and a gearbox that can shift 40% quicker in the normal modes and 50% quicker in Race setting. Lots of percentages floating around this car. The eagled eyed of you will also have noticed than no one ever quotes shift times for a manual gearbox which means, sigh, this is still an automatic. It doesn't even particularly look special. Oh sure, it is has plenty of style, but I'm not sure most people will realise it is a super-quick Clio when compared to a regular Clio, and that means lots of explaining to do. Or as Renault puts it, "Immediately Recognisable....and Seductive". Right.
Consequently, the old Clio II Trophy is sure to see a bump in used values, right about now actually.
A Manual Gearbox. Unlike a certain other new hot hatch also revealed at the 2015 International Geneva Motor Show (we are look at you, RenaultSport Clio Trophy...) the new Opel Corsa OPC (Vauxhall Corsa VXR in the UK) has 6 gears and a clutch pedal. As a hardcore drivers car, could they be about to snatch a few of Renault's customers? That is, if Ford hasn't already with their Fiesta ST... This latest pocket rocket is based on the recently heavily-refreshed standard Corsa. Not quite an all-new model, it boasts improved styling and a fresh interior. In the case of the OPC / VXR, it also means new wheels, a unique suspension set-up, bigger brakes and a 1.6 petrol engine, turbocharged to reach 204bhp. It is nice to think that not too long ago a) 200bhp in a front-wheel drive car would be unmanageable and b) 200bhp in any car was considered very rapid indeed. Yet here is a supermini with more than that. Heck, this means you can buy a Corsa that will do a frankly incredible 143mph. Happy days people, happy days.
Another addition, is a slightly garish front air scoop, in-between the top of the bumper and the bonnet. Sure to please many people under the age of 25 and slightly aggrieve those over. Especially considering (as you can see in our video below) it is completely fake. There is no hole, no air is being scooped. If the previous Corsa Nurburgring edition was anything to go buy however, this should be a cracker to drive. With the added improvements, a slightly lower price and an optional Performance Package which entails Brembo brakes and a clever differential, we could be looking at a new class leader.
