GENEVA MOTOR SHOW - What do you do if the ordinary Clio is too tame but the RS is too expensive? Your prayers might well be answered by the new GT version that's just popped into the range to plug that gap that exists below the hard-core variant.
Of course, the GT is more warm than hot, its 1.2-litre direct injection turbopetrol motor pushing 87kW at 4900rpm and 190Nm at 2000rpm, but it is decked out with some tasty equipment.
For starters, it has a sporty styling kit devised by the Renault Sport division, along with 17-inch alloy wheels, and it's also been treated to a firmer suspension set-up.
What's more, the engine is mated to the same six-speed dual-clutch ETC gearbox as the RS, and the driver can shift up or down manually via flappy paddles on the steering wheel.
Given the latest fuel prices, it's also worth knowing that the GT has posted some impressive NEDC fuel consumption figures - just 5.2 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.
At this point it's not certain whether the GT is destined for South African shores, but our contact says there is a possibility that it may arrive after the ordinary Clio 4, due in April, and the RS - which should be here before November.