While the hot-hatch segment in South Africa has not always flourished in the past, lovers of small-but-agile vehicles are spoilt for choice today.
But more than just having a wide range of marques and models to choose from, most of today's fettled hatches also come with serious standard features, the likes of which have elevated their popularity considerably.
The Renault Clio Sport has a rev-happy 2-litre engine that produces 131.5 kW at 6 500 r/min and 200 Nm of torque which peaks at 5 250 r/min. The inline double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine features electronic fuel injection and variable valve technology.
The safety package includes driver and front passenger air bags, front side (thorax) air bags, anti-lock brakes, EBD and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
Comfortable
The two-door Clio Sport is a comfortable place to spend one's driving time, which is almost in contrast to its high-pitched performance potential.
Interior space for the driver and front passenger is well above average although only the driver's seat comes with height and lumbar adjust, which along with only tilt adjust on the steering wheel is a bit disappointing.
Pulling away from standstill is a little unnerving at first - due to the sensitive throttle - but rowing through the short-throw 5-speed gearbox is great fun, and although the learning curve is not easy, it does not take long to accustomise to the loud pedal.
The steering mechanics are also top notch, with good amounts of power assistance at low speeds, plus predictable and responsive steering at high speeds.
The Clio Sport tips the scales at 1 035 kg dry (no petrol, people or luggage), which is feather light and also helps explain the its prodigious 0-100 km/h times and eye-opening dexterity.
With a 10.7 metre turning circle, the Clio Sport is easy to wedge into tight spaces and general commuting and city driving is not too much of a hassle, though expect to be changing gears often.
Good grip
The Clio sits on 16 inch alloy wheels, shod with 195/50 profile tyres, which provide good amounts of grip, even in wet conditions.
Fitted with independent suspension at all four corners, complete with a fixed-mount anti-roll bar fore, and an enclosed anti-roll bar aft, the Clio Sport thrives on a diet of tight hairpins, smooth flip-flops and sweeping corners.
Hauling the surprisingly fast little hatch in from speed are ventilated discs up front (280 mm) and solid discs at the rear (228 mm). Coupled with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), it makes for formidable and assuring stopping power.
On the outside, the Clio Sport looks the business with its stubby bonnet and mixture of fog lights, halogen high beams and HID xenon secondary globes, the latter of which are encased in classy-looking teardrop silver bezels.
Overall, the car is quite curvaceous - yet well proportioned with its short overhangs - and the brake light cluster highlights the curvy theme with its spherical designs.
A pair of bucket seats, finished in suede and leather, greet the driver and front passenger. While their tactile influence is pleasing, they also do a good job of keeping occupants secure in a variety of driving styles and conditions, and the headrests are comfortable too.
Fold-down seats
While rear legroom is at a premium, the rear seats still manage to be quiet opulent and can be folded down for extra room and in the 60:40 split fold method.
The top-of-the-line Clio in South Africa delivers in spades when it comes to ride and handling, though comfort hasn't been eschewed in favour of the "race face".
The suspension setup is similar to that of all Clios in the range although the front suspension geometry has been revised with an increase in ground offset (plus a reduction in hub offset) and new damper settings.
Around town and on chopped-up main roads the Clio barely notices the bumps and lumps, and sound damping in the cabin is well above average.
Thanks to its small size changing lanes in heavy traffic never gets too scary, and while the car's performance potential is impressive, it can be driven at low speeds without protest and does not mind commuting in the slightest.
Parking the Clio Sport is child's play and, with solid rearward vision, it is very easy to nip quickly and safely into and out of a range of parking spaces.
Taking on the twisty stuff is what the Clio Sport is built for: The flexible engine, perfectly measured gear ratios, responsive chassis, solid suspension and grippy tyres all combine to form what is an amazingly athletic and nimble four-wheeler.
Overall, the rapid Renault is a willing companion for anyone who likes to drive for driving's sake, rather than just going from A to B. There is a lot to like about the Renault Clio Sport and for those who don't mind sacrificing a little space will be surprised at how quick and deft this hot hatch really is.