Act now: Clio RS 200 is a bargain hot hatch gem - but not for long

GTI, ST, Type R, GR: just some of the hallowed names that crop up in any discussion about hot hatch greats of the modern era, and deservedly so. But there's one oft-overlooked contender that could have them all licked as a second- hand performance hero for daily use, offering immense charm and dazzling dynamics for surprisingly little outlay - but only if you get in before it's a full-blown classic. Renault created the Clio Williams as a rallying homologation special in 1993, but it proved so popular that it ended up in series production - and its success gave Renault the confidence to follow it up with hot versions of the Mk2 and Mk3 Clio, which stayed true to the philosophy of their simple, joyful forebear. In 2012 came the Mk4 Clio RS, and this time there were some surprises on the spec sheet. Its 1.6-litre engine gained a turbocharger and, despite inheriting its predecessor's '200' designation, was actually slightly down on power, at 197bhp. That's a small difference but one that was exacerbated by a gain of roughly 50kg, and as a result its 0-60mph time fell to the wrong side of 7sec. Numbers aren't everything, though. While we missed the Mk3's raw performance and atmospheric sound, the chassis of the Mk4 was undeniably superb. In fact, its blend of comfort and precision remains unmatched among hot superminis. As such, the Mk4 RS 200 would have been an all-time great if it weren't for the influence of its six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic gearbox, which saps fun when you're really pushing on. While the driving experience isn't laugh-out-loud, as it is in the Ford Fiesta ST, the Clio RS is brilliant in its own right. With impressive levels of grip, taut body control and responsive steering, it can cover ground quickly and securely - and entertain you while doing so. In any case, an equivalent Fiesta ST will cost more than a Clio RS, which in many other respects is the better car. It makes a fun city slicker, thanks to its small size, automatic gearbox and surprisingly supple suspension, even in Cup specification (3mm drop, 15% stiffer, quicker steering). The boot is a usable 300 litres, the rear is roomier than in the Fiesta and the chic styling still looks really fresh and modern. Meanwhile, the prospect of 45mpg on a run and a £195 yearly VED bill makes it easy to justify to your bank manager or better half. The cabin feels a bit cheap, mind, and the gear selector's manual-like appearance continually teases you - especially as the metal shift paddles aren't particularly satisfying to use. At least they're fixed to the column and are in easy reach. There were a few forms of Mk4 RS. Initially you could spec more equipment with Lux trim and tighten up the dynamics with the Cup package. When it was lightly facelifted in 2016, Renault added the optional Trophy pack, which upped power by 20bhp and dropped the ride by 20mm at the front and 10mm at the rear. An Akrapovic exhaust became an option too, which is something to look for because the standard sounds aren't inspiring even if you use the R-Sound Effect system, which plays the ear candy of various hot Renaults and Nissans through the stereo speakers. In any case, the Clio RS remains something of an overlooked gem in this area of the market. But anybody who drives one is likely to come to that conclusion, so best not wait until they find out. What to look out for Engine: Throttle bodies and coil packs have both been known to go, but neither is a particularly big or expensive replacement job. Gearbox: On your test drive, check for crunching between gears, a clicking or whining sound within a ratio, or hesitancy. All could signal costly problems. For the same reason, check that the gearbox has been serviced more than every five years or 50,000 miles. Tyres: Owners report a relatively short life of 8000 miles on the front, so check they have good tread left in them. Michelin's Pilot Sport 4 S is regarded as the rubber to fit; 205-width tyres were standard, but don't be afraid of 225s being fitted: these will offer more grip and better protect the wheel rims. Happily, other consumables, such as the brakes, last longer and are affordable to replace. Electrics: It's mostly good news here, but the body control module can fail; the side lights not working is a telltale sign. History: All Clios of this generation have held up well so far, but there will always be bad eggs - particularly with the performance version. Check for evidence of track use and extreme B-road antics, as these will take their toll on the car over time. Also worth knowing All RS models are well equipped with Bluetooth, R-Link sat-nav and bucket seats. Launch control and a synthesised sound system that imitates other hot Renaults is a bit gimmicky, as is the optional data logger: it's not a 911 GT3. The optional Lux Pack added climate control, parking sensors, automatic wipers and a better sound system. A reversing camera was a desirable option, while leather is rare and feels unnecessary: the standard cloth seats are great, even over long distances. Like the ordinary Clio of this generation, all RS models have five doors. This adds a dose of practicality but sacrifices little in style, as the rear door handles are hidden, keeping the three-door look (also thanks to Volkswagen-tight shutlines). How much to spend £4500-£8499 Even the cheapest 200s haven't racked up moon mileages yet and seem well cared for. Lots of performance for the money. £8500-£9999 Clean, low-mileage, pre-facelift examples. Worth saving a little more to get a Trophy, though. £10,000-£12,499 Facelifted RSs (from 2016), most of which are Trophy cars with 217bhp. £12,500-£15,000 The best and newest examples. Liquid Yellow is a truly fabulous colour, but you will pay extra for it. An owner's view Lucy Chen: "I bought my 2014 Clio RS 200 because I realised that it wasn't much more expensive to buy than an ordinary Clio and it delivers fantastic speed and stability. It's properly quick and handles twisty roads brilliantly. However, the electronic aspects are frustrating. The gearbox is the car's weak point: it's clumsy in traffic and often feels too slow to react when you need a quick downshift. The interior quality is average. It's a great car, but only if you don't expect too much from it."

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Act now: Clio RS 200 is a bargain hot hatch gem - but not for long

Before the Alpine A290 came a hot Clio which was nearly as fun as its ST rival - and a better everyday car

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Act now: Clio RS 200 is a bargain hot hatch gem - but not for long

Before the Alpine A290 came a hot Clio which was nearly as fun as its ST rival - and a better everyday car

More from Autocar

Top 10s

Latest car reviews

Top manufacturers

Quick search

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About Autocar