RENAULT has announced it intends to put even more Va Va Voom into its 2004 Clio range - spearheaded by the powerful Clio Renaultsport 182.

As the Renaultsport brand grows with the introduction of the 225bhp Megane Renaultsport in April 2004, a new Clio also joins the brand, in the shape of the Renaultsport 182.

Sporting new eight-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels on 205/45 Michelin Exalto tyres, it has a re-profiled rear bumper incorporating twin Clio V6-style exhaust pipes, as well as new trim and a whole 10hp more than its predecessor - the 172 - but at the same price (£14,600 on-the-road).

The extra 10hp is available thanks to changes made to the exhaust manifold and catalytic converter, which also improve performance at lower revs.

Maximum torque of 200Nm is now available from 5,250rpm (150rpm earlier than the previous version).

Sound on the inside of the car is improved by the addition of a 160W Cabasse six CD/radio.

And the inside of the car now has a sporty feel, with a "dark grey seaspray" dashboard teamed with perforated alcantra upholstery with a light grey underlayer.

The safety belts are also light grey with a metallic finish, and dashboard mouldings now have a satin-finish chrome along with the steering wheel insert and gear level knob.

The new Clio Renaultsport 182 (pictured above) also offers the options of a "Cup" chassis upgrade and a "Cup" spoiler pack.

Four new colours are also introduced - non-metallic racing blue, plus metallic colours titanium, gold and Arctic blue.

Standard equipment on the Clio Renaultsport 182 includes Sports ratio hydraulic assisted steering, gear change indicator, Electronic Stability Programme, front fog lamps, climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, drilled aluminium pedals, Thatcham CAT 1 alarm, automatic headlamps and rain-sensitive wipers, Xenon double optic headlamps and aluminium finish on dashboard inserts and instrument dials.

For more information, call Herds Renault on 01256 474477.