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Look at the Wheels on That: Renault Clio Williams
8 November 2007
Introduced in 1990 to popular acclaim, the first generation Renault Clio was a budget superstar – taking the 1991 European Car of the Year crown. And in 1993, the French carmaker’s motorsport division – Renaultsport – ripped off the covers to one of the best hot hatches ever built – the Renault Clio Williams. In Stuart Milne’s absence, Vijay Pattni takes a look at this astonishing supermini. Renault and Formula One racing team Williams have an enviable and illustrious history. F1 supremo Nigel Mansell strapped himself behind the wheel of a Renault-powered Williams F1 car to become the 1992 world champion, while Williams won the constructor’s championship in the same year. Indeed, Renault engines powered Williams to four drivers’ and five constructors’ championships until Renault’s departure from Formula One at the end of 1997. So what did the formidable F1 team do in the development of this, one of the hottest road-going Clios? Nothing. Named after the Williams’ F1 team, the French carmaker turned to its own motorsport division, Renaultsport, to roll out a cooking version of the popular Clio on a limited production run of just 400 cars. And first on the list was the engine. Renaultsport binned the asthmatic 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines which carted lesser variants around, and installed a gutsy 2-litre 16 valve engine developing 150bhp, mated to the front wheels. But as purists will note, sending masses of power through the front wheels is an idea soaked in tree-climbing hysteria. The front wheels now have to contend with accelerating, steering and braking – a trio of unfathomable difficulty if misplaced or judged incorrectly. In many cases, the histrionics which inevitably ensue can be a lot of fun – those who have sampled the frenzied delights of the Vauxhall Astra VXR will understand. But with the Clio Williams, Renault’s motorsport division honed the power by adjusting the suspension and steering to perfection – which meant understeering into the nearest kerb/tree/river was an unlikely event. The chassis was endowed with a composure and cornering polish and an on-road pliancy which could shame many purpose-built sportscars. Its ability to tackle Britain’s uniquely bumpy road surfaces made it a hit – the UK was the largest market for the Clio Williams. And this poise came at mind-blowing speeds – the Clio’s confidence-inspiring dynamics meant keen drivers could exploit the outer limits of its handling and grip at higher speeds and avoid the inevitable sting of high-speed dramatics. The entire car was malleable, controllable and bags of B-road fun. The gearing was short, the engine was potent, and the chassis had an integrity which has rarely been matched. Check out the Williams chasing its Cup brother:
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