Renault Clio V6 2000

The Clio V6 revived an idea already associated with the Renault 5 Turbo: remove the rear bench and use the space for an engine mounted behind the occupants. The concept shown in 1998 was close enough to the eventual production car that Renault retained most of its visual character. That unusual decision helped give the Phase 1 its exceptionally wide and dramatic appearance.

The Renault Clio V6 Phase 1 was built in Sweden by Tom Walkinshaw Racing, while Phase 2 production later moved to Dieppe. This arrangement reflected the specialised nature of the project, which required far more extensive changes than a conventional hot-hatch conversion. Specialist references list 1,631 Phase 1 cars. Published totals for both generations vary depending on counting methods and market records, so the Phase 1 figure is the most useful production reference for a 2000 example. Limited-series construction, the deletion of the rear bench and the use of a dedicated rear structure all contributed to the car’s exclusive position within the Renault range.

Automotive media often admired the Clio V6’s ambition while criticising the Phase 1’s handling. Contemporary road tests found a car that was memorable for its engine, appearance and driving position, but demanding when grip suddenly ran out. Autocar described the original car as particularly difficult to manage at the limit, while evo noted that the production version delivered 230 bhp rather than the 250 bhp quoted for the prototype. That criticism helped prompt the rapid development of Phase 2, whose chassis and suspension settings were extensively revised. With hindsight, the Phase 1 has become one of the most distinctive Renault Sport models precisely because it is less polished and less predictable than a conventional front-engined hot hatch. Its character is a central part of its appeal.