Renault Clio

Renault Clio V6 Sport Phase 1

Outside, it looks like a Clio that spent too long in the gym; inside, where the rear seats should be, lives a V6. This 2002 Clio V6 Sport Phase 1, in metallic paint with 60,000 km, is one of the most radical hot hatches Renault ever put on the road.

The 2,946 cc V6, with around 230 PS, sits behind the driver in a mid-engine layout and drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. The wide body and the engine at your back demand respect, and reward those who show it.

The race car came first, built for a one-make trophy promoting the new Clio range. The road version followed in 2001; the Phase 1 was built by TWR in Uddevalla, Sweden, and its concept recalls the Renault 5 Turbo.