Renault has announced prices for the stripped-out Clio Renaultsport 197 Cup – which has shed £1,000 as well as a heap of weight.

The ‘Cup’ offers increased performance over the Clio Renaultsport 197, by relegating heavy extras like air conditioning to the options list, and is available at the lower price of £14,995.

No changes have been made to the engine – a high-revving 2-litre producing 200bhp and 159lb/ft of pulling power, which accelerates the Renaultsport Clio 197 Cup from 0-60mph in under 6.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 139mph.

The ‘Cup’ gets a new gearbox, with longer fifth and sixth gears, aimed at improving refinement on the motorway.

The chassis is tuned to deliver sports handling, with the suspension springs 30 per cent stiffer than in the normal Clio Renaultsport 197.

Luxury items have been removed – the dashboard and centre console has been taken from the entry-level Clio Extreme. Air-conditioning and curtain airbags now appear on the options list for £525 and £200 respectively.

Two options which will appeal to the ‘Cup’ buyer are 17” Speedline alloy wheels in satin black for £175 and lightweight Renaultsport Recaro seats at £850.

While the Renaultsport Clio 197 has key card ‘hands free’ locking, the ‘Cup’ has a traditional twist key with remote central locking.

The order books are now open at your local Renault dealer.