Renault’s performance models have been immensely popular in South Africa over the past few years, with the RenaultSport sub-brand especially showing a very loyal following. The RS models are not always within everyone’s reach, though, and as Renault desires to sell cars that deliver sporty appeal at affordable prices has led to the return of a version of Renault Clio that proved highly popular in the 1990s, namely Renault Clio ‘S’. Available in both three- and five-door form, the ‘S’ version remains true to the original intention, which was to provide a car with sporty appeal at a contained price.

Like its predecessor, today’s Renault Clio ‘S’ features an overtly sporty feel thanks to a competitively-priced package of exclusive and distinctive design details. Model specific features include 16-inch white alloy wheels, white or red exterior mirrors, front bumper insert and rear lip spoiler and matching ‘S’ stripes along the sides and across the roof.

The interior, too, has been treated to a number of bespoke features, including white instrument dials, white centre console and dashboard trim and specific, ‘S’ embossed black cloth upholstery with white chequered pattern. Based on the existing Expression equipment level version, Renault Clio ‘S’ sits on the fringe of the Renault Clio range’s line-up of sporting versions (Clio GT and Clio Renault Sport) and comes in a choice of four engines (1.2 16V 75, TCe100, 1.6 16V 128hp or 1.5 dCi 85) and four body colours (Glacier White, Vif Red, Extrême Blue and Pearlescent Black).

Prices have not been confirmed yet, but get to your nearest Renault dealer to get your own!