Look past the mouthful of a name (Renault sport models still manage to be a real mouthful, n'est-ce pas?), and this should be one of our favorite hot hatches of the year. The new Clio 197 Cup is the full production version of the limited-edition Renault Clio 197 F1 Team R27. See what I mean about long names?

This is the hot hatch for discerning hot hatch lovers - only those with precision g-meters built into their backsides will fully appreciate the chassis tweaks that make the Cup a dartier, more precise pocket rocket. We're talking a 7mm drop in ride height, with stiffer springs and recalibrate dampers.

• What else is new on the Clio 197 Cup?

Those suspension tweaks are the main change; the spring and damper rates are claimed to be 27 percent stiffer at the front, 30 percent at the rear, making the Cup track flat and hard through the twisty stuff. We thought the chassis revisions on the limited-edition R27 were the business, and there's no reason why they won't work on this regular 197 version.
The only other mechanical change is longer gearing, which will become standard on all Clio 197s from now on. Both fifth and sixth gears are stretched marginally (top now runs 20.5mph per 1000rpm, rather than the boisterous 18.9mph in the normal 197) to make motorway cruising a less riotous affair. We're not convinced that's enough to make the Clio a proper long-distance proposition; take CAR's long-term test car on a long trip, and it's like spending an evening in a drum 'n' bass nightclub.

• This is a modern hot hatch, so I'm guessing there will be plenty of cosmetic mods too?

The 197 Cup is the first of this generation to be available in white (as pictured), while the wheels will come as standard in anthracite, or satin black Speedline alloys as an option. Air-con is now optional (Renault says so owners can save weight. We say it's so Renault saves money) and lightweight Recaros are available too.

The Cup arrives in showrooms in October, when prices and further details will be announced.

Tim Pollard

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A 1-series Convertible? Seems like a logical step… Indeed it does. BMW is gradually filling every niche with every possible model combination. So after three and five-door hatches, and a coupe, here’s the convertible version of the 1-series.

It’s the same formula that BMW has used with the 3-series to such success, and the Bavarians are banking on the Coupe and Convertible to spearhead the launch of the 1-series range in the USA.

• So tell me about the roof?

Of course it’s electric, and BMW claims it’s the first premium convertible in this sector. Audi’s A3 cabriolet will be here soon, but it won't arrive until 2008. The 1-series' fabric roof opens and closes in 22 seconds, and can operate at low speeds. For posing value of course.

The car will still seat four, but those two poor souls in the back will be very short on leg space.
BMW is also claiming a world first with the roof design. As an option, you can elect for an anthracite roof with ‘interwoven shiny fibres’. Basically it's a sparkly roof, or in BMW speak it ‘produces charming reflections in sunlight’. Sounds more like a dodgy sweater your auntie knits for you.

• Propulsion?

Pretty much as per the Coupe. Four petrol engines from 1.8 to 3.0 litres are available, plus a 2.0-litre diesel. That 3.0-litre is badged as a 135i because it’s the twin-turbo unit . That means 302bhp and 295lb ft from 1300-5000rpm. The 135i also comes with the M Sports pack as standard.

Every cabrio comes with BMW's Efficient Dynamics technology. However, only the four-cylinder cars get the full package of stop/start, gearshift indicator, electronic power steering, active aerodynamics, and brake regeneration on some models. The six-cylinder models do without auto stop/start.

• Anything else?

The convertible looks unbelievably similar to the CS1 concept (above). How good it actually looks will only be decided when we see it in the metal though the marketing bumf claims the car ‘embodies modern elegance in its appearance’… Hmm.

What else is of interest? For a fee BMW will give you special leather to reflect the sun’s rays. Luggage space is 280 litres with the roof up, or 240 with it folded away, so travel light in the latest One.
No words on prices yet but expect a 120d to start at just over £23,000 rising to just shy of £35,000 for a 135i. Not cheap but with the twin-turbo engine don't forget this is a junior M3 in all but name.

• Does BMW never stop?

Nope. This is the fourth model in the 1-series line-up, and there’ll be a fifth One by 2012. Earlier this week the Bavarians announced their full model line-up for the next five years and it’ll include an X1, alongside brand new models from Rolls-Royce, BMW and Mini.

Whether such investment in new products will result in increased profits is another matter. If anything BMW’s are likely to take a further hit before the seeds they sow now start to bear fruit.

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