Renault Clio V6 (2004)

French hot hatches have rarely failed to appeal to the purist of enthusiasts, and the Clio V6 is among the most revered. Legend has it, that after intercepting communications at Volkswagen – who were seemingly brainstorming a high performance Lupo – Renault sought to rival the competition and produce a mid-engined, high-performance Clio, reminiscent of the 5 Turbo. After a welcoming reception at the 1998 Paris Motor Show, they did so, with the help of Tom Walkinshaw’s expertise.

After a two-year production run of the original Clio V6, Renaultsport launched the largely revised ‘Phase Two’ in 2003. The fundamental idea of the car remained true; however – still with TWR’s assistance – the chassis, gearbox, and engine were improved. Power comes from a mid-mounted 3-litre 24-valve V6, which produces 255hp at 7150rpm with 300Nm of torque at 4650rpm.

Visual cues allude to the car’s potential; extended arches – built to house 18-inch alloy wheels and specifically designed Michelin tyres – twin chromed exhaust pipes, purposeful side and rear air-intakes, and a squatted stance. The sound must be heard to be believed, positioned merely inches away from the cabin’s occupants, the engine’s throaty growl evolves into an exquisite scream throughout the rev-range.