Hands up to all those who thinks “Renault Clio Renault F1 Team R27” is a mouthful to say, and a handful to write down. Yiissh, you’re not alone – me too. All questions as to why it’s given such an elongatedbutinthefirstplacewhymusttheynameitsolong name aside, lets just call it the “R27”. Easier for everyone to say and remember, yes?

But luckily for us, Renault also decided upon the letter “R” to signify its hot 2.0-litre performance-focused Clio R27 – at least it still sounds in sync with the whole sports and racing pedigree. And then there’s the whole list of enhancements - lets see, the list consists of strengthened chassis, sports suspension set-up, sports-inspired interior, extensive bodykits – the list just goes on. But to sum it all up, this car is packed to provide all the punches you’ll ever need.

The Megane R26 was something, but it’s a tad bulky for a “hot-hatch”. In fact, “warm-hatch” seems more apt to put it in a better light. Undeniably, it is a nice car to drive fast in – but it can never beat the Volkswagen Golf GTI in terms of outright practicality, value-for-money and overall quality. And the sales figures somewhat reflects that.

Anyway, the R27 is a highly-anticipated hot-hatch for 2008. Well, it’s a hot-hatch after all, and every man with that tinge of “boyishness” will surely love a hot-hatch…Somehow.